Eulogy for the Greatest Cat Ever

The greatest cat that ever lived died yesterday. He was the sunshine around here, the affectionate, curious, talkative, warm and bright little bit of business who everyone loved at first sight. He was the rare kind who would jump up on you and find the ideal spot in the crook of your arm to roll over in. Once prone he was the cutest thing imaginable, and no-one could resist his fuzzy belly, or that place between his armpits where he enjoyed, with copious purring, a good massage.

He loved everyone he met, but most especially his people: Renée, Ryan and Josey. In his healthy days he would come bolting down the stairs to see you when you got home, he would hang in the bathroom when you showered and take a nap on the sofa with you, all to be next to you. He was a big talker, especially first thing in the morning when he wanted his bowl full. But he also spoke to say “hello, special person” and “love me” and “I’d like to go outside, please, if it isn’t too much trouble.”

He was a stunningly handsome cat. Our orange buddy had the nicest coat of fur, was small in stature and in perfect proportion. He had lover’s eyes, and was so kissable. He was a big kisser himself, if you weren’t being careful you could get frenched by him—the mouth was his favourite place to lay one on you.

I am so glad that he lived his short life with us. Everyday he brought happiness.

Fate was not overly kind to Jean-Luc, abandoned as kitten, exposed to a fatal disease (probably at the shelter that rescued him) and taken from this world far too young. But it did bring him to this house where our love for him was unquestioned, where we shared his short life and made him feel happy and wanted, and he made us feel the same. The house is empty without him today, and there is sadness. But there is also relief, relief that he is no longer suffering. His last days were increasingly difficult, and we were prepared to put him down, but he died naturally in the home where he lived and was loved by all.

Goodbye Jean-Luc, thank you for your life, thank you for your love. You made my life better everyday by being someone to snuggle with and care for. If there is a heaven for cats you are certainly there, with somebody to retrieve your rubber mice from under the refrigerator and scratch your belly whenever you desire. You will not be forgotten by those who loved you, and knew you to be the best cat in the whole world.