Reporter's Choice: History of an Old Friend

 

The History of an Old Friend 

By Dr. Lisa Eastman

Morris - photo by Dr. Lisa Eastman

One of the better known residents of the 900 block of NW 2nd Street in Abilene is named Morris. Like Madonna or Cher, he goes just by a first name. In the case of Morris, however, it’s because he’s a cat.

The big, friendly orange feline has called this neighborhood home since he was born just a few doors down in the 800 block of this same street 9 or10 years ago. No one is completely certain of the year but he has become a fixture on this street.

Morris originally was taken in by one family to be a family pet. He had been neutered and received all his shots but it wasn’t going well. Morris wasn’t happy being kept in the house so they moved his food bowl outside. This is when Morris made the transition from house-cat to his current persona of the beloved and free-spirited neighborhood cat.

Reaves and Bonnie Armstrong, long-time residents of the neighborhood, have developed a particular fondness for Morris. Morris is a regular visitor at their home. He will show up at their door and stay for a while before requesting to be let out to continue with his daily visits. According to Reaves, he usually heads over to see Lyle Hight next.

Jane and Lyle Hight moved in next door to the Armstrong’s 6 years ago. Morris quickly became both a familiar face and a regular breakfast guest. Jane Hight says, “It would be really interesting to have a cat cam on him and see where all he goes.”

The Hight’s confirm that Morris has many regular stops in the neighborhood. One of his regular visits is around the corner on NW 3rd Street. Reaves Armstrong was asked by one of the 3rd Street neighbors about Morris. He wanted to know if it would be ok for the family to keep the cat as their pet. Reaves responded, “Oh, no, you can’t do that. He belongs to the whole neighborhood!”