She was the runt of the litter. But just try and tell her that. Misha was the biggest little cat that ever lived, a tiny flurry of white I could hold in the palm of my hand. But the moment I set her down next to me on our couch, she began to purr. She knew before we did that this was her forever home and we were her forever family.
She’d been whiskered away the moment she was weened, never learning how to cat, so she made up her own version. She said “Wow!” instead of “meow,” bounded madly about, often glancing up at an imaginary attacker (a playful guardian angel, I suspect), taking fearless swipes at them, and then racing off, daring them to catch her. Her first nickname was “Flurry.” But then, because she constantly followed us around, she became “Puppycat.” And finally, with our human children grown and flown, she was simply “the baby” or “our little girl.”
My wife talked to her constantly, and Misha always answered. She was the most conversational cat I’ve ever heard, developing her own impressive vocabulary of Feline-glish expressions. She took no interest in conventional cat toys, but loved fetching the crumpled paper balls I tossed. She’d race after them, “capture” them, and then push them under the bathroom door while I was in there, or drop them in my lap when I was in bed. Once, just for fun, she dropped a live mouse in my lap instead!
Misha was polite to a point, planting herself in front of us whenever she wanted something, then reaching out and giving us a soft-pawed “excuse me” tap. But if we failed to respond asap, the claws would come out just enough to show us she meant business. And she always meant business when it came to food. Whatever we were eating, she wanted, and often liked. She loved popcorn nights.
My wife was the queen of her heart. Wherever Trudy was, Misha was: sprawled across her lap, on top of her while she slept, “wow-wowing!” anxiously until Mommy safely escaped from the shower, and then sitting on the bathroom counter watching as she did her make-up. Unable to resist, I finally said farewell to what little “manliness” I had left and became Daddy. “Show Daddy what you want, Baby.”
The biggest little cat in the world ruled our home for sixteen years. But then we learned right before leaving on a two-night getaway last weekend that she had an inoperable tumor. We thought we had weeks, maybe months, but the very next night a friend who was watching her said she’d stopped eating. So we packed up and drove home that night.
It was time. Three days ago we took Misha to the vet (her tumor had doubled in size), then petted and kissed her goodbye as she drifted away. It was one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do.
We miss our little girl every minute, constantly thinking we’ve just seen her…here…or there. Still, it’s the kind of haunting we welcome. Because the biggest little cat in the world has finally found her real forever home…
In our hearts.
I’m sorry for your loss, Mitch. Our animal friends bring so much joy to our lives, and they’re here for far too short a time. It sounds as though you and Misha were lucky to have one another. Keep those wonderful memories close to your heart. 🙂
We will, Mike, always. And thank you.
I’m so sorry. It’s so hard to lose a beloved pet.
Thanks, JYP, it is indeed.
Wow, Mitch – what a beautiful, touching tribute. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers of comfort to you and Trudy!
Thank you so much, Wynne.
My heart goes out to you, Mitch.
Thank you, Joy.
Praying for you and your family through this difficult time Mitch. I know how hard a loss like this can be. Sending hugs!
Aw, thank you, Kamina.
You’re welcome Mitch ☺️
An awesome and heartwarming tribute, …we’ve said goodbye to our own little furry friend, …and to Our Beloved Border Collie, …the feeling of loss never goes away, …the love, the sheer gratitude of having known them, as they shared their lives with yours, …they are in your hearts, held safe for ever, …✨🦋✨
Exactly. And thank you.
May Misha rest in peace. Thank you for sharing her beautiful photos. So funny, that one where she’s hiding under the rug with just her tail sticking out!
Thank you, Vera. Yes, she was quite a character.
Tender, touching, and heart-wrenching farewell. Blessings and comfort to you both. Anne
Thank you, dear Anne.
Thanks for sharing this, Mitch. I have lost beloved cat babies several times over the years. It hurts a lot. But I have had mini-visions of my fur babies in heaven, running and playing, strong and healthy and very definitely themselves with their own unique personalities. Other friends have had similar visions and/or dreams of their own fur babies, and I believe we’ll see them again. Heaven is big, and eternity is long, after all.
