Last Saturday, it was Hazel’s time to go. After 14 years, she succumbed to Feline Mediastinal Lymphoma.
Dear Angels who gained a cat in Heaven,
Her name is Hazel and she’s the best cat you’ll ever have. She responds to many nicknames (Beavis, Floofy, and Woofy), but I’m sure you’ll make some of your own. You’ll know if she likes you because she’ll sit on your lap the first night she’s there. If she’s comfortable enough, she’ll sleep there all night.
A few tips in caring for Hazel:
She really likes peanut butter, frozen eggo waffles, tuna and apples. Whenever you eat an apple, let her lick the core. She likes corn too, but please be careful to not let her get her head stuck in the can. Please watch your plate of food, whatever you’re eating, she will beg for it. She’s grown wise and knows how to off balance paper plates, especially with her chin. Don’t let her fool you, she’ll pretend she’s hungry all the time, but is well fed.
She’s a vocal cat, so please even if it makes you feel completely stupid, meow and chirp back at her. She really gets a kick out of it. If she’s stubborn to come sit with you at first, just ask her “Oh Hazel, Do you want that?” Most of the time she won’t want it, but she’ll come running and check it out anyway, no matter what you do or don’t have in your hands.
When she does sit with you, please rub her ears and her butt. She loves that, especially when you ask her “Do you want to do the ears?” She loves the kitty comb and stretching out, so please make sure you brush her. After she gives herself a bath, you have to tell her “Oh, Hazel! You look pretty today!”. It makes her feel good about herself.
Whatever you’re doing, she’ll be interested in. She’ll look over your shoulder as you do work, and make sure you take breaks to pet her and feed her. She’s a good companion like that, even if she thinks the desk chair, the desk, and anything you’re working on is in fact, hers.
At night, she can tend to be a little picky, so you have to ask her if she wants to get on top of the blankies or under the blankies. She’ll make up her mind, then probably change it again, but she’s a great sleeping companion. She’ll cuddle you all day if you let her.
She does have a naughty streak too. She’s an indoor cat, curious as they come, especially near the front door, so be careful when you leave. If she spends too much time near the front door, or gets into anything naughty give her a “Oh! Do I have to hold you like a little baby kitty?” Then, cradle her like a baby, even though it isn’t her favorite thing. Eventually, you might be able to get her to sit with you like that, but it will take some time.
She likes toys she can hunt and kick with her rabbit feet. Usually stuffed plushes work best, and if you throw a “toy-toy” (usually a granola bar wrapper, wrapped tight and tied in a knot) for her enough times, she’ll play fetch with you, just be mindful of the teeth and claws.
When you shower and get ready for the day, let her in the bathroom to “Get the water”, she loves to lick water straight from the spout. She’s good at cleaning herself, usually taking long baths in between long naps. She’s beautiful with a thick coat. She used to have a “13” in the lines of her fur on her side, but I’m afraid that got shaved off when she had the “overnight stay from hell”. I’m sorry it didn’t grow back before you got her. Please, regardless, tell her she looks and feels pretty every day.
She will follow you anywhere and everywhere. Even to the bathroom. Just make sure you sit up straight or she will be there to jump and perch on your shoulders and check out what’s going on.
Lastly, Whenever you go anywhere and leave her behind, please tell her good-bye and pet her head at least. She really responds well to “Bye Hazel, you be good.” Even though she has no intentions of being good, but seeing what she can get away with.
Please give her all the love we would and tell her that we miss her and we love her every day.
Please take care of my cat and treat her well,
Breanna
