Our best mate, our sweet prince, our cuddler-in-chief left us yesterday afternoon. He was 18. As a young gent he had muscles on muscles and a swagger to make the Fonz jealous. He owned every room he entered and never met a human he didn’t want to become friends with.
He was the king of our street in Melbourne. He’d escape the heavily netted backyard and wander into other people’s houses where he'd turn on the charm 'til they fed him. And when it came to other cats on the street, let’s just say he ran a tight ship. However, there was a shaky three-month period when Finnigan, a ruthless Irish brawler, moved in a few houses down and challenged Kaspar’s title. Kaspar and Finnigan would have epic fights – that’s how Kaspar’s ear was torn.
In early 2016, we took Kaspar and his sister, Missy, to LA. Kaspar’s life became quieter after that (Missy’s was always peaceful). His duties were restricted to sunning himself in the courtyard and watching the chaos of the Trump presidency on CNN. We would also stay up late and watch Australia play cricket. He’d be relaxed watching cricket – way more than he was watching the Trump presidency - although he’d sometimes jump under the couch when Michael Slater commentated. Kaspar and Missy returned to Australia in August 2020 – in the middle of the pandemic. They took a cargo AIR NZ plane that stopped off in Auckland before going to Melbourne. And after quarantine, they moved to their new home in the bush. By this time, Kaspar’s life as an escape artist, fighter, and uninvited house-caller was long over. He became a diabetic, who needed two insulin shots a day and at least 90 minutes of cuddles. He had various ailments and fought on valiantly through them all. Kaspar’s heart was broken when Missy left us two years ago.
But he soon acknowledged the benefits of being the only cat in the house. He leaves a gaping hole in our lives. I hope he’s OK wherever his soul is - maybe hanging out with Missy and chasing the souls of moths in the sky. I want to thank my wife, Amanda, for suggesting we get cats 18 years ago. We couldn’t have been more blessed.
It breaks my heart to hear of the passing of your beloved Kaspar mate. I know how much he meant to you and my heart goes out to you and Amanda. He couldn't have found a better home for this world and I hope you find each other again in the next. Much love to you all 😥
So sorry for the loss of Kaspar Zwary! It sounds like he gave you and Amanda much joy and fond memories over 18 years. A 95 human years feline is a terrific innings, just eclipsing Des and The Don! Our best friends teach us a lot about life, ourselves and unconditional love. A