Marianne Soucy with her little black cat
The following took place a few weeks during one summer years ago when I was about 12 years old, but what happened has had such a deep impact on me and my life, that I finally decided to share it so that others may understand how deep a friendship can be between a little girl and a cat, and how important it is to educate adults about compassion – to be able to see past our own fears and limitations, and respect and reach out to animals who need our help.
I grew up in a big city, in a apartment building with 10 apartments and 2 stores at street level – but best of all; a magical back garden, a little oasis in the heart of the city, a paradise with roses, lilacs, a big birch tree and a little old pear tree with the best pears I have ever tasted. My grandmother lived there too, and she was the one who owned the building.
One summer day we got a visitor in the garden: a little black kitten. I quickly formed a friendship with the little cat. He was so full of joy and unconditional love. Every day I came home from school he would be waiting, and he would come when I called him. Unfortunately, my grandmother didn’t like cats, so I wasn’t allowed to feed him, and my parents wanted to avoid having problems with my grandmother, so they didn’t argue with her decision. It hurt me so much not to be able to feed the hungry little cat, but fortunately some other people in the apartment building secretly put food out for him.
The friendship and connection with a cat – or other animal – can be deeper than with a human, because the animal doesn’t judge you, but loves you as you are, and the connection is true and pure.
I remember the little cat running around happily in the rose bed among the blooming roses. He even allowed me to pick him up and hold him in my arms. Above, you can see a picture of me holding him.
There is one day in particular that stands out. It was a warm, sunny day, and I was down in the garden with the little cat. I had found a spot shielded from all the windows in the buildings surrounding us. I was lying on my stomach, resting in the sun, and the little black cat decided to lie on my back. He was lying there for a long time, curled up, sleeping, and I didn’t dare to move. But that feeling of closeness and deep peace as the cat was lying on my back, was amazing and impossible to describe, and I will never forget it. He hadn’t been in my life for long, but he was my closest friend.
Suddenly, I came home from school one day and he was gone! Just like that. It turned out that the adults had taken him away – not only was that a totally horrible and unnecessary thing to do, but I didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye to him. No one talked to me about it or asked for my opinion. I was in shock – and can still feel it when I think of it. The story they gave me was that one of the store keepers in the building knew a farmer, and that the cat was now on that farm. I never really believed that story, but I was too afraid of what I might hear if I dug deeper.
The cat – or rather, kitten – was beautiful, loving, trusting, and playful, and didn’t bother anyone. I couldn’t understand – and still cannot to this day – how people can do a thing like that. It is scary, how an irrational fear of and prejudice of cats can lead someone to do such a thing – to separate two best friends. He could have had a wonderful life with me. I have many times reminded myself that both my grandmother and my parents didn’t know better. Very sad.
This has obviously affected my deeply, and I can still sometimes catch myself being upset with the people who took my friend away – especially in such a cruel and thoughtless way. But holding grudges doesn’t get us anywhere, so I have decided to make up for it in any way I can ever since. My husband and I have never actively looked for a cat, but somehow cats in desperate need of help seem to end up with us. And guess what: the first one who came to us for help was a black cat! Her name is Kia, and she is a truly wonderful cat, and a special friend of mine. We have now had her for more than 10 years. All our cats have unique personalities and stories, and I might share them another time.
This story is in loving memory of that first little black kitten, who has a special place in my heart.
If you’re looking for support in coping with the loss of a beloved animal companion, see also “Healing Pet Loss – Practical Steps for Coping & Comforting Messages from Animals and Spirit Guides“.
You have such a profound sensitivity for animals and even though the loss of the little black kitten was terrible and painful, the bond which you shared has enabled you to heal and touch countless people. I hope the black kitten always feels your love.