To commemorate all the cats, Resident and Re-homed, who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Should you wish to honour your cat, please contact us with a short obituary and photo.
Should you wish to honour your cat, please contact us with a short obituary and photo.
NANNETT
left peacefully in the early hours of 31 July, homed!!! & surrounded by love
A handful of fluff and infinite love. Oeans of patience. Keenest attention and boundless gratitude.
Nannett had such will power, she communicted so clearly. She went as she lived, like the gentlest of breezes. She touched many hearts.
Nannett does not want us to mourn for her, but to share out the love she so abundantly gave.
SUGAR - LEFT HIS PAW PRINTS ON MALTA
We celebrate the life of SUGAR who left us in the midday light of Wednesday, 27 June 2018.
We are deeply grateful for his life. For 13 years Sugar was the Cat behind Csaf President Doris, who founded our Sanctuary. Sugar embodied mercy.
Thrown from a window as a small kitten he was rescued by Doris. Sugar never again was the carefree, playful kitten, never an exploring adolescent, never a secure and fast moving tom.
However, the paralized baby grew into an intelligent and strong Cat who inspired first pity,
then admiration and always thought. Sugar gave his life to and never grew tired of representing us Cats to people .
By his existence he demonstrated that handicapped Cats can live a full life, provided they are allowed to exchange love and receive reliable care. Sugar loved and he was loved by MANY.
He was a very clear communicator, despite his handicap.
Like a fish he flung his body forward when he fancied a change of place or when meals were late. Feeding him was a privilege and quality time for our carers. One of his human friends regularly brought a selection of best cat food just for HIM.
Sugar retired from the Sanctuary two years ago when Doris took him into her home. He still visited us regularly and represented us Cats to important visitors. Sugar started his last journey from the familiar hospital container which had been his base for years.
We, the Cats, saw him off in respectful silence. Doris and the vet made sure it all went well.
His body, rigid for 13 years, has relaxed. Sugar's spirit, the spirit of mercy, will remain with us.
We hold Sugar to the light. He is young again and forever healthy, moving effortlessly and with grace.
300 Sanctuary Friends, Stray or Abandoned.
We are deeply grateful for his life. For 13 years Sugar was the Cat behind Csaf President Doris, who founded our Sanctuary. Sugar embodied mercy.
Thrown from a window as a small kitten he was rescued by Doris. Sugar never again was the carefree, playful kitten, never an exploring adolescent, never a secure and fast moving tom.
However, the paralized baby grew into an intelligent and strong Cat who inspired first pity,
then admiration and always thought. Sugar gave his life to and never grew tired of representing us Cats to people .
By his existence he demonstrated that handicapped Cats can live a full life, provided they are allowed to exchange love and receive reliable care. Sugar loved and he was loved by MANY.
He was a very clear communicator, despite his handicap.
Like a fish he flung his body forward when he fancied a change of place or when meals were late. Feeding him was a privilege and quality time for our carers. One of his human friends regularly brought a selection of best cat food just for HIM.
Sugar retired from the Sanctuary two years ago when Doris took him into her home. He still visited us regularly and represented us Cats to important visitors. Sugar started his last journey from the familiar hospital container which had been his base for years.
We, the Cats, saw him off in respectful silence. Doris and the vet made sure it all went well.
His body, rigid for 13 years, has relaxed. Sugar's spirit, the spirit of mercy, will remain with us.
We hold Sugar to the light. He is young again and forever healthy, moving effortlessly and with grace.
300 Sanctuary Friends, Stray or Abandoned.
MAIGRINA
19 June 2018. Sweetness and strength..Her memory remains.
A graceful, gentle Tal Madonna.
So serene, so affectionate, so very delicate..
In her slender, dwindling body lived a soul so strong, a personality so great that you felt rather than saw her presence. With her ready purr Maigrina lived joyfully and happily despite many ailmements. Loved and supported by feeder and carers she gave back in double measure. Nobody looking after Maigrina ever complained. Her affectionate, intelligent company, her reliable co operation and obvious gratitude were ample reward. When she prepared for her journey she did not seem sad. She was leaving for eternal health and a painfree, strong body to match her soul. Grateful for a last gentle cleansing she was ready to let go. One of her small friends in the leukemia enclosure lay down close to her, together they could see the night sky.