I don’t know how it works, Elizabeth, but in as much as God loves them even more than we do, I suspect you’re right.
I am so very sorry for your loss…
Thank you, Pamela.
So sad and sorry you’ve lost your dear littile baby.
Gwen.
Thank you so much, Gwen.
What a lovely tribute to a very special Fur Baby. I am happy you were blessed to have each other for 16 years. I know how hard it is to say goodbye. Blessings of comfort to you and your family.
Thank you, Caroll.
Pets quickly become family. Losing one is very difficult. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thanks, Don.
Mitch, what a beautiful eulogy. I’m not even a cat person, and it brought a tear to my eye. (Usually the only time that happens to me around cats, it’s allergies.) I’m sorry for the loss of your baby. It is heartbreaking. (We just lost our little canine buddy of 15+ years recently, and like you, I keep feeling his presence.) Thanks for sharing her unique story and the precious pictures. 💕
Thank you so much, Annie, and my condolences on the loss of your little guy, as well.
I feel my angels every so often, especially when something falls off the shelf for no reason. My sympathies to you and your wife, it’s the hardest thing ever, but worth it for the love.
It is indeed, Martha.
I don’t want to “like” the post, but I do want to acknowledge its beautiful portrait. I can see Misha in my mind’s eye, and thus, I have some idea of your low. May God grant you, Trudy and Misha, and give to Misha an unending supply of crumpled paper balls. ❤️🙏🇨🇦
Aw, thanks, Gail.
Our pets are our “kids” and it really hurts to lose one. I’m so sorry for your loss and you are right, she’s found her forever home.
Thank you, Sue.
What lovely memories (and pictures) of a sweet companion. Condolences, Mitch.
Thank you, Donna.
So touching. I’m sorry for your loss, Mitch.
Thank you so much, Mark.
A very hard but necessary thing, Mitch. I hope your memories sustain you during this sad time.
Thank you, John.
I am so sorry for your loss. It was a beautiful eulogy and beautiful photos. Love leaves memories that no one can take away.
So true, Thomas.
Beautiful kitty. I am so sorry.
Thank you.
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve lost your beloved pet. I’ve been there.
Thank you so much, dear Liz.
You’re welcome, Mitch.
I am sorry for your loss. Misha sounds like a wonderful cat.
Thank you, Ginger.
Oh, Mitch! I am so sorry for your loss. Those EYES! They certainly tell the story of why this kitty occupied such a large place in your hearts. A beautifully written tribute. I had to read it to my wife and we both shed a tear at the end. Blessings and peace to you and Trudy, my friend.
Thank you so much, dear friend.
I still miss my cat, and it has been decades. Like you, I saw her everywhere in the house for many months after her passing. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you so much, Gwen.
I always say if you wanna know who someone is, watch how they treat animals…who are extremely dependent and vulnerable and have no voice. Some people anticipate their needs and find joy from being in their presence. Some people vent frustration upon them and see their needs as an inconvenience. The way you loved your kitty is telling. As a result, I would trust you with small children, the elderly, and the spiritually downtrodden. I’m sorry for your loss!
Aw, thank you for your kind words, Audrey.
I’m so sorry for your loss! Our Chuckie Finster Benson lived with us from 6 weeks to 14 years of age until his passing in 2012. He was a beautiful orange tiger striped cat. I still miss him.
Thank you, Nancy. Chuckie Finster Benson (love that name) sounds like a charming fellow. I understand why you miss him.
I’m so deeply sorry. I truly feel your pain. I picked out my tony West Highland Terrier, Nelson (Nelly) when she was 3 weeks old. Westies are supposed to have straight hair, which all her litter mates had. But Nelly had the cutest curly haired back. She laud on her back in the palm of my hand & I rubbed her littlest belly & loved on her. From the time she was old enough to leave the litter, she became my shadow. She went everywhere with me. To the store, to work, across the country, to Canada, to NYC, always on my lap on flights or on the train, even flew First Class (before any of my 7 children, mind you). She was my lifeline for 15 years until her body just couldn’t take any more. It truly is the hardest thing I ever had to do. And I miss her every day.
