Editor’s note: The original version of this story contained a grammatical error. The error has been corrected below. We regret the error and are happy to set the record straight.

By Mary Kathryn Carpenter

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Gypsy the kitten has lived up to her name in the past two weeks.

After being found in the vestibule of St. Mary’s Basilica, the kitty with wanderlust has gone home with Katharine Parrish, then to Pensacola, Fla., with her new owner Lauren Smith.

Parrish found the kitten on July 9 inside the church. The animal-lover inside Parrish kicked took control.

“I just knew I could help it,” said Smith, a member of the church. “I knew I had everything it needed and it was little, so I knew it could probably use some extra help. It was just sitting right by the door crying, so I picked it up right away. I wasn’t going to leave it there.”

Parrish scooped up the tiny, black fur ball and took it home for a flea bath.

After posting a picture of the black kitten on St. Mary’s Facebook page, Parrish had no trouble finding the five-week-old kitten a home.

Lauren Smith, a 2009 graduate of Cathedral High School, saw the post on Facebook and was ready for a new pet.

Smith owned a cat for 16 years, then a dog, but was ready to bring the kitten into her life.

“Cats are easier than dogs,” Smith said. “Plus, I thought it was cool that she was found in the church.”

The kitten was timid at first, but now acts like any normal kitten — curious and playful.

“She is a curious little thing,” Smith said. “She looks like one of those Halloween kittens sometimes. She loves to arch her back and walks sideways. It’s kind of funny.”

After picking up her new friend, Smith knew exactly what to name the kitten.

“I named her Gypsy,” Smith said, laughing. “After my favorite Fleetwood Mac song. She really is kind of a wanderer though. I guess it fits.” Parrish only wonders how the kitten ended up at the church.

“She’s kind of small, so I don’t know if she was capable of climbing all of those stairs,” Parrish said. “I guess it’s possible someone could have dropped it off.”

Regardless of how the kitten ended up at the church that day, it is getting a happy ending.

“We were both at the right place at the right time,” Parrish said.