After four years of enjoying his kingdom all to himself, Luffy had to learn to share his world when we came across a post about a rescued kitten up for adoption. The photo of the little one—with big, glittery, round eyes—instantly caught our attention. We drove about 40 minutes into a rural area with a cat carrier to pick up our second cat. He was so small and thin that I had to hold him carefully, afraid I might hurt him. On the way back home, we brainstormed name ideas and eventually settled on Bory—the Korean word for “barley”—inspired by his tail, which reminded us of the plant’s shape.
Thanks to YouTube, we found plenty of helpful information about properly introducing two cats. One of my favorite channels was by a Korean veterinarian: @catdoctor. In his videos, he shared his own experience introducing two cats and provided step-by-step tips for a smooth transition. He also explained common behavioral issues that can arise when multiple cats live together. We eagerly took notes to keep those problems with our own cats.
Following the advice we learned, we began by keeping Bory in a separate room for about two weeks. During that time, we exchanged scent-embedded items between the cats to help them become familiar with each other’s smell. Slowly, we expanded Bory’s access to the rest of the house. After a few awkward meetings—complete with hissing and hiding—they gradually began to get along. Now, they each have their own spaces when needed, and they share a cozy common area where we usually unwind.
Bringing a second cat into our home turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made. Their playful tail-chasing and flying fur are just happy little bonuses.
From the start, Bory wasn’t fond of being picked up. Anytime we tried to hold him, he’d wriggle free and gently land on the floor. But he absolutely loved being petted, and whenever we gave him attention, he’d happily knead with his little paws—a comforting habit we came to adore.
Bory came into our lives as a tiny, delicate kitten, and it’s been amazing to watch him grow into the strong, agile cat he is today. From the start, he stood out—his sleek short coat revealed a body that gradually became surprisingly muscular. Unlike our other cat Luffy, who is slim and fluffy, Bory developed a compact, powerful build that you really notice when he wriggles out of a hug. Those back-leg kicks are no joke!
One of Bory’s favorite activities is playing with string and feather toys. He gets so focused and excited that he’ll leap twice his body length into the air. It’s not only entertaining but also a great way for him to burn off energy and stay fit. If you’re raising an energetic cat, a daily play session like this is a great way to keep them both physically and mentally healthy.
He’s incredibly affectionate—on his own terms. While he’s never been a fan of being picked up, Bory has never once hissed, scratched, or bitten us. When he wants love, he’ll subtly back up and offer his rear end for pats, gently purring in response. His purr is so soft and subtle, we often lean in close just to hear it—a tiny vibration under our fingers or near his neck.
Despite being overall healthy, we’ve faced one ongoing quirk: his poop really smells. We spoke with our vet during his annual checkup, and she recommended cat probiotics to support his digestion. After years of trying different solutions, the smell is still something we’ve just accepted as part of who he is.
Bory is a very food-motivated cat. He seems to have an internal clock—every day, without fail, he comes to us at exactly 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. to meow for food. We’ve established a cat feeding routine based on age, so Luffy always gets his food first. What’s sweet is that Bory never tries to steal from Luffy’s bowl; he patiently waits for his turn.
He eats quickly, and once he’s done, he’ll sit quietly beside his empty bowl and watch Luffy eat. If Luffy happens to leave any leftovers, Bory finishes them off without hesitation. But if the bowl is spotless, Bory still checks—then gives Luffy a look of disappointment, as if hoping there might be one last bite.
Interestingly, mealtime is the only time Bory gets vocal. The rest of the day, he’s a quiet companion—wandering the house, running in short playful bursts, and napping in cozy corners. His calm demeanor and food-driven personality add to his charm, making him such a unique part of our little cat family.
In closing, Bory has brought endless joy and quiet charm into our lives. His playful antics, gentle nature, and one-of-a-kind personality make every day feel a little brighter. We truly cherish our time with him and look forward to many more happy, peaceful moments together.
