When Zack King was outside, he often worried about where his cat Billy had gone. Through his door flap, the 1-year-old rescue cat comes and goes as he pleases, exploring the neighborhood.
King told The Dodo, “He’s curious, feisty, and confident.” “He enjoys relaxing, and when he sleeps, he sleeps.” But most of the time, he comes in and out of his cat flap all day, saying hello before going out to play and explore.”
King assumed that Billy mostly kept to himself, sunbathing and chasing mice. But he soon discovered that his sweet pet was living a double life.
One early October day, Billy walked into the house with a folded piece of paper covered in a plastic wrap attached to his collar. King and his girlfriend Olga carefully unwrapped the paper and were surprised to see a sweet note written by one of their neighbors.
“When your cat is outside, he likes to come to see us,” it said. He’ll sit at the door and meow for permission to enter. It’s actually quite amusing, and we adore him! We don’t understand where he’s coming from. What’s his name, by the way? Billy is his name. “Greetings from your welcoming neighbors!”
The unique conversation pleased King and Olga. “I wouldn’t have thought of it myself,” King said, “but I was extremely thrilled to get such a kind email just to let us know that Billy enjoys hanging out with other human pals and is well-liked.”
Olga promptly responded to the neighbors and fastened the message on Billy’s collar. She didn’t know who wrote the letter or where it came from, but she hoped her response would reach the proper people.
Billy knew just where to go, and the mysterious neighbors wrote back: “Ohhhh! I think our housemate (who is away now) must have seen his tag in the summer. He told me the name! Thanks for the note. Amazed he actually came right back to deliver it! Like a carrier pigeon but cuter … Lots of chin scratches and love for him here! Have a nice evening!”
Billy acted as the postal delivery for the two neighbors, and they immediately became pen buddies. After a few months, the neighbors had exchanged roughly a dozen notes.
King added, “We’ve discussed TV and Netflix choices, podcast suggestions, and home cooking ideas.” “We have no idea who the neighbor is or where he lives.” We could inquire about specifics, but we don’t need to – it’s wonderful to have a little mystery every now and again.”
Finding a new buddy at a time when making new friends is tough has been a godsend for the couple. They’re also relieved that Billy now has another loving family to look after him while he’s on his excursions.
The letters have been less frequent as winter has arrived and Billy has spent more time inside. When King discovers one tied to Billy’s collar, it’s usually a pleasant surprise.
“It was a genuine thrill since we were in a bit of a funk as the nights became colder and darker and restrictions and lockdowns kept us at home.” According to King. “To tell you the truth, Billy is a delight in any case. This, on the other hand, was unexpected, fascinating, and very welcome!”
