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Newt
January 6, 2006 – October 22, 2024.
Yesterday afternoon we said goodbye to our old man Newt. He would have been 19 in January; I had hoped he’d be able to pass that milestone, but in recent days he made it clear that he was ready to go. He went quietly and peacefully, looking at the humans who have grown to love him deeply.
We will miss him so very much.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the fall of 2006, we bought a house in the country. Before we’d actually closed on the house, we spent a lot of time walking the property, and one day a tiny black (obviously nursing) cat showed up to greet us. That was Maxi. A few weeks later a buff orange boy showed up with her – that was Newt – and from then on they were almost always together.
Maxi eventually brought her kittens to us; we fostered them through Challenger’s House, and they were adopted out. (We initially thought that maybe Newt was the father of her kittens, but the vet suggested that he might be her kitten from a previous litter. I’ve since been informed that it’s not possible she was his kitten because [scientific reasons], but he certainly adored her as though she was his mama, so I never told him she wasn’t.)
We had Newt and Maxi spayed/neutered, and initially a neighbor said she wanted them, but Newt and Maxi had different plans. They showed up on our front porch about a day later and never left.
Eventually they started coming inside and while Newt seemed to be nervous about being inside – I even said “I don’t think he’ll ever be an indoor cat” – at some point he realized that being inside was a good thing, and after a few years he spent more time inside than out.
He got along well with the other permanent residents – as I remember it, his integration was seamless. As long as no one got in his face, he was happy to be friends. If someone DID get in his face, he was happy to give ’em a slap.
In his younger years, we never knew where we’d find him.
His favorite fencepost.
Up high in a tree.
In a bush outside the kitchen window.
Up high, exploring.
He loved to hang out in boxes – I know, so unusual for a cat! But seriously, he LOVED a good box and was always the first one to check out a new one.
He was such a sweet, patient guy who rolled his eyes when I put hats on him, but sat still until I got a good picture (he knew it wouldn’t be for long, and I always told him how much I appreciated it!)
He put up with the fosters pretty well – he was more interested in them (well, in their food and toys, anyway!) in his younger years, but even in the past year he would tolerate them eating his food, sniffing him, and trying to play with his tail. As long as they didn’t get too up in his face, he’d just ignore them.
2007. (With Rhian, Malley & Deuce)
2007. (With Punki)
2020. (With Clyde – and Jake)
2021. (With Theo Pesto)
2024. (With Dewey)
2024. (With Crouton & Pumpernickel)
2024. (With Pita)
He was just such a good guy. So patient, so sweet, got along with everyone – just never gave us one moment of trouble, always happy. Just the sweetest boy, his entire life.
In this last year, we spoiled him absolutely rotten. If he so much as glanced toward the kitchen, one of us would run in to get him some canned food or a treat. I think he knew exactly how good he had it with us. I’m grateful that we knew this time was coming, and were able to spoil him so.
Your beloved mama Maxi and so, so many of your old friends were waiting for you, I’m sure. Tell them hello from us. (We miss them so. We miss you so.)
Goodbye, you sweet, sweet old man.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Posted on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Tumblr) yesterday.
I don’t know what I did to offend Richie, but he looks very “How DARE you!” here.
Forgotten Felines of Huntsville is NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for these guys. Email info (at) ffhsv.org to inquire (AFTER you’ve read the below, please.)
The kittens are scheduled for their spay/neuters on November 26th (yes, that’s more than a month away) and can go home a few days later. Tina has been spayed/vaccinated/id chipped and is available to go home pretty much any time.
Forgotten Felines of Huntsville gives priority to those adopting two kittens together. If you are not interested in adopting two kittens, there MUST be a young cat in residence. (Tina can be adopted as an only cat; if she’s adopted into a home with another cat, I recommend a very slow introduction.)
The kitten(s) must be picked up in person in Huntsville, Alabama. Forgotten Felines does allow out of state adoptions but does not allow the transport of kittens/cats and none of them can drive (YET).
Email Forgotten Felines of Huntsville at INFO (at) FFHSV.ORG to inquire. Leaving a comment on any social media post is not an application to adopt a kitten.
YouTube link
Play time in the kitten room! The kittens playing, and Tina just randomly wandering around being gorgeous.
Carmy has some serious whiskers!
YouTube link
It’s Churu time! This is Step 1 in Churu time, wherein I sit on the floor and feed it to the kittens (and Tina.) Once everyone is addicted to it, we’ll move to having Churu time on the desk. That’ll probably start tomorrow, actually. Everyone finally seems in agreement that Churu is awesome!
Today we said goodbye to Newt, the old man of our permanent residents. He would have been 19 in January. He was a sweet, mild mannered boy who got along with everyone (even tolerated fosters) and we will miss him so very much. 🧡
Good night innernets. (Sydney in the top left, Carmy in the top right, Richie stretched across the center, and Jeff lying on top of them all.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Previously
2023: One last shot of the snuggly sisters before I took them home.
2022: No entry.
2021: No entry.
2020: Tater Tot latte? They’re all the rage this fall!
2019: He’s got MANNERS.
2018: Clutch and the Ears of Annoyance.
2017: He is very very soft – petting him is like petting a big, plush silky cotton ball.
2016: Wheeskers in the sun.
2015: “HEY GUYS I THINK IT’S SNACK TIIIIIIME!”
2014: Myrtle Beach Thursday.
2013: I can just imagine having to break the toy apart to get a kitten out, and I’d rather not!
2012: That is one seriously grumpy Jake.
2011: No entry.
2010: No entry.
2009: There’s poop. There’s plenty of poop.
2008: Kara comes back.
2007: “Hey! Where ya goin’? Can I go too?”
2006: Momma Kitty thinks you are acting very suspiciously and if you make any sudden moves, she WILL kick your butt.
2005: No entry.