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Aino

Aino was a sweet cat who passed away September 24, 2019, in Finland where her Mama Katie lives. She is fondly remembered by Katie’s parents. ~~ Mr. and Mrs. Beltz.

Aleda

Aleda….Our little winged angel
Flying above and watching over us

Resting in Paradise 03/24/2018
~~ Anony-mouse

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Binky

My Binky (the inky) passed about 9 months ago. He had a tumor near his stomach. He was my baby. He was 17 so he had a great life. I miss him but as they say, life goes on. Rest in peace sweet heart, Daddy will never forget you. ​ ~~​timbodut​ (England​, Feb 2018)

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Cleo

On 12/29/2017 Cleo gave up one of her nine lives. She was my constant companion and always enjoyed “helping” me around the house, guarding my shoes, monitoring my computer use, and being carried around in boxes. She was outgoing and curious. She lived 18 wonderful years.  I will miss her so much.   ~~Susan C./schinn81

Coco

Goodnight, Coco

What it really means when you adopt an animal – the commitment for life.

20 years ago, I saw you – a big beautiful Tortie – walking along the fence rail by the woods. It wasn’t long before I realized you lived in the woods but you decided my patio was a great place for a daily drink since I had a fountain in my garden.

I had three Siamese and had just rescued a tabbyco (a tabby/calico mix) and was in the process of working with a rescue group to find her a home, and all I could think was, “uh oh.”

But, we got used to seeing each other, although you made it clear you did not like people, or other animals, and wanted to be left alone!

A few months later you brought kittens to the patio and left them in my hydrangeas for the day where a pair of raccoons found them that night – and the saga began.
I ran out in the middle of the night after hearing you screaming – and swooped the kittens into a planter pot while you fought off the raccoons, and then you followed me into the garage to lick your wounds and be sure the kittens were ok. It was pretty funny when you were ready to move them the next day, and they wouldn’t listen to you or leave the safety of the garage. So, we compromised. I got you a cat ‘window’ you could climb in and out of the garage, and ‘we’ raised the kittens, got everybody spayed and neutered (including you), and I found the kittens good homes. You got your ‘trap n release’ ear tip, and I let you go back to living on my patio, or the woods, your preference. And while I still could not touch you, you decided the patio was home during the day, and the garage was your safe place at night – even though you tried to bite me every time I gave you dinner – for at least three years.

Then came the endless lives of Coco. You were mauled by some type of canine, full of infection when I found you hiding in the garage – and that was just the first trip to the vet ‘to fix it’. Then you almost drowned in a mushroom bog which meant years of lung infections and help from our wonderful vets to keep you going. But after that, you were weaker, and you rarely left your place on the patio storage chest where you had a nice bed. After 10 years of our routine, I moved back to Ohio and decided you better come along. Nobody would want a ‘patio’ cat that didn’t like people – or any other animal for that matter.

So, I loaded you up along with my house cats, and we drove the 600 miles home to Ohio. My two usually vocal Siamese cats never made a peep, but you howled the entire trip – and to this day my nerves jingle remembering that trip.

It wasn’t long after we got home to Ohio that you started drooling and we found a tumor in your mouth, so your new vet had you in surgery right away. I knew if I had left you behind you would not have survived it, so I was glad I trapped you and brought you along. Even though you were sometimes a pain in my …!! You bounced right back, but at 11, things were wearing on you a little and I knew you weren’t safe wandering, yet you still wanted to be an outdoor cat. You hated the house, so I got you a catio and another ‘window’ door – and my garage became your luxury apartment with a heated bed, space heaters for a cozy winter, and a nice outdoor space where you spent every day of spring, summer, and fall (and many winter days) outside in your ‘house’, on your ‘hammock’ or under your favorite shrub. We sometimes went for walks, but you usually just wanted back in your catio, and would run to it and try to get into it, even from the outside!

You were going deaf by now, and I knew it was the only safe place for you, so we were both happy. I never expected that to last another nine years.

We had a couple more emergency infections since your tumor, endless ear infections, and all told, at least 45 vet trips over your lifetime (including annuals) – but about a year ago, you developed hyperthyroidism and started to significantly decline, even with medication.

Today, after about 20 years, we said goodbye.

The last few years you were very mellow and loved for me to hold and brush you, but you would not accept anyone else. At least you stopped trying to bite the vet.

I’m so glad we were able to be here at home, in private, with quiet and peace – and that you were able to leave with no stress, no fear, no pain. In my arms, with your tongue still trying to lick my hand.

You had a home, safety, food, love, and healthcare for 20 years. Not bad for a tough, feral Tortie with a terrible temper. I always said you were a mess, but you were my mess.

I never really wanted to deal with a cat that was not a pet and so much work for 20 years, but when I took you in, I took on the responsibility. Animals are not disposable, and sometimes it’s inconvenient, expensive, and frustrating to accommodate their lives in the way that’s best for them.

This doesn’t mean there aren’t times when people must find another answer – responsible rehoming is understandable when you keep and nurture your animal until you find the right foster or new home that works for them. But they never deserve to be hurt, abused, dumped, or abandoned, ever.

For all the trouble you were, Coco, I was ready to keep going, but the wonderful vet gently nodded to me that it was the right time.

