Metal Meredith

It’s been one year since my big fat cat died.

I don’t like to think about last year this time. It was full of uncertainty and heartbreak. I spent a week watching him deteriorate until it was time to make the ultimate decision. I don’t regret doing so, just that it took me so long to do it. He was so thin and frail, so I am making the decision to let those memories go and to only remember the scoundrel that was my huge cat.

Griffon was so very cool. Even at his worst times, he was such a huge personality all tucked into this gigantic mushy cat. He laid spread eagle on his back when he napped. When he was spread out on the floor, he looked a lot like a walrus, stiff whiskers and blubbery belly. He had this tiny little head perched on this massive body. He was all ears, belly and tail.

Griffon would lay on the floor in the hallway. When we walked by, he would give us a little swat. Sometimes, he gave us a ‘warning nibble’. It was the precursor to an all out play biting war.

If we were in the kitchen, so was he. He would be right where we needed to be. I suppose this is the reason he seemed so much larger than he was, he was always underfoot. He liked to lay down right in pathways and almost dare us to step over him. One swipe and he would snag a pant leg or sock.

Griffon had this massive purr. It was so loud, it could be heard immediately when he entered a room. When I was pregnant with Vivienne, I always knew she would know Griffon as soon as she came home from the hospital. He spent many an evening curled up half on my belly purring away. Vivienne would kick from the inside until he moved. Even then she was bossy.

His 25 pound body would also attempt to walk up us when we were in bed. He would sit on my stomach as I adjusted my breathing for this giant purring fuzz ball on top of me. If he was particularly needy, he would slowly crawl up to my face and sniff me. Then, as if to demand MORE attention, would rub his nose on my face and make me sneeze.

I miss Griffon a lot. I have thought many times about getting another cat. I suppose even after a year, it doesn’t seem like I am ready to open my heart and home to another cat. Besides, as all of us were mourning the loss of ol’ fatty, my eldest cat is reveling in being the only animal in the house. I suppose I shouldn’t mess with her happiness for a while longer. She is so rude like that.

Everyone, please give Griffon a memorial virtual high five today. I am sure he is still loafing around here someplace.