Hi. First time poster.
I'm 32 and our family has had cats since I was born. I am mad about them.
Our two eldest died recently, both 16.5. They were brothers - the most
incredible companions to us as a family (we lost my father when they
were 2 years old), so we're all utterly devastated. But although
neither were in good health, it was still a shock that the second died
just 13 days after the first. He hadn't missed his brother noticeably,
and was relatively fine (if deathly thin), when all of a sudden one
morning he just gave up. Our neighbour is a vet and said he'd had a
stroke, and his kidneys had probably long since failed.
Anyway - that's not why I'm writing, though I thought that might be interesting!
My little cat Chloe will be two in July (from RSPCA - had her since 5
months old), and is obviously a bundle of fun (I always forget how
much energy they have as kittens). She's not yet a lap cat, probably
never will be - extremely friendly and hyper inquisitive, but doesn't
like sitting on laps. But between 22:30 and 23:00 every night, almost
without fail, once I'm in bed she'll come in from outside, run into
the bedroom and jumps up on the bed and onto my chest. Purring, direct
eye contact, sits either on me or right next to me - ecstatic. She
doesn't do this to my girlfriend and isn't hungry. It's a very odd,
wonderful bit of communication - either that, or she's just wanting
something.
Within five minutes, she'll jump off and go to the sitting room to
sleep. But it happens every night at the same time, and for a cat who
doesn't really like being picked up or put on people's laps, it's a
really strong emotional connection.
Anyone shed any light?
W.