Pyewacket

09/04/2021

Well, who would have thought it? Prince Philip and me, walking across the rainbow bridge together! 🌈

Yes, my friends, I’m afraid I made that journey today, in his royal highness’s esteemed company. I hope he’ll join me as I head off to create havoc in the great catnip patch in the sky – a land where you can feast all day on Dreamies and the Springwatch mouse maze is always on TV.

It was my time. I’ve had a full and adventurous life, with lots of fun and love along the way. Twice I’ve come within a whisker of death, but I wasn’t ready to go then. I survived a blood clot in 2019 and a mysterious internal bleed last spring – so you could say I’ve had over two bonus years to enjoy.

Recently I’ve become tired, though. A couple of days ago I looked my humans in the eye and said, ‘I’ve had enough’. They took me to the vet and everyone tried hard to help me, but my body was weary and I didn’t want to fight any more. I spent yesterday in the sunshine in my garden, then today it was time to say goodbye.

My humans are heartbroken, but I’ve asked Ella to comfort them. I’ve left her my territory, plus instructions to keep everyone entertained with crazy antics and the occasional bite in my memory. I think she’ll be a very merry widow!

Thank you, my friends, for all your kind comments and likes over the years. And a specially big thank-you to Livia, Alex, Meryl and all the team at Cockfosters for taking such good care of me through thick and thin. Sorry for giving you so many ‘challenges’!

Farewell, everyone. Much love to you all. Perhaps one day I’ll see you again, in a sunny place among the catnip flowers. xx

03/04/2021

OK, human, I get that you’re pleased because I’m feeling better today after a ropey day yesterday - that’s nice. But do you really have to shove a camera in my face when I’m trying to snooze?

02/04/2021

Ella: this sofa now belongs to me, by reason of the fact that I look exceptionally beautiful on it

Me: I can’t actually argue with that

30/03/2021

You know those days when you seem to have a few too many paws, noses and tails?

29/03/2021

Having once again indulged in her obsession with jumping out of open windows, Ella is now sunbathing on our neighbours’ roof. Please stay away from the edge, dear!

26/03/2021

In these times of lockdown, one must find new ways to communicate and connect with others.

Today I’m proud to say I was able to spread mayhem thousands of miles away, on another continent.

While my human was speaking to her colleague in Johannesburg on Teams, I was bellowing in the background with the full force of my lungs - causing consternation and confusion for two South African dogs at the other end.

I’ve discovered the perfect hobby for a retired cat - I can create global pandemonium without ever leaving the house! 😹

17/03/2021

Tail hugs are a thing, in case you didn’t know.

17/03/2021

At 3am the human got up because she had forgotten to feed the thing she calls a sourdough starter last night.

Not sure why she bothers - it’s not what I’d call edible. Anyway, since she was there I pointed out that Ella was outside the back door and asked if she could come in.

The human obliged, and consequently woke up to this face later!

16/03/2021

Mostly I like to keep my old bones warm indoors at the moment, but today felt quite springlike so I ventured out for a stroll in the garden.

The humans put this mesh down in the grass to protect their new crocus bulbs from squirrels. They didn’t mention anything about cats, though, so I reckon it’s fine for me to sit on the flowers.

12/03/2021

If you truly loved me, you’d let me have it!

11/03/2021

Look very carefully and you might spot a third cat in this photo. He doesn’t say or do a lot, though, to be honest.

04/03/2021

What can I say? We felines like to travel and see the world. Think I would have opted for an inside seat personally, though.

Feline was a whisker away from a 125mph ride when it was spotted at Euston station on Tuesday evening

03/03/2021

Yesterday the humans were very excited because they’d had an injection to stop them getting ill.

Today the injection had made them ill.

This seems rather counterproductive to me. But I’m not complaining - they lit the fire and spent the day beside it swaddled in blankets, where I joined them.

28/02/2021

I don’t like the sound of this. Cats, foxes or any other creatures should not be killed with snares. What a way to go! My human has signed the petition and asked me to share it.

945 signatures are still needed! Bolton Abbey Estate must STOP killing feral cats on their grouse moors!!

12/02/2021

I'm a retired cat, so I don't do hunting these days. Never was much of a fan, to be honest. Anyway, this info could be useful to all you humans who serve young whippersnapper cats!

Millions of pet cats are estimated to kill billions of animals a year but grain-free food can change cat behaviour

10/02/2021

Ella: Pye, have you noticed that when I greet your human she always says, ‘Hello, Ella - are you squeaky?’ then she tickles and cuddles me until I go, ‘Meep! Meep! Meep!’? I’m not sure I like this.

Me: Oh dear, no, that’s not really on. I’ll have a word.

(Hope she didn’t notice me stifling a chuckle!)

10/02/2021

Bitterly cold outside. Cosy and snuggly inside!

08/02/2021

Woke up to find the Beast from the East in residence in the garden, and everything looking distinctly deep and crisp and even.

Ella decided she was prepared to dip her paws in it, but I’ve seen 16 winters and learned that snow is best observed from inside a warm house!

07/02/2021

Well, what else can you do when it’s snowing and blowing a hooley outside?

29/01/2021

Ella to humans: You were never going to finish that 1000-piece jigsaw you started at Christmas. Don’t you think it looks much better as an art installation scattered across the floor?

Humans: %& #!?€¥£*!!!

27/01/2021

Oi, human! It’s lunchtime! Go and fix something for us - I mean, for yourself.

26/01/2021

Don’t you know it’s rude not to share? Especially when you’re having prawns for lunch!

25/01/2021

That disdainful paw tells you everything about Ella’s view of this white stuff.

24/01/2021

A bowl of bread dough is proving by the fire, and I consider it my duty to guard it with my life.

(This decision has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that it’s pouring with snow outside.)

20/01/2021

I’ve found the ‘hard stare’ technique to be highly effective. Within moments I can guarantee this human will feel an irresistible compulsion to turn around and feed me Dreamies.

18/01/2021

The cat knows best! A guide for this Blue Monday 😘

08/01/2021

My dear doggy cousin Barkley sadly passed over the rainbow yesterday. He was a sweet, gentle soul who will be very much missed by everyone who knew him.

04/01/2021

The humans are doing a 30-day yoga challenge. As an expert practitioner myself, I am helping.

https://timsenesiyoga.com/30dayyogachallenges

03/01/2021

It’s time to say goodbye to the Christmas cat again. She‘s off to her home in the loft, and presumably that means no more smoked salmon, cheese, ham, goose, cream or random handfuls of treats for me. 😿