History of the Campus Cats Part Two

Last issue, I discussed the history of Centenary’s campus cats (especially sweet Bonk) and how students can help our community’s beloved felines. But now, it’s time to introduce the friendly felines currently residing on Centenary’s campus- starting off with Northside’s well-known pair.

These two cats, one an orange tabby and one a black and white cat, are known by many names and can be seen all over the Northside of campus. They prefer to spend their days lounging under or around the caf deck, in the large drain in the wall of Hamilton Hall, or under students’ cars, huddled away from the rain or sun. The tabby has been dubbed Cheddar, while their partner has, unfortunately, been nicknamed “Evil Bonk” since his features resemble Bonk, and some believe that Bonk is actually this cat’s father. This author, however, has been working tirelessly to rebuke this name and instead have people call him “Boink, Son of Bonk,” a similar but much more kind name. However, Ashley Brown (Director of Admission) informed me that these two cats are actually named Beau (the black and white) and Bynum (the tabby, a reference to Bynum Commons).

I would love to say that these cats, like Bonk, enjoy getting attention from students, but it’s quite the opposite. They are much more feral than Bonk and will flee if anyone approaches them. Well, anyone except for the Centenary individuals who feed them, such as Ashley Brown and Patty Roberts, former Director of Grants. But if I were a feral cat and had the choice between approaching a wild college student who makes weird kissy noises at me, or someone with food, I would pick the person with food.

But for those of you living on the Southside of campus, you don’t need to go far to see cats because Southside has its own share of cats as well. Behind the admissions building lives another pair: a white and gray shorthair cat (dubbed Pogo) and a very pretty dark tortoiseshell shorthair (named MJ), who seems to have just recently arrived on campus. Although these cats are more friendly than Cheddar/Boink, they still don’t very much enjoy people and will shy away when approached. Dr. Bellee Jones-Pierce, an English professor in Jackson Hall, is currently attempting to befriend these two, but they’re still shy. “And the bigger calico cat will absolutely stare you down when you walk or drive across the parking lot,” She told me in her interview. She wasn’t kidding- on my way to class this past Wednesday, the big calico glared at me with a perturbed look, while the gray one barely opened his eyes to acknowledge me as I passed by.

Of course, anyone who’s been on campus recently has no doubt seen the very friendly face of Centenary’s newest cat. He belongs to William Morrison, Assistant Director for Res. Life and he is named after the Cats musical character, the Magical Mr. Mistofelees. And seeing this precious black and white tuxedo cat on campus certainly is magical for a lot of reasons: he’s energetic and often seen climbing trees to protect the students from the evil squirrel population; he’s kind and will usually sit and enjoy any pets you give him; and, he is the only cat at Centenary with an active (and super adorable) Instagram account, @therealmr.mistofelees, which you should definitely follow if you haven’t already. His “Moody Monday” posts are a personal favorite of mine, and they always help brighten up my Mondays.

Mr. M came into William’s life when he moved to Waco, Texas, in a tiny house in a small neighborhood that had a community of feral cats. Mr. M pushed his way into William’s life (both metaphorically and physically, as he tried to sneak into William’s house multiple times) and stole William’s heart. In an interview, William told me that he found lots of cat toys in his house, and it appeared the previous tenant took care of sweet Mr. M. William began to care for Mr. M, but after suffering an accident, William was forced to part ways with Mr. M so he could move back home to recover. William missed him terribly and often thought of the funny cat who had become his best friend. But when he was offered a position at Centenary, William went to get his belongings in Waco and was overjoyed to find Mr. M waiting for him. And after he jumped and laid down on one of the moving boxes, William knew that Mr. M had to come with him. After an anxious car ride, Mr. M arrived at Centenary and has been part of the Centenary family ever since. “I think he’s really happy here,” William says. “I hope he is because I know I’m happier with him and would have regretted leaving him in Waco for the rest of my life. He’s really one of my best friends.”

Mr. M, like Bonk, has become a favorite of everyone on campus. People will post pictures to Mr. M's Instagram daily, and William himself says that most people recognize him through Mr. M above anything else, which doesn’t bother William: “It’s cool to see people giving him so much love, though. He honestly deserves it. He really is that great.” William also says that Mr. M is a Gemini, and he loves tuna, his laser light, attacking arms and legs, and trying to follow William wherever he goes. I actually had a chance to sit down with the popular cat recently, and here’s how the conversation went:

So, Mr. M, how does it feel to be so famous on campus?

Mr. M responds by rolling onto his back and rubbing into the concrete.

Would you say that the Centenary community has been bettered from your arrival?

Mr. M flicks his tail, stares at me, and then looks at the tree above us.

One last question, sir. I know your time is important. William told me you sometimes remind him of a dog because you wag your tail and pant. Any comments on that statement?

Mr. M swats at my hand because I tried to pet his stomach. He then jumps up and runs off, probably to chase a squirrel.

Thank you for your time, Mr. M.

The campus cats have become an everyday and well-loved part of Centenary’s campus. Seeing them can really make people’s day- I being one of those people if you couldn’t tell by the fact I wrote two whole articles about them! But, of course, it is important to remember that these cats are feral and shouldn’t be taken inside at any point- especially Mr. M. because he already has a loving home. Katherine Shamburger added in her response: “It would also be remiss of me if I didn’t remind folks that community cats should stay outdoors. If you are concerned about a cat, we can look into cat rescues who might be able to take the cat instead of bringing it into the dorms.” And, of course, any concerns can and should be brought to Anne-Marie about sick or new cats. These cats are part of our Centenary family, and it’s up to us as a community to keep them within our community.

Special thanks to Katherine Shamburger, Dr. Bellee Jones-Pierce, Anne-Marie Bruner-Tracey, and Ashley Brown for their input on this article. A HUGE thank you, as well, to William Morrison and Mr. M, and thanks to all the Centenary cat lovers out there!