Even though we frequently joked about Marcel’s really big/long back feet, it was his heart that was supersized. Without a doubt, Marcel had the biggest heart in our household. He had love for every member of the family and not only groomed his brother Loki and Emma the dog, but often licked Zippy and me with his rough, pink tongue.

Longtime readers of this blog have been treated to many photos of camera-shy but oh-so-photogenic Marcel over the years. (A sampling here, here, and here, plus a Friday Five devoted to Marcel here.) This pic from May 3rd was snapped at bedtime to send to Zebu (because what better way to ensure your son’s sweet dreams than with an intense cat photo?)

Today we had to say goodbye to our lovable goof.

It all happened very quickly. Marcel had been listless and less active over the last several days and this morning, for the first time in the history of Marcel,  turned down his breakfast. Our vet got us in quickly and the news was very bad.  The options were limited and not-great, and the only one that made sense for our beautiful, approximately 14-year-old cat was to end his suffering. Breathing had become difficult and painful. We scheduled one of those sainted veterinarians who perform euthanasia at people’s homes to come help us a few hours later.

We used our remaining time together wisely. In a role reversal, Brother Loki groomed Marcel.

Marcel and I spent some of that time outside where he sniffed at flowers and took a few peppy steps in pursuit of a bee.

He watched two swallows perched on an eave. He even carefully flopped down to roll on the concrete, inviting me to rub his tummy.

Twice, I caught him “making kitty biscuits,” his front paws curling as he (an indoor cat) reveled in his outdoor freedom. He did not, however, exhibit his ultimate proof of happiness: drool. But, he did lick his paw and swipe at his head to remove the dust he’d collected while rolling about on the concrete. Marcel was fastidious to the end, even licking the back of his tail which Zebu and I had always teased Mr. Tidy for its yellowish tint.

Too soon, I was holding that soft, wonderful, big-hearted boy in my arms as he took his final breath. My hoodie is covered in his white hairs and my heart is struggling to process what happened so quickly and unexpectedly. All I know for sure is I’m forever grateful Marcel chose us way back in 2013 when Zebu and I walked into that pet food store where we’d been told two cat brothers were being fostered while waiting to be adopted. Marcel literally met us at the door and we never looked back.

Thank you for the years of smiles, snuggles, and games of fetch-the-elastic, Marcel. You were a gift to this family.

Here he is waiting to be fed because the brick on the food bin was there to prevent Marcel helping himself.    October 12, 2023