Before Izzy came to live with Carlye, he had previously been a feral cat. After capture, he was contained in a cage for nearly two months during treatment for an eye infection. His name evolved from Carlye's constant question "Where is he?", because Izzy was always hiding. Although he is still a bit skittish and wary of strangers, Izzy has made great "people" headway. He has graduated from hiding under beds to peeking out from under little newspaper houses which Carlye fashions for him. She also builds tunnel mazes for him from couch and bed pillows.

Izzy is fascinated by the computer screen and likes to hop up onto the shelves above Carlye's desk and watch the papers pop out of the printer. He has developed a serious addiction to catnip and small pieces of bagels with butter and jam. He drinks water from his own cat fountain and has learned to play fetch (when he's in the mood) with his favorite little red ribbon. Like an alarm clock, he awakens Carlye each morning at 2:00 for nose rubs and affection.