15 Our darling Tinkerbell came into our lives back in 2010 after we sought another feline companion. Our previous dear 20-year-old Bobby had passed away 6 months earlier. We were “just looking” when we arrived at CPS in Enmore to view some potential cats. We weren’t sure if we wanted a kitten or a mature cat. One of the staff mentioned an older cat, 5 years of age, deaf and with recent surgery to remove the tips of her ears due to skin cancer. That’s when we met Tinkerbell; a cautious, pretty, snow-white cat who had been at CPS for months after her owner passed away. She looked like she needed a family as much as we wanted a sweet kitty back in our lives. We were told “she’s a bit bite-y” and jumpy because other cats sneaked up on her without her always knowing it. We brought her to our home and settled her in with treats, a comfy bed and toys. She gradually explored every nook to the point that she disappeared for a number of hours! Being deaf, she couldn’t respond to our calls. Panic was averted when we eventually found her sleeping soundly, curled up under the stairs among boxes and bags. We learnt to tap our wooden floors, metal balustrade and open cans of tuna to get her attention after that! She did everything on her own terms. At 5am there was the incredible howling that echoed from floor to ceiling as she summoned us for her breakfast! Our neighbour even commented on the incredible volume! Of course, she is a deaf girl and had no limit to her voice. She would watch us from the stairs as we worked or sit with us on the lounge, occasionally reaching out with a foot to touch us. Her favourite place was on the table in the sunroom where she could watch us on the deck during BBQs and late dinners or gardening, and she would enjoy admiring the butterflies, birds and cats from next door. She remained an indoor cat who had plenty of supervised time outside to chew grass and gather cobwebs in secret places in the garden. As she grew older; 10, then 15 and to 20!!! she remained our constant little welcoming home committee, alarm clock, and bug catcher. She went from a tubby girl to a very skinny older puss. She developed hyperthyroidism that was greatly helped with medication. She was a good girl who patiently sat staring into our eyes while we medicated her. She trusted us as the inside of our home was her whole world. She sat and observed us, but became so much more affectionate, crawling up onto our laps for cuddles and patty-pats. In her last few months, she bravely faced some vet visits but always seemed to bounce back. She was looking tired, but we were hopeful she would be with us to celebrate her 21st birthday in April 2026. However, on her own terms she slipped quietly away from us overnight on 12 February. Dear old girl, you are 20 years, 10 months, 1 week and 3 days of age … forever. We miss her terribly and are thankful that the quirky, loveable Tinkerbell chose us as family. Peter and Morgan IN MEMORIAM Tinkerbell
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