03 June 2006
Mew Mew the Cat died on Wednesday. It's slightly incomprehensible to me, because she's been around since 1987. She wasn't so much a cat as she was an institution. Or, she was a cat, but she was the cat. She defines the word feline for me. She was graceful and independent, gentle and stubborn, sweet and grumpy. She always seemed happy to see me come into the room, and would trill 'Mrrrr-ruhp' if she was startled by my presence while she was napping.
Mew Mew was our first cat, and our only female cat. She was so much more protective of her family than our male cats, and she quickly established a reputation amongst extended family and friends. She would take swipes at passers-by and once 'trapped' a house-sitting cousin in the laundry room! Mew Mew was also a fierce mouser when we lived in a newly-built house, which makes it all the more amazing that she calmly herded my pet hamster towards my parents when he once escaped (though, I've been thinking about it, and I wonder how the hamster got down two flights of stairs. . . ).
Though I doubt Mew Mew was alone in her likes and dislikes, they definitely differed from our other cats. Mew Mew's favourite toys were peanuts in the shell; just the rattle they made when you shook them could get her running. I grew up stepping on peanuts when I slipped on my shoes. If you were reclining at any degree, Mew Mew's favourite spot for lounging was at chest-level. As she got comfortable, she'd stretch out with her head under your chin and a paw placed gently on your shoulder. Mew Mew loved the blanket caves made by crooked human knees, and her excitement at finding one was plain. Usually she'd sneak in and come back out a second later, but last summer, when I was home visiting, she curled up against me and slept for a while in her blanket cave.
Mew Mew was stubborn beyond belief when she wanted the milk from your cereal right now -- it didn't matter to her that you weren't done eating. She was obsessed with running water from the tap, and would not be deterred by scolding or being physically removed from the kitchen counter. But she had to put up with a lot, being a little girl's cat for many years. There are photos of her dressed up in my baby dolls' clothes, and she was often trapped under a laundry basket as I played pet shop. 'Hmm, should we get this cat?' I would still choose Mew Mew, if I could, and I like to think she'd choose me too.
Now that I've had to say good bye to one of my closest childhood friends, I've made a new rule. Booty is absolutely, most definitely not allowed to die for another sixty or seventy years.
The Mermaid household is a little bit misty eyed because of precious Mew Mew. Goodbye little cat; sleep tight xx
posted by Mermaid Princess at June 3, 2006 08:33 AM
Night-night Mew Mew.My old girl Jazz was born in 1988 and I just know she's going to fall asleep soon.I am dreading it:(
posted by Kristy at June 3, 2006 09:20 AM
So sorry Anna. She must have been a very happy and contented cat to reach such an age. Well done you. At one time I had a 17 year old dog, a 45 year
posted by Cherry at June 3, 2006 01:19 PM
What a wonderful tribute to Mew Mew. Thank you! Two strange things I have noticed so far since she went to the Land of Forever Sleep. Missing cat prints on the kitchen counter and no socks and underwear decorating the house. She will be missed. xoxoxox
posted by momma at June 3, 2006 01:35 PM
how sad, Anna ... she seems to have had such a wonderful long life though. A big hug **
posted by Tania Ho at June 3, 2006 03:50 PM
So sorry. Sounds like Mew Mew was a wonderful cat.
posted by Julie at June 3, 2006 03:58 PM
I'm sorry about Mew Mew, at this point, I know how difficult losing family pets are, even when you're miles away. I know she's off in the great pet fun world playing with Izzie and Buttons and Patchie and Bailey. Well, maybe not Bailey, but having a grand time anyway. :::Hugs::: from Mississippi.
posted by mo at June 3, 2006 06:32 PM
I'm really sorry about Mew Mew, Anna. It's so sad when they leave us.
posted by manda at June 3, 2006 08:40 PM
Oh, sweetie. What a beautiful girl. Sweet rest, Mew Mew. I'm so sorry, Anna.
posted by Alicia P. at June 4, 2006 07:52 PM
i'm sorry, anna
posted by erin at June 5, 2006 03:49 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about Mew Mew. She was a pretty one. I know what you much be feeling, we just lost one of our little kitties last week. I had no idea it would be so hard.
posted by lucy at June 12, 2006 05:55 PM