Dark brown and orange cat laying down on a rug

My sweet Samantha crossed the rainbow bridge this morning. She was 17, almost 18 years old, and was diagnosed with cancer in Aug 2023.

Adopted in 2017 from the Dancing Cat cat cafe in San Jose CA, I’ve had her for 7.5 years and most of my adult life. She’s moved across the country with me multiple times, and has been a rock and a comfort during some of my darkest nights. There are no words to express how grateful I am for her cuddly, loving presence.

She loved belly rubs and chin scratches. Had the biggest motorboat purrs and would sit on my lap for hours while I knit/read/played games. She was my soul kitty, who at times seemed to understand exactly what I was saying or feeling. She’s licked my tears as I cried, understood hand gestures consistently, was a talkative little bean, and put up with many silly songs about her. It took her years, but she eventually let me pick her up, and trust me fully. She was a good sport about the new kittens, and I’m pretty sure passed on her cuddle gene to them (despite never letting them near her). She is already so deeply missed, and I don’t think the hole she’s left in my life will ever be filled.

Samantha I love you so much. I hope she’s found a little spot of sunshine to nap in until I can see her again.