Tribute to a Special Cat…

On By Judy LeighIn Cats

Many of you know about my black cat, Colin. Colin Feral. He was renowned for his beautiful green eyes. He wasn’t the brightest tool in the shed. Everyone who met him loved him.

Colin would climb on my lap, and on my laptop, where he’d edit, delete chapers, send emails, turn it off. He was mischievous. It was all about attention. And biscuits.

I had him as a kitten from a friend thirteen years ago. My kids loved him. He did the cutest things. He’d climb on my knee and dig claws in. He’d sit right in front of the TV screen when the football was on. He’d crawl into my bed and purr, get very hot, fall asleep.

And he’d growl, like he was a vicious killer, for no reason at all and then start purring again.

He loved being sang to. Country Roads was his favourite, the John Denver song. If I sang it in the bath, he’d run upstairs and leap on the roll top and bash me with his paw. He fell in once, he bashed me so hard. He liked running – he’d hare around a room for no reason, just for the fun of it.

Every day at four in the afternoon, he’d climb on the table and thwack me with his paw. If I didn’t get him biscuits, he’d slap me again. He was adorable.

Was. Someone came to my door last week, early, on Friday 14th and told me there was a black cat lying in the lane. I knew it was him. TC and Murphy had already come in for breakfast. They looked very sad. They knew what had happened. They started to follow me around. We walked up to the lane, on a bend, and found him, brought him home. It was so hard to tell my kids. They’d had him since they were young teenagers.

We buried him in the garden and cried. I thanked him for being my cat, put cat biscuits in the grave – he’d need some for the journey. And sweet peas. Sweets to the sweet.

I will miss Colin. It will take me a while to get over him. Losing a beloved cat is sad. Losing him overnight in a lane where hardly anyone drives is the worst kind of luck. I will miss him more than I can find words to say.

I’ll take some time to process, be sad, allow myself to remember. It’s hard to focus on work, to believe he won’t come to the window and bang it impatiently with his paw as if he’s an angry shopper returning faulty goods at Marks and Spencers. But if you knew Colin at all, even from his photos, please raise a glass.

He was a good cat. The best.I miss him already.

I now fret all the time for the feral brothers, TC and Murphy. They lie in the road outside the gate as if it is safe. They feel too secure, at home and loved. It’s ridiculous – there are so many fields and woodlands here for them to play in. I shoo them inside the garden and give them biscuits. They can have Col’s share now.

Bless that cat.

20 thoughts on “Tribute to a Special Cat…”

  2. Crying! Oh, Judy, I’m so very sorry. What a beautiful post, giving such a vivid picture of his personality and foibles. I miss him now too! Hugs to you, your family, and Colin’s brothers as you all come to terms with your loss. It’s been 3.5 years since my cat Felix crossed the rainbow bridge and I still miss him terribly. They really do leave paw prints on our hearts xx

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  3. I’m crying as I read this. You know how much I loved Colin, albeit virtually. For many reasons, but mainly this one, we built a very large Catio and have ours as indoor only. They love it but I know it wouldn’t suit everyone. Sending lots of love x

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    1. That’s so sweet. I’ve had a patio built outside recently and I call it the catio now as he loved running on it like a wild thing. I’m very touched by your kind words. Thank you. Our Col will be missed.xx

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  4. My dear Judy, I know Colin from your posts on social media. He was such a character and you could tell he was and is very much loved.
    There is nothing I can say or do to soothe you, just know I am thinking of you. In time his memory will surpass the pain.

    Xx

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  6. Oh Judy, words are just words. They become one of the family and when we lose them we lose a part of us. Lots of love and hugs. Colin will be up there watching to make sure you’re looking out for his two buddies. xxx 🐈‍⬛😘

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  7. NatterBlog's avatar NatterBlog

    Ohh, so sorry to hear of you losing Colin. Its so hard even when prepared, but suddenly and unexpected makes it that bit harder. Take time and take care. xx

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  8. Louise Douglas's avatar Louise Douglas

    Oh Judy I am so terribly sorry to read this. My heart goes out to you. I know exactly how it feels to go through what you’re going through now and I wish there was something I could do or say to make it less painful. Sending you love and sympathy. And that is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful cat xxx

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    1. Thanks, Louise. That means a lot. He was a social media star, so I wanted to write something that would enable people to know him a little more. I’m touched by people’s thoughtfulness and kindness and, as ever, I’m always so grateful for your support. Sending love. xx

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  9. I’m so very sorry, Judy. It wasn’t so long ago I was telling you how much I loved his name, after reading about some of his antics. What a character! You must be heartbroken. Losing a much-loved pet is devastating. Our dog died in December, and I found myself sobbing in the bedroom just the other night, as grief washed over me yet again. I know so many of us will relate to this post, and like everyone else I’m sending you love and hugs. Rest in peace Colin Feral. You were loved.

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    1. Thanks for being so sweet, Sharon. You’re absolutely right. There’s an equation – the love we give is equal to the heartbreak after we lose them. I’m so moved by others’ empathy and solidarity. Sending you best love in memory of your beautiful dog. We both know how it feels. xx

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