You know how some people are dog people, and some people are cat people? I’ve always been firmly in the *dog* camp. Dogs are loyal, predictable, and they’ll greet you at the door like you’ve been gone for years when it’s only been 10 minutes. Cats? I always thought they were aloof, independent little creatures who just happened to share space with humans when it suited them.

And then, along came Pyewackett—Pye for short. She wasn’t even supposed to be *my* cat. I bought her for my mom, thinking she would be the perfect companion for her. But Pye, with all the wisdom of a creature that clearly knows better than I do, decided she was going to be *my* cat. And here I am, at 65, fully and unapologetically a cat person.

It all started when my mom began feeling a bit lonely. She’s in her 90s now and has always loved cats, so I thought a new feline friend would be just what she needed. Enter the Scottish Highland Fold—a breed known for their gentle, loving nature and their adorable folded ears that give them the appearance of always listening in on a secret. These cats are popular, especially as show animals, and their distinct look often fetches quite the price.

That’s when I found Pyewackett. Well, Pye isn’t your typical Scottish Highland Fold. She’s a beautiful long-haired, orange-and-white girl, but her ears? They don’t fold. Nope, they stand straight up like regular cat ears. Combine that with her fluffy, long coat (when most people want a short-haired Fold), and you’ve got what the breeder called a “non-seller.” In other words, she wasn’t going to win any cat shows. But to me, she was perfect.

The breeder, clearly not expecting to find much interest in Pye, offered her to me for the cost of her vet bills. I figured she would still make the ideal companion for my mom. She was sweet and affectionate—just not the breed standard people were looking for. But when I took Pye to my mom’s house, something unexpected happened. Instead of settling in with my mom, Pye immediately gravitated toward me. It was as if she’d decided on sight that I was *her* human, and there would be no further discussion.

Now, let me tell you something about Highland Folds. This breed is known for being incredibly loving, more so than your typical aloof feline. They adore people, get along great with kids, and can even befriend other pets. Highland Folds are often described as being very dog-like in their affection and loyalty. And Pye is no exception.

Despite her non-show-cat status, Pye embodies everything wonderful about her breed. She’s sweet, calm, and has an almost magnetic pull toward her humans—well, in this case, toward *me*. From the moment she came home with me, she’s been my little shadow. She follows me around the house, curls up beside me on the couch, and purrs contentedly whenever I give her attention. And when I’m not paying attention, she’ll give me that gentle nudge with her head, as if to say, “I’m here if you need me.”

Highland Folds are also known to grow incredibly attached to their humans, and Pye is no different. She doesn’t just want to be in the same room as me—she wants to be involved in everything I do. Whether I’m reading, watching TV, or simply sitting quietly, Pye is always close by, often perched on my lap or nuzzled against my arm. It’s like she knows exactly when I need a little extra comfort, and her soft, fluffy presence is all the more soothing for it.

I have to admit, I never thought I’d be so taken with a cat, but Pye has completely won me over. I always assumed cats were standoffish and uninterested in human affection, but Pye has taught me that cats, especially Highland Folds, can be as loving and devoted as any dog. And the best part? Pye gets along with everyone. She’s friendly with visitors, sweet with children, and even though I don’t have any other pets at the moment, I’m sure she’d charm a dog or two without breaking a sweat.

What really surprised me, though, was how much I’ve come to rely on her company. There’s something incredibly comforting about having a pet that isn’t constantly demanding your attention but is always there when you need them. Pye knows just when to hop into my lap or curl up beside me for a nap, and her soft purring has become one of my favorite sounds in the world.

Now, here’s the twist. I still haven’t given up on the idea of getting my mom a companion. Pye was supposed to be *her* cat, after all. And while that plan went off the rails in the most delightful way, I’m thinking of heading back to the breeder to find another cat for my mom—one who might actually stay with her this time.

But who knows? Maybe I’ll end up with two cats. After all, Highland Folds are known for getting along well with other animals, and Pye’s loving nature makes me think she wouldn’t mind sharing the spotlight. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m actually excited about the idea of having more than one cat in my life.

Looking back, I realize now that Pye didn’t just choose me by chance—she knew exactly what she was doing. She saw something in me that I didn’t even know was there: the capacity to love a cat just as much as I’ve always loved dogs. And she’s shown me that cats aren’t just independent creatures who live alongside you—they can be loyal, affectionate, and deeply attached to their humans.

At 65, I’ve learned that it’s never too late for life to surprise you. And Pye, with her long, fluffy orange-and-white coat and her straight ears, is the best surprise of all. She may not have fit the mold of a perfect Highland Fold show cat, but to me, she’s perfect in every way.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, Pye is giving me her “it’s time for dinner” look again. And when you’ve got a Highland Fold staring at you with those big, expressive eyes, you don’t keep her waiting.