In memory of my kitty

My beloved kitty, Roxy, left this world last week.

I wrote this little tribute to her on Facebook (because that’s where people write tributes these days; I have mixed feelings about this):

Roxy. I got you when I was just 18. I saw a sign for free kittens on the side of the road and the rest is history. Our history. You’ve been with me through 16 years, 7 moves, almost as many relationships, a couple handfuls of jobs, buckets of tears, and lots of laughter. You have been part of my daily life and part of 90% of my online passwords. I’m sorry for those couple years I left you with my mom and dad because the studio apartment I could afford didn’t allow pets. I should have just paid more. I’m sorry for putting foil on your feet that one time and watching you freak out. I’m sorry if the new kittens and Vinny annoyed you (though I think you kind of liked them, right?). I’m sorry I teased you for being fat, for calling you my little butterball, when in the end I could feel every bone on your back. I’ll miss waking up to you on my chest in the morning. I’ll miss your bitchy hisses. I’ll miss the way your temperamental tail always whipped back and forth. And I’ll miss your constant position on my (or Chris’s) lap these past few months. You will always be the first pet that was truly mine. Roxy, Rox, Roxy Sox, Bagels n’ Lox, Rottnles, Nottnles, Snottnles, Notts, Noodle, Noo, Google, Goo, Goo Bear, Boo — you were known by so many affectionate names because I just couldn’t find enough ways to say I love you. May you rest peacefully, stalking birds and chasing lizards in a heaven that I hope I get to share with you one day. Love, Your Mama

In her memory, I’m posting some more pictures of famous writers and their beloved cats (I posted a first batch a couple years ago, here). I’m not alone in my adoration of the feline kind.

From top: W.H. Auden, Charles Bukowski, William S. Burroughs, Edward Gorey, George Plimpton, Ernest Hemingway, Hermann Hesse, Joyce Carol Oates, Neil Gaiman, Sylvia Plath, Raymond Chandler, Truman Capote.