Maigrina took messages for all the friends waiting for her.
She left us peace.
So serene, so affectionate, so very delicate..
In her slender, dwindling body lived a soul so strong, a personality so great that you felt rather than saw her presence. With her ready purr Maigrina lived joyfully and happily despite many ailmements. Loved and supported by feeder and carers she gave back in double measure. Nobody looking after Maigrina ever complained. Her affectionate, intelligent company, her reliable co operation and obvious gratitude were ample reward. When she prepared for her journey she did not seem sad. She was leaving for eternal health and a painfree, strong body to match her soul. Grateful for a last gentle cleansing she was ready to let go. One of her small friends in the leukemia enclosure lay down close to her, together they could see the night sky.
Maigrina took messages for all the friends waiting for her.
She left us peace.
JAMES
Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche. Left us during the night Thursday 1st/Friday, 2nd March, 2018
James descended in a straight line from the Knights' Cats.
He was an aristocrat from top to tail, a tom without fear or blame.
James had a great, big heart and very high standards.: he was always gentle, always impeccable and extremely dignified. Whether he encountered other Cats or vets, James reliably kept his composure, showed courtesy and NEVER panicked. James was a big, beautiful and immensely lovable tom who impressed whoever he met.
Diagnosed with cancer in his head he stoically and reliably took his medication and lived.
When he got slightly senile in his old age he sometimes needed help to find his way back into the enclosure after his routine evening stroll. But somehow he manged always to be "home" after dark, attentively watching the goings-on in the Sanctuary with his amber eyes through the enclosure door.
His last illness was short and violent. As usual he accepted all the support on offer, but he realized before us that this fight he would not win. He left alone, drawn by a full moon..
No doubt James is still watching all of us from above, - strong, beautiful and with much love.
May we always live up to his standards!!!
James descended in a straight line from the Knights' Cats.
He was an aristocrat from top to tail, a tom without fear or blame.
James had a great, big heart and very high standards.: he was always gentle, always impeccable and extremely dignified. Whether he encountered other Cats or vets, James reliably kept his composure, showed courtesy and NEVER panicked. James was a big, beautiful and immensely lovable tom who impressed whoever he met.
Diagnosed with cancer in his head he stoically and reliably took his medication and lived.
When he got slightly senile in his old age he sometimes needed help to find his way back into the enclosure after his routine evening stroll. But somehow he manged always to be "home" after dark, attentively watching the goings-on in the Sanctuary with his amber eyes through the enclosure door.
His last illness was short and violent. As usual he accepted all the support on offer, but he realized before us that this fight he would not win. He left alone, drawn by a full moon..
No doubt James is still watching all of us from above, - strong, beautiful and with much love.
May we always live up to his standards!!!
BRAVEHEART SCOTTIE
So much loved, so much missed! Left us 15 February 2018, 12:45 p.m.
Scottie was a very special strawberry coloured cat. Sensitive, brave, dominant, loving...With his stumped tail and sticking out hind leg he reminded us of a little dog. Scottie came running when called, he followed you around, always hopeful for attention. Scottie was upbeat, positive and alert. He could be very funny and equally mischievous..
Scottie was a lovable leprechaune, a merry wanderer, a quirky creature with most eloquent eyes and enormous courage . And he needed his courage to survive in the streets and still give so much to his feeders and carers. For years he suffered all weathers in a car park. he had the most unfortunate tail amputation, a torn ligament in his leg, gingevitis .....His FIV would have demanded extra care and comfort . But the in so many ways disadvantaged and hadicapped tom hardly ever felt sorry for himself. All his life he realized that he was special and all his life he defended his position as number one. He tried to get his own way whenever possible and usually succeeded. He was so very grateful for special care and small comforts like a clean up, a cage to himself to rest in, a hot water bottle.
Scottie was a mind reader and communicater. When illness fially, finally defeated his body, he was not alone. He left us much loved. Wherever he is, he has a lovely long tail now, gracefully moving legs and he won't suffer ANY pain. And he left us a legacy: his unfailing courage, expectant hope and generous, indiscriminating love.
