MORRIS

Some people avoid adopting a pet with special needs. Not the Buis’. They specifically wanted a cat who had been diagnosed with feline leukemia. Why? Because their other cat, Pumba, needed a companion. Pumba was one of two strays taken in by the family who were later diagnosed with feline leukemia. When Pumba’s playmate died, the Buis’ began looking for another friend. Soon, they spotted Morris’ face on PawPrints Magazine’s website and it was instant love.

Now, says Brian Buis, Morris is more than just a companion for Pumba. Morris has brought great companionship to everyone in the household. “He’s one of the most affectionate cats I’ve ever met,” says Brian. “If you hold your hand out a little above him, he’ll stand on his hind legs and push his head up against your palm. He’s constantly wanting attention and loves to lay in your lap. I used to be more of a dog person, but Morris has really changed me.”

A typical day for Morris begins at 4:30 in the morning when he gets up with Brian. Naturally, he wants to eat, and then he goes out on the screened-in porch to greet the sun. The rest of the day is spent sleeping, with alternating bouts of chasing and stalking Pumba. At the end of the day, the entire Buis family - Brian, wife Caroline, miniature schnauzer Sandy, Pumba and Morris - all pile into the queen-sized bed together.

And as for Morris’ health, he couldn’t be better. He weighs a robust thirteen pounds and feels great. “We absolutely recommend people adopting cats like Morris,” says Brian. “His health is always in the back of our minds, but we think that with the right home and environment and with lots of love, he will live a long time.”

Morris might be a special needs cat but, to the Buis family, he’s just plain special.