Aw, Kelle, I understand. Nelly sounds like a true one-of-a-kind friend.
I’m very sorry that your beautiful cat Baby passed away.
I’ve had pets pass away that were dear to me and I know how that feels Mitch.
My condolences to you and your wife.
Thank you, Cora.
You’re welcome 😁
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mitch. Our fur babies become such an important part of our lives and we have them for too short of a time. Hugs to you and your wife as your grieve the loss of your cat, Baby.
Thank you so much, Carla.
I am so sorry for your loss Mitch. Losing our pets can be so so hard.
Thanks, Manu. It can indeed.
Saying goodbye to these lovely souls is the hardest thing to do. Whether it’s cats or dogs, they all share an important place in our hearts. I was reading your post with the cat on my lap and couldn’t imagine my days without it. We get accustomed to them.
We do indeed, Katherine.
There are no words to say that take away our grief, whether that grief is for an animal or a person we have chosen to share out life with. Far more notable and knowledgeable people that I have written countless words trying to encapsulate what animals should mean to us, but unless you love them you will not miss them when their time comes to pass away. I’m sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Daniel.
Love remains. Love continues on. Love does not end.
Amen, Patrick.
I’m very sorry, Mitch. The loss of a beloved pet is really tough.
It is. Thank you, Kellye.
*Elegy for Misha*
Remembered with love,
she gave joy (and a live mouse).
Tiny cat, big heart.
A lovely haiku, MC. Thank you.
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RIP sweet Misha. May you have all the treats and purrs over the Rainbow Bridge!
Amen, Paula.
Aww, sorry to hear that Misha had to go over the Rainbow Bridge. We miss all of our furry family members. Every once in a while I still think I catch a glimpse of one of them from the corner of my eye …
Thank you, James.
It’s heartbreaking. Each time we lost one of our little guys, we’d say “never again”, but our resolve didn’t last and the house did not stay empty for long. My sympathies, Mitch; I feel your pain.
Thank you, Nancy. And, yes, we’ve been there.
Still seeing a blank page, Mitch. Check w/ WP.com support. Regards, Vern
Thanks for letting me know, Vern!
I’m sorry about Misha having to leave you, Mitch. She looks like a sweet, gentle soul and it’s particularly hard to lose her to cancer. It’s a tough thing for you and your wife to go through. I bet she had a fantastic life with you!
Thank you for your kind words, Lesley.
Chaplin: “It’s such a tough time! We Hipsters remember when Dennis left us, and we miss him still.”
Charlee: “Yes we do.”
Lulu: “We dogs send lots of tail wags your way.”
Chaplin: “And we kitties send purrs!”
<3
Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry for your loss, Mitch – you and Trudy. Misha was so sweet and I love your descriptions of how unique she was. Ever in your hearts…but still. So difficult. Sending hugs!
Thank you, dear friend.
❤️
I’m sorry, Mitch. I know the pain of missing a beloved pet. Thank you for telling us about her, Misha is beautiful. On a personal note, I have only had my new (and first every) kitty for one year and it is good to know that enjoying popcorn is not unusual for a cat. Thank you again for sharing.
Enjoy everything about her, Dana, feeding her popcorn included. ;>) The ability to love and be loved by animals is a gift from God.
I agree, thank you Mitch!
It never feels right to “like” a post like this. I love the beautifully written words but not the sorrow behind them. I’ll have some popcorn tonight in honor of your dear Misha.
Aw, thanks, Tracy.
I can tell you and Trudy have huge loving hearts. You have no regrets and plenty of precious memories, but I know that hole in your hearts will never totally heal. Our pets are really family. Your tribute was beautiful and relevant to so many of us who have had this loss. Blessings to your family, Mitch.
Thank you so much, Patty.
Oh no…so sorry…I miss all my fur babies still…
I understand, Willow. So do we.
It sounds like your Misha was a very special and loving kitty. My heart goes out to you and Trudy as you miss your sweet little girl.
Thank you, Cindie.