Scottie was a lovable leprechaune, a merry wanderer, a quirky creature with most eloquent eyes and enormous courage . And he needed his courage to survive in the streets and still give so much to his feeders and carers. For years he suffered all weathers in a car park. he had the most unfortunate tail amputation, a torn ligament in his leg, gingevitis .....His FIV would have demanded extra care and comfort . But the in so many ways disadvantaged and hadicapped tom hardly ever felt sorry for himself. All his life he realized that he was special and all his life he defended his position as number one. He tried to get his own way whenever possible and usually succeeded. He was so very grateful for special care and small comforts like a clean up, a cage to himself to rest in, a hot water bottle.
Scottie was a mind reader and communicater. When illness fially, finally defeated his body, he was not alone. He left us much loved. Wherever he is, he has a lovely long tail now, gracefully moving legs and he won't suffer ANY pain. And he left us a legacy: his unfailing courage, expectant hope and generous, indiscriminating love.
Magical Malcolm
Was there ever a Cat so clever?
Left us 12th October 2017
Malcolm left us unexpectedly and he doubtless found his way, straight into the next and better world. He was the most intelligent cat I ever met and - despite his blindness - a match for anyone, human or cat. A slight, beautifully patterned ginger, Malcolm was Mr Mephistopheles reborn.
Admittedly fate had not been kind. Homeless and with only one blind eye, many might have found survival a challenge too daunting to tackle. Not Malcolm. While keeping a low profile, he was a cat who managed to look at the bright side of life. After all, he was rescued, bought into the Sanctuary and throughout Malcolm's life his saviour remained his reliable and generous sponsor.
Even though his visits from Gozo were scarce, phone calls enquiring after Malcolm's well being were regular and they made Malcolm feel that he was special to at least one person. From this as well as from his baffling intelligence he drew a distinctive aloofness, a quiet, almost challenging confidence.
Though strictly reserved with humans and most cats, Malcolm dropped all pretences when it came to high quality food.
Malcolm was a Gourmet who knew exactly when, where and to whom special food was served, be it with or without medication. The trouble he took to steal had to be seen to be believed: no cupboard or shelf was too high, no feeding cage to tight for his extra ordinary nose and stealthy paw. Even if you watched him like a hawk, he still found and made full use of "his moment". Like spider-cat he would patiently and determinedly weave his way up and around all imaginable obstacles, defy gravity and lack of sight until he could partake of the meal without the feeding cat even noticing. Malcolm most certainly could creep through the tiniest crack and walk on the narrowest rail."
Was he lonely? Yes, probably as regards relationships with humans. Only right at the end, after his kidneys failed and he was very weak, did he allow us to handle him, showing no nervousness and visibly responding to kindness.
Malcolm's feline friends with whom he used to snuggle up at night were cats who were either also blind or had impaired vision. They obviously felt safe in each others’ company. Though his thieving feats would drive carers to exasperation, he also made us laugh and wonder. He left us loved and respected. He is greatly missed.
Malcolm can see his food now! Enjoy!
Admittedly fate had not been kind. Homeless and with only one blind eye, many might have found survival a challenge too daunting to tackle. Not Malcolm. While keeping a low profile, he was a cat who managed to look at the bright side of life. After all, he was rescued, bought into the Sanctuary and throughout Malcolm's life his saviour remained his reliable and generous sponsor.
Even though his visits from Gozo were scarce, phone calls enquiring after Malcolm's well being were regular and they made Malcolm feel that he was special to at least one person. From this as well as from his baffling intelligence he drew a distinctive aloofness, a quiet, almost challenging confidence.
Though strictly reserved with humans and most cats, Malcolm dropped all pretences when it came to high quality food.
Malcolm was a Gourmet who knew exactly when, where and to whom special food was served, be it with or without medication. The trouble he took to steal had to be seen to be believed: no cupboard or shelf was too high, no feeding cage to tight for his extra ordinary nose and stealthy paw. Even if you watched him like a hawk, he still found and made full use of "his moment". Like spider-cat he would patiently and determinedly weave his way up and around all imaginable obstacles, defy gravity and lack of sight until he could partake of the meal without the feeding cat even noticing. Malcolm most certainly could creep through the tiniest crack and walk on the narrowest rail."
