To Chris, he was Maxi.
Max, our family cat, breathed his last this morning on the way to the vet. His death didn’t come as a surprise, he was 15 years old. What surprises me is that I am actually sad.
I’ll miss the way he would make his own little nest in my hair on the pillow at night and then knead the back of my neck with his paws; “making biscuits,” we called his little cat massage.
I’ll miss the sense of security he gave me when we were in the house alone at night and I’d hear an unfamiliar noise. I’d look at Max to see if he was alarmed and if not, I’d relax. Never mind that this skinny, short-haired, neutered, de-clawed house cat would be ineffectual against real danger.
To Chris, he was Maxi.
Max, our family cat, breathed his last this morning on the way to the vet. His death didn’t come as a surprise, he was 15 years old. What surprises me is that I am actually sad.
I’ll miss the way he would make his own little nest in my hair on the pillow at night and then knead the back of my neck with his paws; “making biscuits,” we called his little cat massage.
I’ll miss the sense of security he gave me when we were in the house alone at night and I’d hear an unfamiliar noise. I’d look at Max to see if he was alarmed and if not, I’d relax. Never mind that this skinny, short-haired, neutered, de-clawed house cat would be ineffectual against real danger.
I’ll miss the way he would stand at the base of the bathroom vanity and cry for water from the tap, regardless of how fresh the water in his dish. I’ll especially miss the way Alex would gently lift Max to the sink when he was too weak to make the leap himself.
Little kids, and even a few grown-ups, were afraid of Max and for good reason; he’s been known to nip at a few. After the education he gave our two boys on how to treat a Maximum Cat, the three of them settled on terms of mutual respect and loyalty.
I think Max understood people. He had a keen sense of when to lay low and when to jump on your lap to just be there for you.
As far as cats go, Max, you were the best. So long, old friend.