Romeo Passed Away Today

Romeo

My daughter's cat, Romeo, passed away today. Cancer took him after 13 years spent as a loyal pet. Genevieve showed him exceptional care and understanding in his final weeks and days, and Romeo very much accepted and enjoyed it all. Maybe even more than the love and care he experienced over the 13 years.

Romeo started out as a stray and took up residence in our garage. Young and thin, he was overjoyed to have a family and people that cared for him. Initially Romeo was pushed around by the many cats in the neighborhood but, as he grew and became healthy, he established himself as a cat not to be messed with. He had a favorite ninja move: Face the adversary, then jump forward, high in the air while performing a 180 degree spin, landing on the back of the adversary. Insert tearing claws. It always ended the fight with the other cat fleeing, pretty much never to invade Romeo's territory again.

Romeo and Swirly

Romeo's sidekick, Swirly, wasn't as successful as a protector of territory. When the neighborhood cats (and there are many) approached and weren't impressed with Swirliams, Romeo just had to go and sit and stare...

While he was pretty much a bad-ass cat, he was a good fella too. He loved his treats and tuna, playing with his bird toys, and to be petted. He meowed in a variety of ways to let you know he was hungry. The loudest purring cat I've ever heard when sitting next to Gen, or anybody. Like a happy, content motorboat. And his nemesis, Penny (one of our dogs), they  eventually learned to tolerate each other...

Romeo, barely motivated...until the mower approaches.

Really, Romeo was a fun cat (and I am not exactly a cat person). A lot of people say they have (or had) the best cat ever. On that point, I would strongly disagree.

Romeo is now in Heaven, hanging out with his sidekick, Swirly, and his second side kick, Specter.

Gen with Romeo and Swirly (2010)