Was he lonely? Yes, probably as regards relationships with humans. Only right at the end, after his kidneys failed and he was very weak, did he allow us to handle him, showing no nervousness and visibly responding to kindness.
Malcolm's feline friends with whom he used to snuggle up at night were cats who were either also blind or had impaired vision. They obviously felt safe in each others’ company. Though his thieving feats would drive carers to exasperation, he also made us laugh and wonder. He left us loved and respected. He is greatly missed.
Malcolm can see his food now! Enjoy!
Rudi
Left us February 2017
Rudi died quickly and with little suffering after his liver failed. He was a along time resident of the Sanctuary and is sorely missed by all who knew him. He was the King of the Castle!
With his handsome Persian looks, his silky brown and white coat, his fluid movements, his expressive, enigmatic amber eyes, - it was above all his gentle, loving and very special personality which attached him to carers and visitors alike.
Rudi definitely did what he wanted to do, but he never hurt anybody. In a way he seemed to know that he owed his life to the sanctuary. Rudi radiated a very dignified, strong and loyal affection which was reciprocated by whomever he met.
Rudi made it obvious that he enjoyed his life. He relaxed deeply, slept soundly, moved effortlessly wherever he chose, took a dignified, intelligent interest in life and was universally liked.
With his handsome Persian looks, his silky brown and white coat, his fluid movements, his expressive, enigmatic amber eyes, - it was above all his gentle, loving and very special personality which attached him to carers and visitors alike.
Rudi definitely did what he wanted to do, but he never hurt anybody. In a way he seemed to know that he owed his life to the sanctuary. Rudi radiated a very dignified, strong and loyal affection which was reciprocated by whomever he met.
Rudi made it obvious that he enjoyed his life. He relaxed deeply, slept soundly, moved effortlessly wherever he chose, took a dignified, intelligent interest in life and was universally liked.
Chikku
Chikku of Bormla: noblesse oblige - a life lived to the full and with Valour!
Left us 5th March 2017
Left us 5th March 2017
Chikku is on his way. It was his decision, taken - as always - independently and with so much love.
He went quickly and to the last appreciating the care he got and the comfort provided. The large corner cage in a quiet small room with a window and a very nice, unobtrusive gentleman as a neighbour. The clean bedding, the hot water bottle. plenty of drink, the large drip to hydrate and detoxify. Love, concern, care, Chikku was purring when we said good- bye. See you tomorrow., I had said, He was resting, gathering strength for the journey.
He had been a big strong cat with a clear independent mind, courage and as much will power as perseverance. When he decided to live he gave everything. He conquered fear and pain. He way-layed me for weeks until I noticed he was suffering, He freely co-operated with rickety transport, unknown destinations, makeshift accommodation, new environments, vets, complex operations, a vast array of pills and treatment: Chikku wanted to live and he lived.
Born a street cat and surviving as a fighter in splendid isolation - the price he paid for his cat free patch in Bormla was FIV. And it was FIV which finally decided his fate. His body could not conquer the painful gingivitis, eating, which had always been his great delight, became a torture. Cleaning himself, another pleasure in which he invested admirable pride and energy, also became extremely painful. I did my best with a moist tooth brush and cotton wool, afterwards Chikku did as much as he could bear and the end result still lifted our spirits. However, this time there was no light visible at the end of the tunnel,
I was trying to gauge his quality of life, but 2 days ago Chikku took the decision . Monday was the first day ever when he was not waiting for me near the Sanctuary entrance. The next morning he was not - as always - in his basket, but the search party found him outside on the cold tiles under the sink. He resigned himself to the cage and a really good rest, enough to say that this time, he did not want any blood taken. Thankfully the vet let him win his last fight, mercifully allowing him to stay in control until the end.
