Miss Asia
.
Miss Asia came into my life in, I think, 2010. She was part of a four kitten litter. Their mama was Lucy, a stray which got into my fenced yard to have her babies. After she finished nursing I never saw her again.
That same year I had already saved two litters, each consisting of five kittens. So, all of a sudden I had 14 more cats. And this is when I became, officially, A Crazy Cat Person.
The years passed and Miss Asia lived her life, as did all the other kitties, in the safety of my large fenced yard (with a heated winter cat house). One day though she darted into the house and seemed disinclined to leave. I was fine with this. Until I realized that she had no idea of what a litter box was. One morning I sat at my desk to discover a stream of piss on my computer screen.
Out Miss Asia went.
The years passed.
A few months ago I glanced to the outside kitchen door. Its upper half is glass and there was the head of Miss Asia, her claws clutched to the wood trim.
I opened the door. She dropped down, and scampered in. As if we did this every day.
I was wary. But, she was now old. And I thought: If she wants in, so be it.
Piss be dammed.
The days and weeks passed and I soon learned something remarkable.
Miss Asia still did not know what a litter box was but she trained me. Somehow…and don’t ask me how…she seemingly understood my intense dislike of urine on my things. Her solution? She would walk up to me and stare. Quickly, I figured out what this meant. Potty time! I would walk to the outside door. She would dutifully follow. I would open the door, she would scamper out, go to the grass, and pee. I would leave her for awhile (so she might, you know, do her other functions in private). Then I would open the door, call out, and she would scamper back in.
Sometimes, when the weather was good and the sun shining, she would spend hours outside. But these past months she spent mostly inside. And every night. She liked to sleep atop a dining chair under the dining table. I would see some fur, reach down, and pet her. She would purr.
On occasion she would appear, as if my magic, on my desk. I was quickly trained to understand my role. I would stop what I was doing, call her to me, and wait till she climbed up my chest, then nestle her head against my head, and purr madly. I would stroke her while calling out, over and over: Miss Asia! Miss Asia!
The purring would magnify, like a passing freight train.
.
The weeks passed and it was clear that Miss Asia had entered her final phase of life. She grew scarily thin. Yet, she continued to eat and I began giving her $$$$ wet food twice daily. She would take about an hour to eat but would, nonetheless, lap up every bit. This made me happy.
Yesterday, as I watched her, I was slapped with an awareness. It was time. It was time. I pulled out my phone and booked her a flight to Florida.
This afternoon I took her to the departure gate.
Miss Asia. 2010-2023. One of my most favorite-ever kitties. She is survived by her remaining sibling, Fine.
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So sorry for your loss.
They trains us all very well. Dogs, cats, even birds. An owner knows the language of their own and we become trained.
I am so sorry for your loss. Each one is precious to us.
I delight in Miss Asia’s ability to train you to open the door for her. I also understand your reluctance to install a cat door. Although it was the best thing I did for my parent’s house. Their dog was constantly having them act as door monitor and as they aged, they couldn’t manage the constant in and out. Sounds like Miss Asia did not abuse her doorman and kept her demands to a minimum.
How wonderful she had cuddles on demand as well. I know she appreciated them.
Florida will be lovely this time of year.
My condolences. It’s the worst part of being owned by a pet.
I am so sorry for your loss. You have shown through your blog that you are a wonderful cat person. We had to take two cats to the departure gate for Florida this past year. It was very hard, but they were ready. Thank you for sharing your stories.
Bless you for being the kind person you are, so you recognized when this lady was ready to go and gave her that gift. I see so many keeping their much loved pets alive for too long and it feels almost cruel. And yes, as Karen said, this is the worst part of being owned by our fur babies.
I’m so sorry. She chose you, showing cats know a great person when they see one. They take a piece of your heart when they leave. Hugs.
As a fellow crazy cat person, I completely understand the pain you are feeling today. It is the hardest decision we ever make. Hugs to you, dear Ross.
🌈❤️🔥🙏❤️🔥🙏❤️🔥🌈
Oh Ross.
I mean no disrespect. I simply couldn’t say anything else..
I felt no disrespect, Susan. BIG hug!
Tears have flowed.
In fact I can’t stop.
God bless her
I am primarily a dog person but with a few significant cats in my life. I am taking my little silky terrier to the vet Wednesday for a chest X-ray. He has a heart murmur and a cough. I am hopeful he can have medication.
My 14 year old Papipoo has a heart murmur and has been on meds for several years. I wish you luck with your dog. I have recipe for doggie or kitty pate if needed to get them to take it.
I’m sorry to hear about Miss Asia, such a beautiful cat and personality to boot. It’s such a hard time, I know she’ll be missed. I’m preparing for the same horrible day that you just experienced. Gizmo will be 21 in May. I’ve been preparing for the worst 1 1/2 years now, he just keeps on a truckin’ and I’m thankful for every day that he can be with us.
Aww big hugs! Fur babies are part of the family. (I currently have 4 dogs, 2 cats and a pot belly pig). Miss Asia was so lucky to have you.
So sorry about Miss Asia dear Ross. The writing and the photos are beautiful and touching.
Hugs to you and all the kitties.
So sorry to hear about Miss Asia. Sending you love and hugs across the miles.