This was a post I never expected to have to write so soon but life doesn't behave as expected does it?
Archie, my little black panther. You had had such a difficult start in life, arriving at the RSPCA in May 2019 at about 1 year old. You had lived with 84 other cats but had been well looked after, just not socialised. The RSPCA had no inquiries about you - there wasn't much going for you being black and scared of everything. But there was just something that caught my attention when I saw you.
We were warned that you may never be a friendly cat and may never allow us to stroke you or interact with us. That didn't matter to us, you could have all the freedom to do your own thing. When I first met you you didn't seem to be the cat described by the RSPCA. You didn't want affection or fussing but you would happily play at arms length. Seeing your energy I had my doubts about whether you would be a good fit for Sky but I had to take the chance. And so in October 2019 you came home with us.
It was hardly love at first sight with Sky. You had very few boundaries and she put you in your place every day, many times a day. But you rarely reacted to her and within minutes of a paw swipe or a cross meow you would be going back to her. You were wearing her down gradually and she was getting much better at tolerating you. I don't think it will come as a huge surprise though if I say that she won't miss you much! Except for being able to swap food and steal your biscuits. I did wonder whether it was fair on you to have to put up with her, but you seemed to love her and as soon as you saw her you would run to her to give her headbutts. She didn't appreciate you!
Life with your humans was smoother. You were quite relaxed the first day but got frightened with us opening a door and hid yourself away for 24 hours. You were always very curious and progress was slow at first. It was a good 2 months or so before I was able to touch you properly, and even then it was only a quick stroke before I fed you. You were quite shocked but after that you allowed it more often until I could stroke you without issues. You seemed to like to learn by example so watching Sky be fussed helped you to accept it. I could never pick you up or snuggle you but I did get a few head-buts and that meant so much. You loved playing and had boundless energy, and I think that is what Sky struggled with.
I was surprised when you showed an interest in the great outdoors a few months ago. You were cautious at first and didn't leave the garden and needed a door open to get back in. You had no sense of danger though and would run across the road especially to go and see other cats - you loved other cats, but sadly for you they didn't want to be friends. Your adventurous free spirit soon took you further afield and I laughed to see you climbing on next doors shed roof and jumping between sheds. I didn't laugh quite as much when I saw you run across the road at the bottom from the field, without hesitation. I had a premonition then you would be knocked over but I couldn't stop you from playing out.
You were such a sweet boy and I am having difficulty processing the fact that you aren't with me any more. I keep thinking that there was a mistake, there are lots of black cats around here, but I know that is impossible. The voicemail from the vets asking me to ring them about you was one of the worst ones I have taken. it didn't sink in at first why that vet would be ringing me until she said your name. And then I knew you wouldn't be coming home. I held onto hope as I ran round that you would be alive but I knew it was too late. They kindly let me see your body but covered your face. I hope your passing was quick and that you weren't scared of what was happening. I'm sorry I wasn't with you. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you.
You were very much your own cat. You didn't want to snuggle or be a lapcat, or sleep on a comfy bed if someone was in it. Heck, sometimes you needed your own space and wouldn't be in a room if someone was in it. But you were totally lovely and lovable and the times that you would snuggle were all the more special. The first time you rested your head on my hand on New Years Eve was special and I knew you loved us. You had such a personality. I will miss you swiping me after being fussed, but always with the claws in. You would swipe at me if I walked passed you the wrong way but I'm sure it was your way of playing. The sheer joy you had on Tuesday as I presented you with a feather I found in the garden, and the look on your face as you saw an even bigger feather I picked up on a walk. Those were the best toys ever and I will keep one with your ashes when you return to me. I wasn't so fond of the habit you had of biting my calf when you felt like I was serving supper fast enough but I would always laugh and you knew you were never in trouble.
I know you never met him, but look out for Robbie in the afterlife. He will be your friend until we meet again. I could see him in you in many of the things that you did - walking two steps before flopping down exhausted was the best one! I hope you enjoyed your life with us, however cruelly cut short it was. I always said you needed a lively friend and thought that Sky would pass before you so I could find you one. I'm sorry she didn't like you much. It was always a worry that you would have been happier with a friendlier cat. But selfishly I couldn't part with you and I didn't think you would have wanted that. I will miss our games of bed-mice and how you loved pouncing on my hands under the covers. I will miss you running to greet me with your tail so high in the air. I will miss seeing how proud you were when you carried your feather around. I will miss you.
Goodbye my handsome boy. You have been a joy to look after and brought great light and life into my life. You were special. A loony at times but special. Know you were loved and will be missed beyond words.
Joined me 20th October 2019, Taken from me 21st August 2020.