I once said, if Chikku had been a man, I would have married him. He was so immensely loyal and affectionate. At whatever hour I left, if I said good-bye to him, he would drag himself out of his basket to see me to the door. Then he would stay there looking at me until I was gone. The next day he would be sitting in the same place, waiting, - his internal clock told him when to expect me. Of course I know he led a rich, full life without me. He had many friends whom he really loved . He had his very special relationships and great admiration for certain humans. They were allowed to inject where I feared to touch. Chikku was fascinated by cars and loved his drivers. A big, big Grazzi to all the many kind people who drove us to our vet appointments!
Chikku communicated with me like no other cat ever had. He read my thoughts and he replied. There was so much love and strength in him! Though he was clever, Chikku was never cunning. There was no way round obstacles for him. He was as straight forward as a bull. He even lowered his head before charging.
He is on his journey now, determined and getting stronger and younger with every pace. When he gets there, Chikku will feast, he so much loves his food! He then will clean himself from head to tail, perfectly. And then he will lie on his back, sprawling, all four legs in the air, in eternal bliss.
GRAZZI to all who cared, loved and supported! They were so many!!!!
He went quickly and to the last appreciating the care he got and the comfort provided. The large corner cage in a quiet small room with a window and a very nice, unobtrusive gentleman as a neighbour. The clean bedding, the hot water bottle. plenty of drink, the large drip to hydrate and detoxify. Love, concern, care, Chikku was purring when we said good- bye. See you tomorrow., I had said, He was resting, gathering strength for the journey.
He had been a big strong cat with a clear independent mind, courage and as much will power as perseverance. When he decided to live he gave everything. He conquered fear and pain. He way-layed me for weeks until I noticed he was suffering, He freely co-operated with rickety transport, unknown destinations, makeshift accommodation, new environments, vets, complex operations, a vast array of pills and treatment: Chikku wanted to live and he lived.
Born a street cat and surviving as a fighter in splendid isolation - the price he paid for his cat free patch in Bormla was FIV. And it was FIV which finally decided his fate. His body could not conquer the painful gingivitis, eating, which had always been his great delight, became a torture. Cleaning himself, another pleasure in which he invested admirable pride and energy, also became extremely painful. I did my best with a moist tooth brush and cotton wool, afterwards Chikku did as much as he could bear and the end result still lifted our spirits. However, this time there was no light visible at the end of the tunnel,
I was trying to gauge his quality of life, but 2 days ago Chikku took the decision . Monday was the first day ever when he was not waiting for me near the Sanctuary entrance. The next morning he was not - as always - in his basket, but the search party found him outside on the cold tiles under the sink. He resigned himself to the cage and a really good rest, enough to say that this time, he did not want any blood taken. Thankfully the vet let him win his last fight, mercifully allowing him to stay in control until the end.
I once said, if Chikku had been a man, I would have married him. He was so immensely loyal and affectionate. At whatever hour I left, if I said good-bye to him, he would drag himself out of his basket to see me to the door. Then he would stay there looking at me until I was gone. The next day he would be sitting in the same place, waiting, - his internal clock told him when to expect me. Of course I know he led a rich, full life without me. He had many friends whom he really loved . He had his very special relationships and great admiration for certain humans. They were allowed to inject where I feared to touch. Chikku was fascinated by cars and loved his drivers. A big, big Grazzi to all the many kind people who drove us to our vet appointments!
Chikku communicated with me like no other cat ever had. He read my thoughts and he replied. There was so much love and strength in him! Though he was clever, Chikku was never cunning. There was no way round obstacles for him. He was as straight forward as a bull. He even lowered his head before charging.
He is on his journey now, determined and getting stronger and younger with every pace. When he gets there, Chikku will feast, he so much loves his food! He then will clean himself from head to tail, perfectly. And then he will lie on his back, sprawling, all four legs in the air, in eternal bliss.
GRAZZI to all who cared, loved and supported! They were so many!!!!
Princess
Left us 13th March 2017
She is free now. She said very clearly today that she was ready for the journey and tonight the kind, competent vet and I saw her off.
Outside, in front of the container, surrounded by sleeping or very quietly moving cats and the full moon breaking through the moving clouds. All afternoon she had hardly moved from her basket in the warm container, but in the evening she went out, almost as if expecting the vet who I had promised would come to set her free. When she got cold and very slightly restless 20 mins before the vet was due we snuggled her in a blanket in a cage. On a very low table and almost completely covered in a cosy blanket she remained completely calm and let me massage her through the bars.
