To the Bestest Cat in the World

Some people don't think you're as special as you really are. But they don't know you like I do!
I was 7 or 8, can't remember, but I chose you! Mum and Dad wondered why I chose the Torty, the runt of the litter. But you were different. You were special!

I came home one evening to the news that you had arrived. A scared little kitten, you hid in the closet. I was so happy!

I chose the name Suzy. You know why? Well if my memory is telling the truth, Mum asked my what I want to name you. I just happened to be standing next to the ironing board, with the brand name 'Suzy'. So, that was it. Give me a break, I was just little! But actually, I think the name suited you.

Each day I was excited to come home and find you there.

I loved it when you slept on my bed. When I was sick you always used to sit next to me.

Your favorite spot was next to the fish tank. hehe, you tried to spook them out.

You bought poor helpless little birds into the house. We tried to snatch them off you to save them. If they didn't die of shock from being in a cats mouth, then it was probably shock of the kids trying to save them.

If you couldn't get outside, sometimes you would poo in the fire place! At least it burnt well!

When we moved house you disappeared for a day. I was so scared that you had run away. But we came home from church to find you snuggled in the linen cupboard! I was so relieved!

At night you used to climb the tree out side my window and meow to get me to let you in. Trouble was, that you were facing the wrong direction on a small window sill, next to a window that opened out. So, I had to try to get you to walk along the windowsill so that I could open the window, then you would back in!

I don't know if you were on cat nip or something, but some times you would sprint up and down the bare wooden hallway, and crash into the doors at the end. You'd go... patter patter patter, skid, thump... patter patter patter, skid, thump... patter patter patter, skid, thump... I laughed so hard at that... Dad wasn't so impressed, esp when it was 1am!

Oh, one other funny thing... Mum had this little desk, and the draw was open. You jumped up, climbed into the draw and made the whole thing tip over!

You've become so loyal. In your old age you became more affectionate. Sometimes you even bite me if I don't pat you. You're always trying to climb onto someone's knee. You even follow me around the house for me to give you attention! Wait, there's another word for that... um... needy?

You're getting old now. You do weird things like poo and run, and sit on top of the VCR and howl like a dog at the corner.

But the past few weeks you've looked like you've been struggling to even walk. Your fur is no longer shiny, you're getting thinner, and you sit in the same spot all day long. But you've lived a pretty good life. 18 is good for a cat!

I've cried so much this week because I know that it's time to say goodbye.
Thank you for being the best cat for me. Thank you for teaching me so much about myself. Thank you for bearing with me when I haven't had much patience.
You've bought me so much joy and laughter.
I will never forget you.