In January, a student from Brooks Residential College formed an unlikely bond with Fred, a stray cat who became an honorary member of the community. Fred, who was not part of any monitored cat colony, found a welcoming home under the college’s awning during the harsh winter months. Students, particularly those from the women’s side, made sure Fred had shelter by creating a makeshift house to keep him warm.
Despite his attempts to be welcomed indoors, Fred’s dream of joining the inside community remained unfulfilled. However, his charm quickly won over many students. Unlike most cats from the nearby Draper colony, who were typically skittish, Fred was known for his friendly and affectionate nature.
“He was so sweet,” said Cypress freshman Betty Jefferson. “He always came up to me and would brush up next to me. He was always so sweet.”
Fred’s friendly demeanor soon made him a familiar face around campus. Many students were delighted to see him greet them after classes. The community pampered him with regular visits to the vet, food, and a cozy box lined with blankets and pillows.
Fred’s popularity even extended to social media, where he gained followers on Instagram under the handle @fred_the_freeloader.
Now, Fred has found a permanent home with Anna Overstreet, a sophomore at Brooks Residential College, who officially adopted him. Overstreet said she decided to adopt Fred after realizing he needed a home and because she simply loves cats.
“I decided to adopt Fred because I knew, first of all, that he needed a home, but also because I just love cats,” she said. Overstreet had a cat named Mama Mia, who passed away just before she graduated high school, and she had not considered adopting another cat until Fred came along.
“I missed her so much. She was a really comforting presence for me through difficult times,” Overstreet said.
After sending a photo of Fred sleeping with a text that read “petition to adopt Fred,” Overstreet was pleasantly surprised by her mother’s response. “I expected an immediate no, but she said maybe,” she recalled. “They had just gone to PetSmart considering adopting a cat, so it was perfect timing.”
Overstreet is thrilled to bring Fred home, and her family, including her younger brother Ben, is looking forward to his arrival. “I know that Fred will be a very welcomed addition to the family and a sweet presence for Ben,” she said.
While some residents of Brooks College expressed mixed feelings about Fred’s departure, the overall response has been positive. Rockwall freshman Beau Miller, a Brooks resident, mentioned having a “love-hate relationship” with the cat.
Some students are not affected by Fred’s leaving, but others, like Jefferson, will miss his presence on campus. “I’m gonna miss him,” she said. “He was so cute, and super soft.”
Fred is set to move to his new home this weekend. “I’m taking him home with me for Easter,” Overstreet said. “I bought a cat carrier and flea medication already, so now it’s just a matter of Fred cooperating.”
Overstreet expressed her excitement about giving Fred a permanent home, where he no longer has to “stare longingly through the window.”
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