She remained calm and settled throughout. She went on her journey prepared, first class, calm, majestic and with her own dignity. She left a BIG GRAZZI to you: for ALL your love, care and loyalty. She also left a lot of HER POSITIVE ENERGY in "her" sanctuary.
Outside, in front of the container, surrounded by sleeping or very quietly moving cats and the full moon breaking through the moving clouds. All afternoon she had hardly moved from her basket in the warm container, but in the evening she went out, almost as if expecting the vet who I had promised would come to set her free. When she got cold and very slightly restless 20 mins before the vet was due we snuggled her in a blanket in a cage. On a very low table and almost completely covered in a cosy blanket she remained completely calm and let me massage her through the bars.
She remained calm and settled throughout. She went on her journey prepared, first class, calm, majestic and with her own dignity. She left a BIG GRAZZI to you: for ALL your love, care and loyalty. She also left a lot of HER POSITIVE ENERGY in "her" sanctuary.
Barnaby the Red Prince
Left us 22nd March 2016
The Danish skippers who so generously cared for the Black Pearl cats during one hot summer had christened him "Eyeliner".For me he was always Barnaby or the The Red Prince. He responded happily to all his names.
During the summer 2015 he developed a tumor encasing his ribs. In December my vet very kindly came to the Black Pearl to observe him and recommended examination. He allowed me to catch him without any trouble and behaved well at the vet.
Almost all his remaining teeth were removed. They were infected and cleaning himself had become too painful. What remained were two teeth and a big appetite.
However, Barnaby was not only FIV positive, but his cancer was inoperable. I was immensely grateful to the CSAF Sanctuary offering him a place. When my Red Prince returned from his dental operation, still on medication for a week, he got a big cage all to himself with a cosy basket and a big clean litter tray in the warmest container. Unused to such luxuries Barnaby lay down in the novel litter tray and purred.
Later we moved him to the hospice enclosure with the blind or nervous or very old cats. Two other cats with cancer were also receiving care there. Cats in this enclosure are quiet and gentle and we try to keep the enclosure as cosy, clean and friendly as possible.
Barnaby settled bravely and well, resting in favourite places which changed with the season. First it was a cosy basket high up on the cupboard, then a sheltered hole "with a view" in the top of a scratchpost, then a cushioned shelf on another scratchpost from where he could view the cats outside. Sometimes it was a big soft cushion on which he rested in a very relaxed, grateful and touching manner. I visited him every day and he always came down to greet me, looking at me intently from his expressive, almost burning eyes.
My visits triggered Black Pearl memories in him: the moment he saw me he rushed to the food dishes always available on the floor and began to eat ferociously. I had to rush to get out the special food for him otherwise he would be full of "ordinary" food before the special was served. On his dying day he was still so vigorous, he even chased a big, strong white tom literally five times his size from the food dish they both had chosen simultaneously.
The Red Prince was very loyal, amazingly upbeat, very appreciative and above all very brave. Born in the rocks above the sea of a shy feral mother he had built up love and confidence throughout his life. Over the last three months I was allowed to touch him, to brush him with a toothbrush and he purred when I stroked him. He even let me clean his eyes.
With this moon waxing he became increasingly interested in sitting next to the door on a mat and looking out. Last night he probably slipped out of the enclosure when visitors were not paying attention and this morning he was a "real" sanctuary outdoor cat. Eyeliner was so proud when I came and he greeted me outside! He followed me into the enclosure though, like in the old Black Pearl days, with his tail up.
I was reminded of other cats passing away after they had seen the full moon, of cats getting out of doors to find a place in the open to die and realized that Barnaby was on his way too. I told him that the funny Ta-Xbiex big grey and white tramp Dusty, his father the Big Red Tom, Tess, Despina and of course kind, gentle Honey were all waiting and looking out for him.
