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We love our cats because they love us back. They can be comical, thoughtful, and understanding. Cats are good listeners and I often found myself talking to Noodle out loud, asking her opinion of the things I was working on.
It’s a strange feeling to be cat-less after 25 years, and particularly sad to lose such a fine companion. I can’t say for sure I’ll never have another cat, because sometimes they just show up, as was the case with this cat, who marched up the steps one day and literally knocked on the door to announce her arrival.
Noodle, a female orange tabby, was a gregarious and friendly cat who wasn’t phased by much and was particularly affectionate. She knew what she liked and disliked, and if you were among the former there was no better companion. Here are two of my favorite pictures of her.
Fortunately Noodle went quickly and there was no big decision that had to be made about ending her life unnaturally. For that I am grateful and consider it her final gift.
This article was last modified on May 17, 2023
This article was first published on July 23, 2010
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They are truly entertaining, loving, inquisitive, patient and loyal. Some of these traits aren’t understood by those who “don’t like cats”. I would have a variety of animals if I could, but cats are forgiving and contented to mind your home whether you’re there or not. Maybe it’s true that it’s their house and we’re here as their caretakers. At any rate, you can tell my sorrow for your loss. I miss each of mine when they pass, but enjoy the new comers when they find me. Let one find you.
My sincerest condolences. Ginger tabbys are usually male so she was a rare one!
I lost my cat a couple of years ago. It was so sad to have to put her to sleep but she was very ill. I don’t know how old she was, she just showed up one day and was my best friend for 16 years.
I now have 2 more that have adopted me. A long hair grey boy whose extremely crossed-eyed and a brownish/black female. I wonder if she could be part Bombay? She doesn’t fetch but she sure talks a lot and always follows me around.
Thank you for the wonderful images.
Those photographs were great and those black and white photos reminds me of photo shots of Ansel Adams. Ansel Adams whom was an American photographer and environmentalists as well, best known for his black-and -white photographs of the American West. To date, Ansel Adams would be happy to see the return on investment that happens. A song Rick Norsigian did used a whole box of negatives he found in a garage sale. After 10 years of trying, he finally certain experts how the negatives were taken by legendary photographer Ansel Adams. He wants the reward on his $45 investment now. All the photos are being appraised for more than $200 million now.
it’s always tough. But I hope your dog turns out to be nearly as smart as a cat. Jake has been in my house for over 12 years, and i swear he has cat genes. He’s that smart. Great scans, thanks!
It’s Red Skelton with the black cat, posed against the brick wall.
Gene, you may THINK Noodle is your last cat, but….
Thank you for your feline insight, sharing your personal kitty experience, and digging up this week’s art. Goodbye noodle! Female orange tabbys are very rare aren’t they?
Gene, just from your column, it is obvious that cats have wormed their way under your skin. You will never be happy as a dog owner; therefore it must be a dog and a Bombay cat. You see, as a Bombay owner, I can tell you that they are 1/3 cat, 1/3 dog and 1/3 human. They have a larger vocabulary and are more intelligent than most cats and are extremely proud to vocalize that fact. In addition, they do not like to be alone so they will constantly follow you from one room to the next. Oh, and lest I leave out the most important feature of the Bombay… they fetch!
,( being a cat person, I get this. I have had cats all my life, I cannot imagine myself without 1 or 2.
One must share cats!
I love cats too. Family allergies prevent me from ownership. Gene, you no doubt, were a gift to Noodles as well. :)
Thanx for the pics.
Having had my first pet and cat passing at age 50, I almost didn’t want to endure that again… but… hello Emily cat! I hope a really great feline decides to camp out on your doorstep in a few months. Great column today, thank you.
Gene… always sad to lose a pet. Our family had only a few cats, all of them barn cats, and we never really bonded. The dogs were our close companions. All the same, I know I’d love a good cat (my wife’s allergy prevents it) and am sorry for your loss of a clearly-loved feline friend.
Thanks, meanwhile, for the interesting collection of cat-related graphics!
I’m very sorry to read about Noodle’s passing. And no little bit sad. I’ve always enjoyed it when your cats have crept into your articles.
Loosing a pet is very hard. Long ago I spent several hours counseling my youngest when the first of the cats he had come to know died. He was 8, I think, and it was his first pet death.
I lost my orange tabby, Mackenzie, a couple years ago. I still miss him (https://montagael.blogspot.com/2008/06/mackenzie-missing.html).
Monta
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Monta Gael May, MFA
https://montagael.blogspot.com
https://montagaelmay.com