It’s been a while since I’ve written a post about Merlin, so I thought I’d show him some love today. Did you know he has a full name? It is Merlinus Ambrosius Toothifer Goodcat Campbell. A grand name for a grand cat.
He’s adjusted quite well, really, to living in Virginia Beach.

He loves to look out at all the birds and squirrels in our yard. And lately, he’s been trying to bust out of jail and go be a wild thing. It’s been…fun…to manage.
He’s always been Lucy’s friend and protector.

Though lately, she’s asking a lot of him.

Don’t worry. We keep him safe and we’re teaching her every day how to be gentle and give him the kind of attention he likes.
I haven’t shared this before, but Merlin is also a sick kitty. He seemed well when we first brought him home, but quickly developed symptoms of what we thought was a cold due to the stress of being in a new environment. He sneezed and coughed, and one of his eyes got sort of weepy and crusty.

We brought him to the vet as soon as possible, and he was diagnosed with Feline Calicivirus. It’s common, and if cats get it, they carry it for life. In many cats, it just manifests as a cold, and they don’t have symptoms again unless or until they’re old or sick. In other cats, it’s acute, and deadly. In Merlin’s case, it’s chronic. He’s okay, just sneezy and occasionally snotty. And unfortunately, the virus also attacked his teeth and gums, and we’ve had to have several of his teeth pulled so that he can eat comfortably. Whatever we have to do for the rest of his life to take care of him, we will. He’s our family.
And he’s a happy cat. And very, very good.

We’re so grateful for him. There just aren’t many like him. How lucky we are, that we found him, and that he’s decided to love us back.
MATGC seems pretty cool.
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So cute, but I didnt know poor Merlin was chronically ill. Good thing he has you 😊
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He is, but he doesn’t let it get him down. We’re so lucky we found him. He’s really just the best cat. 🙂
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Love the name! Nice to know I’m not the only one to give my pets a full name, lol.
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Nope, you are not alone at all! Our Annie had a full name, too – Annie Rue Red. If we get another dog, I wonder what we’ll name it!
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Merlin is a handsome cat, and quite photogenic. I recall photos you posted of him before, when he would be perched in the most unlikely places…up high. Good job taking care of him!
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Yes, he always manages to find himself in the most interesting places, even now. I just don’t often have a camera handy. He likes to sit on the shelf above the tub during Lucy’s baths and just watch her. I wish I could get a photo of it!
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😊
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Aw, it’s so charming the way he watches over Lucy. He’s luck to have you too, Katie❣
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It is, and he loves her, and I just love that. He’s so wonderful, and I feel very lucky, too. 🙂
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Awe, what a sweet baby, and I love how he watches over Lucy. And his name, so adorable. It reminds me of a pygmy goat I had before my daughter was born. I may have to write about Billy Bumper Casanova! Ornery baby, I miss him.
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I would love to know more about Billy Bumper Casanova! What a cool name!
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Well, he was a baby that my ex brought home when I was pregnant with my daughter. He was my tiny baby that followed me everywhere. But he didn’t like my ex; most of my animals didn’t, either. That should have been my first clue. lol. Well, Little Billy would charge David whenever he came around me. Since he was so tiny, he couldn’t do much harm, most of the time. So Billy’s name was transformed into Billy Bumper. When Dave brought home more goats, Billy became obsessed with the females and wouldn’t leave them alone. That’s when Casanova came into play. We had quite a little Romeo on our hands.
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Oh my goodness, what a little sweetheart. And a wise one, at that. My cat, Gatsby, never liked my ex-husband, either, and adored Graham from the moment they met. He became Graham’s cat over the years.
Anyway, I love goats! When we had more land, I always wanted to get a couple. I’d love to hear more stories about Billy Bumper Casanova and his girlfriends one day. 🙂
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When I was married, I had goats, cows, horses, cats, rabbits, and. dogs. Now, I have two spoiled dachshunds, who bring so much laughter and fun.
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I love it! Spoiled dogs just make me so happy. And they give so much love in return.
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They do; My Muttley Crew keeps me hopping, and I love every minute.
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Merlin is such a beautiful and special cat. 🐱 I’m sorry he’s been through so much, but it’s heartwarming to see how loved and well cared for he is. Wishing him many happy, healthy years with your wonderful family.
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Thank you so much! He is so very good. 🙂
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You’re most welcome 🤗
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Aww kitty…
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I know. Such a scrunch-able, lovable face.
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That might be the best lead photo I’ve ever seen! 😂
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Yes, Merlin makes photos easy. He does all the work. 😉
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I love his name and his adorable face! I’m glad his sickness doesn’t stop him from being a great friend to the family. What a cutie!
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Thank you! He’s just the very best cat. 🙂
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He’s beautiful!! I never heard of his illness and he’s so lucky to you as his family! xx
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Thank you! We adore him. 🙂 We’d never heard of it either, but the vet did not seem surprised.
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omg what a beautiful creature!! 🙂
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Thank you! He is, inside and out. 🙂
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