Funny story Galen! I can see from Cleo's perspective, and from yours too.
Yes, it was thoughtful of you to go out and buy a teddy that looks a lot like Merlin. However, I can see why Cleo resented it totally. I think Cleo felt hurt; like a substitute for her loss. While you on the other hand thought it was the closest thing to make her happy and not miss the real Merlin.
I'm surprised Cleo finally warmed to the teddy, yet it proves just how many layers there are to cats and animals in general.
I think there's an important message in her finally appreciating teddy. Must have been a big surprise with mixed emotions for you. Glad you didn't toss the teddy:)
Cleo doesn't like change and is wary of new things that come into the house. If it happens to be a person she runs and hides in a wardrobe or under the couch. I don't mind that as it means if the house was broken into it's unlikely the intruder would find her which would keep her safe.
She's a lovely little cat in truth. Was funny last night, snuggled beside Teddy Merlin but had a paw reaching out resting on it as if to reassure herself it was there. Maybe be she doesn't relate it to Merlin at all, but it's nice to think she does.
Oh! I thought she was very social and made friends easily. That's cute too.
I think she does, since it took her so long:) Maybe she's only just come to terms with the loss.
She doesn't like people mostly. She was terrorised as a kitten by a couple kids until saved by a friend and that's the day I took her. She was very young. She loves me though, loves me and I like it that way. If you walked in (anyone actually) you'd not see her.
Haha! I bet you like that Cleo loves you that way:-)
As long as she's happy, and I can tell that she is!