Some cats drift in and out of your life without leaving much of a mark. Piper was not one of those.
The first time we saw her was in the lobby of our building. Someone had taped a note to the door telling people not to leave it open because a cat had gotten loose inside. And there she was, a gorgeous marble tabby with swirling stripes, sitting like she owned the place. She looked perfectly at ease, like she had just decided the lobby was hers. We figured her people would turn up, so we left her there.
The next morning, she had somehow made it up to the third floor. The second I cracked my apartment door she bolted right in like she had been waiting all night. No hesitation, no careful inspection. Straight to the desk, one big leap, and she settled in like this was always her home.
From then on, she ran the show. She was not polite about wanting attention. She demanded it. She launched herself into laps, shoved her head under hands, and pawed at arms until she got what she wanted. If I tried to focus on something else, she made sure I did not. For two days she kept us under her spell, relentless in her need for pets, with her purr filling the room.
There was one hiccup. Our studio cat, Woodhouse, wandered over with his usual good-natured curiosity, probably hoping for a new friend. Piper hissed at him instantly. Poor Woodhouse froze, ears back, then slunk off looking disappointed. He wanted to be buddies. She wanted none of it. You can meet him here: The Unimpressed Woodhouse.
Meanwhile, we did the responsible thing. We put up signs in the building, posted on Facebook, and asked around. For a while, nothing. And I will admit, part of me hoped it would stay that way. But after two days, her real family reached out. They lived just a few doors down.
Getting her back home was not as simple as opening a door. We coaxed her into a carrier, which she did not appreciate, and walked her over. She blinked at us through the little window, calm as ever, while we handed her off. And then she was gone, just as suddenly as she had arrived.
It was only a couple of days, but Piper made a huge impression. She filled the apartment with her presence, demanded constant love, and then left us with a silence that felt strange after she was gone. This painting is my way of keeping her story alive, a reminder of the cat who moved in uninvited and instantly became unforgettable.
You can see her portrait here: Piper the Bengal Cat Art Print. (available on Oct 9, 2025!)
Epilogue
Piper is an outdoor cat, and we still see her in the neighborhood from time to time. The moment she recognizes us she comes running, tail high, shouting for attention. She rubs against our legs, throws herself on the ground, and makes sure we stop and pet her. Even though she went home long ago, she still greets us like old friends.