Last week, a friend of ours had to say goodbye to her 20-year-old orange tabby, Theo.
Understandably (to us, anyway), she is having a rough time over it.
Mr. Theo
June 1996 – 8 September 2016
Ever remembered, ever loved.
Just a cat, you may be thinking? Well, the truth is, to anyone who loves a cat the way they deserve to be loved, her grief is real and profound. Not only is a cat like a beloved child, but it is also a companion when you are lonely, a source of comfort when you are suffering or simply having an off day, and a wellspring of joy to anyone who appreciates animals for their natural beauty and abilities.
Our own cats, Maisie and Vivian, recently turned nine, so I guess you could say they now have about half their natural lives behind them.
“I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul.”
—Jean Cocteau
“Time spent with a cat is never wasted.”
—Colette
“What greater gift than the love of a cat?”
—Charles Dickens
Is there a special feline in your life?
Or are you more of a dog person?
Have you lost a beloved pet recently?
Please share in the comments below.
Jennifer's Journal 
Jennifer so sad to lose a moggy friend. I have four and I said to my husband no more because we are going to have to lose them one day and it will be hard. But the gifts they give us, especially if Im having a downer kind of day. A bit of attention from my kitties goes a long way. You are never lonely if you have a cat around.
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No, “you are never lonely with a cat around.” Well said, and you’re definitely not lonely with four of them. Pure Heaven, in my book! The gifts they give you, times four, is a blessing indeed. 🙂
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So beautiful!… a good writer should always have a cat as pet … and company… I am thinking of many famous writers with their cats, right now… sending best wishes. Aquileana 😀
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I could not agree more with that! Writers and cats go together like peas and carrots. Thanks. 🙂
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No, no way would I think ‘just a cat’. I know too many people who love their cats as I love my dog. My heart goes out to your friends.
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Thank you, Jacqui, for your compassionate comment. 😘💕
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I am not a cat person, yet I should like to say that your cats are really cute, Jennifer. I like dogs but have not had one so far. May be in time to come I will have one for the salutary effect it can bring in.
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As a companion? As a walking partner? 😊
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I am not a cat person, I have nothing against them I am just not a cat person, that said I am not a dog person either but it is sad when a loved pet dies
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Yes it is, Joanne. Thanks for weighing in.
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Kitty left us much too soon…..cats and dogs will love you like no other and break your heart like no other. Theo was such a handsome boy. The photo of Vivian and Maisie is so cute.
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Thanks, Lois. I thought about Kitty when I shared this today. Our little sweethearts will never be forgotten. 💔
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I respect all creatures Jennifer, although I have to admit I’m more of a dog person. So sorry for your friend’s loss. ❤
Diana xo
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Thanks, Diana! Have you owned a dog recently?
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no I haven’t, not since 1989! I like big dogs, and I don’t think it’s fair to have one in the city, fair on the dog that is…
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That makes sense! 😊
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I love cats and dogs, but we have a 13-year old Border Collie (Rowdy) because my husband is allergic to cats. She was six months old when we adopted her and she’s the sweetest dog. She started having health problems a year ago and we don’t know how much longer she will be with us, but we love her while we have her. 🙂
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Rowdy sounds like a wonderful dog. I read somewhere that border collies are very intelligent. I’m so sorry she isn’t feeling her best nowadays. 😦
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Thank-you Jennifer.
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Thanks Jennifer.
xo
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❤ ❤ ❤
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16 years with my beloved Sweety. He was there when I cried, he was there when I was happy and I grew up. When he died, my heart broke in a way that will never be mended.
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Was Sweety a cat? 16 years is a long time too, and when they are around that long, they get to be with us in our worst moments as well as our best. I’m sorry for your loss, but I’m also glad you had such a loyal little friend. 🙂
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Yes, he was a cat 🙂 Thank you for sharing such a precious thought.
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I had a very dear Siamese cat a long time ago. Her name was Skeeta and, not only was she large for a Siamese, but she was extremely affectionate. She left us very prematurely, and the space she left in me surfaced around 30 years later when we adopted Ray and had to make a difficult decision. The link below goes to poem which gives the full story.
https://meandray.com/2015/10/17/skeetas-legacy/
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Beautiful. Something tells me Skeeta was a special creature to leave such an “indelible mark upon your heart”. And I’m glad Ray recovered! Thanks, Colin.
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