You hear about pets who out-live their usefulness. Really - cats may seem to have no real use, so maybe that's some kind of oxymoron to begin with. But lest you think this is becoming a "cat-bashing" post, read on.
Cheetah had a rather austere beginning; a simple farm-cat that was born to a simple farm-cat. Who knows where his career-path would have led, had our little band of curtain-climbers had not gone as a pack to select a birthday gift for our oldest - Nathaniel. I can still remember all of them clamoring through the strawberry patch behind Keith Drury's house to find the "nest". The mother cat was there, dutifully keeping watch over the flock . . . . . by daylight. After carefully inspecting each cat, Nathaniel finally settled on his choice - Cheetah. He cuddled him tightly while the others buzzed around like seagulls after your french fries. For some reason, Brenda had a weak moment and we ended up going home with Cheetah +2.
Cheetah was the most friendly, the most considerate of the 3 cats. And he has outlived both the other cats by a good many years. He was the cat Nathaniel trained after reading a book and worked for a couple weeks. One day, Cheetah came strolling through and Nathaniel - eager to show off his newly learned skill said, "Watch this . . . . . . . . Cheetah, ignore me!!" And we watched with wonder and amazement and Cheetah did exactly as he was instructed.
Brilliant cat.
Cheetah made the move from Indiana to Arizona, and then 11 years later, from Arizona to Virginia. None of the other cats got to fly in an airplane. I'm guessing he probably told them it was nothing to be envied. He was a reliable greeter of house guests - even those that don't particularly care for cats. That didn't bother him in the least. I guess he thought he was doing his part for feline-human relations.
Don't you think for a moment that Cheetah didn't have his faults. (1) He ALWAYS greeted you at the top of the stairs with a squawky-meow. (2) He would rub his cheek against you with his lip curled up - scratching you a little with his tooth. (3) He usually found his way to your lap if you let him, sharing the warmth. (4) He wouldn't take too much grief from the dog(s). He outlived two of them, three or four cats and a rabbit. (5) He didn't mind sharing my bed with me . . . . sometimes he would even move over.
Rest In Peace, Cheetah. Old age finally took over. I hope I can slip away with grace as you have, being a friend to all - even those that didn't like you.
CHEETAH
1993 - Sept 24, 2009
