Bosom buddies: Calgary-area pig, cat build an unlikely bond

Support LWC on Patreon

It’s a special bond that would make a pretty good sequel to Charlotte’s Web – even the pig’s name is the same.

And it can be found just east of Calgary, on an eight-acre acreage that features 17 chickens, three cats, one dog, one turtle and a five-month-old pig named Wilbur.

But it’s Wilbur’s connection with 12-week-old kitten Billy that is a dream come true for Jody Fraser. She moved just outside of Strathmore a year ago with the goal of having her own personal “petting zoo.”

She got that – and more – when her pig she’s had since he was eight weeks old and her new kitten hit it off. They cuddle together, sleep together, play together and even help each other get into a little mischief.

Wilbur and Billy taking a nap. CONTRIBUTED

“Every night is a special occasion when I have a bath,” she said. All of the animals, except for the chickens, are allowed in the house. They all take an interest in bath time.

“One night, Billy was trying so hard to get up on the tub, but he wasn’t even close to reaching it. Out of the blue, Wilbur came and laid by the tub like he wanted to help Billy get up.”

In just two weeks the duo have become best friends.

“The original plan was to just keep Wilbur in the house until spring, but something tells me that’s not going to happen. I had no idea they would become such good friends. I thought Billy would go to the cats but for some reason he liked the pig right away.”

Hamming it up

Now, Fraser isn’t so sure she will be able to kick Wilbur out of the house, but thankfully it’s been easy to keep him inside so far. Though, he has figured out how to jump onto the couch to cuddle the cats and the dog.

“Wilbur has such an easygoing demeanor, just happy and gentle. I wasn’t sure what to expect since I never had a pig before,” she says, adding she thinks she got “lucky.”

“My neighbor has his (Wilbur’s) sister and she’s a handful – in a good way – but way feistier for sure.”

Play time for Wilbur and Billy. CONTRIBUTED

Fraser has taken to posting photos and videos on her social media, getting lots of attention from her friends and family.

She even started a Tik Tok account for them at the urging of her friends. They think the duo are destined to go viral.

“They put a smile on my face every day.”

WHERE TO FOLLOW WILBUR AND BILLY

Tik Tok – gypsygiraffepets

Facebook – gypsygiraffepets

Instagram – gypsygiraffepets

Liked it? Take a second to support Krista Sylvester on Patreon!
Become a patron at Patreon!

Trending articles

Calgary’s Sheldon Chumir supervised consumption site set to close in June 2026

Sarah Palmer

Calgary Stampede master plan could spell the long, slow end for McMahon Stadium

Darren Krause

Feds fund three new University of Calgary projects

Kaiden Brayshaw - Local Journalism Initiative

New satellite study shows Calgary’s uneven urban greenery

Sarah Palmer

New bike shop gears up for Calgary youth

Payton Delisle-Miller

Latest from LiveWire Calgary

Calgary’s Sheldon Chumir supervised consumption site set to close in June 2026

Sarah Palmer

City economic investment fund awards millions to MRU supply chain hub

Payton Delisle-Miller

Quebec City officials tap Calgary on Green Line public engagement, downtown vibrancy

Darren Krause

Halfway point: City urges citizens to stay the course on water conservation

Darren Krause

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

The Grizzly Classic puts men’s gymnastics in the spotlight

Payton Delisle-Miller

CBE to introduce new mental health strategy, targeting at-risk schools

Kaiden Brayshaw - Local Journalism Initiative

Puppets are taking over Calgary at the Festival of Animated Objects

Payton Delisle-Miller

Sister city bond between Calgary, Quebec City reignited over common concerns

Darren Krause