Meet Mr. Marcel: A Story of Trust, Love, and Finding Home

1 day ago
3 min read

Hi there! My name is Mr. Marcel, I’m two years old, and my life began with a bit of mystery.

I don’t know exactly where or when I was born. What I do know is that when I was about six months old, I was found in Spijkenisse, in the Netherlands. Some kind humans rescued me and contacted a foundation, which placed me in a temporary foster home in Rotterdam. After that, my life slowly but surely began to change.

For a while, I continued living in Rotterdam with my new humans. But at the beginning of 2025, we packed our things and moved south. These days, I proudly live in Kerkrade, in Zuid-Limburg. And I must say — I’m getting quite used to the calmer pace of life here.

My Pawrents and Our First Meeting

My cat pawrents are Gosia and Darek, a lovely Polish couple. Yes, that means I can miauuu in Polish too.

My adoption story is closely tied to both loss and healing. Before they met me, my pawrents had found another cat and contacted the same foundation. Sadly, they couldn’t keep him — it turned out he already had a home and was missing.

At the same time, my pawrents were carrying a heavy sadness. Just a few months earlier, they had lost their beloved cat daughter. She became ill very suddenly, and the veterinarian gently advised them that letting her go would be the kindest choice. Her passing left a deep emptiness in their hearts.

The foundation then told them about me.

My mom came to meet me first, as my dad was still in Poland at the time. It was love at first sight. When my dad returned and met me at home, the feeling was exactly the same — love, instantly and unmistakably.

Why “Mr. Marcel”?

That’s a question I get a lot — and honestly… I don’t really know the full answer myself.

My first name was Garfield, but my mom felt it didn’t quite fit who I am. And then, suddenly, I became Marcel. Over time, everyone agreed: I look like a Marcel. Especially with the “Mr.” in front of it.

My Personality

I’d describe myself as friendly and curious. I like to know what’s going on around me. New places can make me a little nervous at first, but once I feel safe, my curiosity takes over.

I explore step by step — whisker by whisker.

When I Knew I Was Home

One of the most meaningful moments in my life was the moment I realized I was truly home.

I stopped hiding.

I stopped checking exits.

I slept deeply, stretched out, right next to my humans.

From that moment on, we didn’t need words anymore. I trust them, and they trust me. That’s our bond.

Daily Life as Mr. Marcel

My favorite daily activity? Naps.

Many of them. They are absolutely the highlight of my day.

I also love watching birds through the window and playing with paper balls — simple things make me very happy. When it comes to food, I’m a fan of fish and chicken. Beef? No thank you. I also enjoy cucumber and grass. Don’t worry, I’m not vegetarian — just adventurous.

As for games, I’m quite skilled, if I may say so myself. I chase balls, throw them around, and sometimes even carry them in my mouth like a trophy. My special trick is pretending I’m done playing… and then suddenly attacking the ball again when no one expects it.

A Message to Other Cats and Cat Pawrents

If I could inspire others, this is what I’d want to share:

Every cat deserves patience, safety, and love — especially cats with a past. And to cat pawrents: sometimes a cat doesn’t choose you immediately. But when they do, the connection is real and deep.