Remembering Kiya

On Wednesday, February 21, 2007, Kiya passed away from metastatic cancer. Thankfully, her suffering and passing was very quick. For almost 14 years, E and I gave her lots of love and petting, and enjoyed her Buddha-like presence.

Kiya was a survivor. She survived 2 lumpectomies, a mini-stroke, and a thyroid imbalance.

Kiya was a purr-master. She purred with zest into my ear at night when I tried to sleep.

Though Kiya would have preferred to be an only cat, she generously tolerated her brothers and sister and only gave them a quick wack with her paw whenever they invaded her personal space.

Kiya had a hearty appetite. Even in the last days of her life, she ate with gusto and meowed loudly for her snacks.

Kiya was a big cat. People often assumed she was pregnant. She resembled a little Buddha, sitting or laying in one spot for long meditative stretches of time. She often rolled over onto her back and exposed her soft white belly to the sun.

Kiya was beautiful. She had gorgeous, soft, black and white fur that she cleaned with care. She also had deep green eyes that shone like emeralds.

We miss Kiya’s presence in our lives and hope she is in a much happier place, free from sickness and with lots of warm spots to nap in and lots of yummy wet food and snacks to eat.