So goodbye and goodnight, old girl. The rainbow bridge is waiting.

Cricket

Cricket was an FFRC cat who ‘adopted’ me 9 years ago. He was the most loving cat I’ve ever had. His favorite spot was on my lap. He was always purring. His purr sounded like chirping so we named him Cricket. Our hearts were broken when we found out this beautiful creature had cancer. He passed on 1/17/2018, laying on my lap. A truly amazing cat who has left a void in our lives. He was only 9 1/2 years young. I can no longer hold him on my lap, but I will always hold him in my heart. Rest now, my sweet boy.  ~~Sadly missed by Dave & Judy W.

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Fluffy

Fluffy, the Norwegian-(French)-Forest-Tomcat, one day simply decided all by himself to move in with us, and he became a wonderful companion for more than 10 years. He had to cross the bridge in 2020, and he must be glad to know that a worthy successor of the same generation is taking good care of his former territories now. Thank you for every purr and cuddle, dear Fluffy!  ~~Hans Z. Family

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Granny

Granny cat died at age 23. We miss her so much. She loved people but not other cats. Our other 5 stayed away. She had such a wonderful personality and was a beautiful little calico. You are so special Granny.   ~~Linda & Bill

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Henry R Peeps

When the cat you love becomes a memory,

the memory becomes a treasure.  ~~Mudjie

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Jasmine

Jasmine, our 22 year purr baby, left for over the Rainbow Bridge. She loved everyone, but Bill and I were her favorites. We had her since she was a tiny kitten. We miss you Jaz.  ~~ Linda & Bill

Jordy

Jordy—When I try to think of the words to express what happened to Jordy, my mind keeps going back to one word, HERO. Joining Paradise 1-29-2018.  ~~Anonymous

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Little Kat

Little Kat came home when she was a year old. She was a “rescue cat” and picked us as her parents. She knew that she would be spoiled, but, it worked the other way around, she spoiled us. Her personality kept us entertained every day. She had “jobs,” making sure we got up in the morning, making “coffee” with Alan, when she expected her “pats,” meeting us at the door when we went out, enjoyed meeting neighbors as she was wheeled in her stroller. Such a polite girl, she didn’t enter a room without being invited, her soft meows were like her soft fur that needed brushing at 3 PM. She loved to color, liked to “write letters” to her vet and friends, sit on the porch to watch the birds and squirrels, sit with us in the evening….so many wonderful memories, so missed by her parents, Elaine and Alan. Our lives were blessed with Little Kat for 18 1/2 years…we will always have her in our hearts. (Her other name was Patshoo as in “Do you want me to pat you??”) ~~Elaine and Alan

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Missy

That one extra extra special cat….that was my Missy. She came to FFRC as a wee baby. I bottle fed her and we bonded. She came into the house and became a Moss cat. She was one of the best lap cats ever. I loved her so and still miss her.  ~~Jacci M.

Moo and Pip

Much loved and missed by us, mum Gato and siblings Little Man, Penny and Zee. Our family is smaller but we will never forget Basher Moo and Princess Pip .  ~~Miranda from the UK

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Oscar

Our beloved Oscar crossed the rainbow bridge on February 12th 2024 just a few weeks shy of his 16th birthday. He was the head supervisor in our household and we were blessed to serve him all these years. Thank you for the joy you gave to us. ~~ Chris and Heather Held

Otto

In loving memory of my little Otto, a gentle soul, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 10/20/2017, at the age of 14 and one-half. He is greatly missed. ~~Vaun S./vrs1cats

Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die.  (by M.E.Frye)

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Peyton

Peyton was a stay who showed up on our front porch one really hot June day 11 years ago. Been gone a year April 17th. He was my “studio cat” and best buddy. I still see him once in awhile out of the corner of my eye, was around in my shop 24/7. ~~Thomas E.

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Rags

“Our first Kitten” that came to us almost 15 years ago.  She was given to me at an event I was attending, as she had been wandering in a field.  She fit right in with our other two adult cats, and soon became the queen of the house.  We will miss you Rags, my first kitten. June 2007 – 3/2/2022. ~~ Thomas E.

Ron

Sweet little Ron crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday July 13th, 2024. He was 14 years old and brought us such comfort and joy. We will miss you sitting near the computer to supervise the work. We will be waiting for your morning greetings and reminders at meal times. Bath time will be strange without you sitting beside the tub on your towel. You were a powerful presence in our home and will never be forgotten. Thank you for the gift of your life. You are adored. ~~ Chris and Heather Held

In memory of sweet and carefree Ron-Ron, who gently patrolled his home with grace and cared for each visitor, even though shy at times. Ron was a beloved member of his extended family and his loss is keenly felt. May his presence, memory, and gentle and sweet demeanor continue to surround his caregivers each day and bring them comfort. ~~ With love from Ron’s grandparents, Roger & Vicky, his aunt & uncle, Pam & Jay, and his feline cousin, Lucy.

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Sadie

Sadie, was our first cat, she has been gone about 6 years but she was instrumental in making me a “Cat Daddy.” We got her as a stray; she was about 12 when she passed. ~~Thomas E.

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Zorro

Lovable Zorro–waiting happily with all our best friends at the Rainbow Bridge, joining us to our Promised Land. ~~Anonymous