Sorry, folks.
Not really in the mood for blogging and chit-chatting this evening.
At lunchtime today Tifi, our darling old cat, died.  She was 16 and a half years old, and had lived with us in Mauritius and South Africa and, for the last 10 years, here in Delhi.  So, yes, she did indeed have a good, well-travelled, globe-trotting, long life, but that doesn’t make today any easier.
Tifi was fished out of a swamp in Mauritius on January 25th 1999, where, as a newly born kitten, she had been put (with her late brother Sooty) in a box with stones and left to sink into the mud and die.  Such wanton cruelty.  From that day onwards, when a friend rescued them and brought them home to us, dear Tifi was a larger than life institution.
She was nicknamed Garfield for many years, on account of her bulk, but boy, did she pack a mean punch.
She hated Rosie, our South African cat, with a passion and beat her up solidly for – gosh – 14 odd years. Â On a daily basis. Â And outlived her, after which she was queen bee, as it were.
She also bashed up poor old Yoko, our idiotic Golden, who despite her hissing and spitting at him, was always trying to be friends.  He never got it.
Her favourite perch for the last few years was my desk, where she would lie next to me, and be my excuse for not working.
I mean, obviously, how could I write my novel when the cat kept playing with the mouse (literally) and lying on top of my keyboard?
She was out last pet link to Mauritius & Johannesburg, and so – yes – today does mark the end of an era.
I’ll miss her company every day on my desk.
And tomorrow, I’ll be less blue.
Sorry to hear that. Our Meow is 17, too.
almost made me tear up.. my mog is now 17. I know the days are limited but we celebrate every day with cuddles
Chris, no sooner had I posted this, than i saw your post about your cat & felt a pang. Hope I didn’t make you feel sad. Give that moggy an extra cuddle from me đ
So sorry xxxx
I know how it feels. ..lost my darling michu after 18 years of unconditional love
On a completely different subject, Kath has got a First in Modern Languages at Bristol! This is one proud Mama.
So sorry to hear of Tifi’s death, Christine. I shall miss your pictures of her with her paw placed possessively on the mouse! The old order is changing with your menagerie, isn’t it?
So sorry.
Doesnt help you, but she was much loved and knew it.
Thanks love.
Hello Christine, we have not seen each other in years, but, I feel your pain… they are so special….big hug .
Oh Christine, I know just how terrible it feels to lose a beloved pet, even one who has lived long and ruled the household like a queen! A big hug from me.
So sorry, dear Christine. She had a long and happy life it seems, but one always misses a beloved pet.
oh i am so sorry …. i know how you feel. “blue” returns now and again …. courage, ma belle …
So sorry xxx
so sorry to read this. sending you lots and lots of love
I so sympathize. Sending a big hug…
So sorry to hear that. It is such sorrow when a member of the family passes away
So sorry to hear the news, Christine. xx
So sorry Christine đ I’m sure she was purrfect, and very, very loved <3
Poor baby has reached her final resting place. So sorry for your loss and pain xxx
Oh no! Pauvre bĂȘte.
Another milestone – another fab memory – next …??? Love ZnC x
Ouch… Sitting at the computer will be difficult for sometime. Big hugs
really sorry for your loss.
Just to say thinking of you with love, the heartache of goodbyes to our old faithful pets who love unconditionally and always giving back an abundance of love, cherish the happy memories xxx
Condolences, Christine. This is going to be rough…
Dear Christine what an awful loss – a complete member of the family and loving companion through thick and thin – your eulogy to your cat on your blog was a lovely testimony of the power of animals to affect our lives and for the good.
So sorry to hear that Christine. Sending you purrs!
So sorry Christine – heart-breaking to lose those characters that fill our lives so.
Sorry to hear this – it’s always sad to lose a pet.
Such a sad day, cats really dominate a space despite their size. X
Gentle hugs for you all – sad news! I loved the photos of Tifi and her mouse! Xx
So sorry to hear.
So sorry to hear your sad news this morning, no words will help just now, so I am sending you a wee cuddle. Xxxx
Very sad – but she did indeed have a good life. Xx
Hugs Christine Pemberton!!