I could hold him and the vet who had visited Barnaby at the Black Pearl and cared for him in the Sanctuary was kind, gentle and very good. She gave Barnaby just anesthesia and when he was fast asleep an anesthetic overdose. I did not notice when he went! I talked to him while all the other cats sat very quietly around us. James, one of his big grey and white friends next to us, all the others relaxed, sleeping or resting. Even the cats outside came close, creating a good, very quiet and comforting atmosphere, very, very much like what one of his many feeders calls "Best time" after feeding at the Black Pearl.
Barnaby by now has completed his journey. Clever, courageous and trusting. He is the Red Prince again, in all his strength and burning beauty.
During the summer 2015 he developed a tumor encasing his ribs. In December my vet very kindly came to the Black Pearl to observe him and recommended examination. He allowed me to catch him without any trouble and behaved well at the vet.
Almost all his remaining teeth were removed. They were infected and cleaning himself had become too painful. What remained were two teeth and a big appetite.
However, Barnaby was not only FIV positive, but his cancer was inoperable. I was immensely grateful to the CSAF Sanctuary offering him a place. When my Red Prince returned from his dental operation, still on medication for a week, he got a big cage all to himself with a cosy basket and a big clean litter tray in the warmest container. Unused to such luxuries Barnaby lay down in the novel litter tray and purred.
Later we moved him to the hospice enclosure with the blind or nervous or very old cats. Two other cats with cancer were also receiving care there. Cats in this enclosure are quiet and gentle and we try to keep the enclosure as cosy, clean and friendly as possible.
Barnaby settled bravely and well, resting in favourite places which changed with the season. First it was a cosy basket high up on the cupboard, then a sheltered hole "with a view" in the top of a scratchpost, then a cushioned shelf on another scratchpost from where he could view the cats outside. Sometimes it was a big soft cushion on which he rested in a very relaxed, grateful and touching manner. I visited him every day and he always came down to greet me, looking at me intently from his expressive, almost burning eyes.
My visits triggered Black Pearl memories in him: the moment he saw me he rushed to the food dishes always available on the floor and began to eat ferociously. I had to rush to get out the special food for him otherwise he would be full of "ordinary" food before the special was served. On his dying day he was still so vigorous, he even chased a big, strong white tom literally five times his size from the food dish they both had chosen simultaneously.
The Red Prince was very loyal, amazingly upbeat, very appreciative and above all very brave. Born in the rocks above the sea of a shy feral mother he had built up love and confidence throughout his life. Over the last three months I was allowed to touch him, to brush him with a toothbrush and he purred when I stroked him. He even let me clean his eyes.
With this moon waxing he became increasingly interested in sitting next to the door on a mat and looking out. Last night he probably slipped out of the enclosure when visitors were not paying attention and this morning he was a "real" sanctuary outdoor cat. Eyeliner was so proud when I came and he greeted me outside! He followed me into the enclosure though, like in the old Black Pearl days, with his tail up.
I was reminded of other cats passing away after they had seen the full moon, of cats getting out of doors to find a place in the open to die and realized that Barnaby was on his way too. I told him that the funny Ta-Xbiex big grey and white tramp Dusty, his father the Big Red Tom, Tess, Despina and of course kind, gentle Honey were all waiting and looking out for him.
I could hold him and the vet who had visited Barnaby at the Black Pearl and cared for him in the Sanctuary was kind, gentle and very good. She gave Barnaby just anesthesia and when he was fast asleep an anesthetic overdose. I did not notice when he went! I talked to him while all the other cats sat very quietly around us. James, one of his big grey and white friends next to us, all the others relaxed, sleeping or resting. Even the cats outside came close, creating a good, very quiet and comforting atmosphere, very, very much like what one of his many feeders calls "Best time" after feeding at the Black Pearl.
Barnaby by now has completed his journey. Clever, courageous and trusting. He is the Red Prince again, in all his strength and burning beauty.
For but a brief moment...
Sadly, not all the cats we take in have long fulfilling lives in new homes, or happily lived lives here at the Sanctuary. Many live only a short time. Found too late, too ill, too badly injured... But we do all we can to ensure that they have good food, medical treatment, and very importantly, that they know love and care while they are with us - no matter how brief their stay with us is on their journey...