Remembering Daisy (2010-2023)

aka “The Baby” “Bubsee” “Crazy Daisy Maizy”

Daisy, named after her mom’s childhood cat, was born at Pettipas Cattery on 20 June 2010, the runt of six. She was a tortie with the cutest tufts of hair on the tips of her ears, a gorgeous fluffy tail, a furry face, huge expressive green-yellow eyes, very little body hair, and the sweetest voice. Daisy was a tiny creature, but quite spunky, VERY talkative and fearless, with loads of catitude! She adored her brothers, especially Rascal, but they were well aware she was the “Queen” of the pack. Anytime her mom yelled “DAY-ZY” she would excitedly make eye contact, meow, and speed walk the cutest two-beat gait to mom’s lap. When cradled like a baby, her large luminous eyes gazed directly into yours. Daisy’s intense, unbroken stare could leave you feeling both mesmerized and understood, as if you were truly seen and unconditionally loved by this wise and perceptive feline.

She had the smelliest poop, was a bit klutzy, and far from dainty. At bedtime, Daisy would crawl under the covers and body slam herself into a spooning position against her mommy, then sweetly wrap her little paw around mom’s finger. Each morning, she would position herself on her mom’s chest for a face and neck massage, purring fervently. At breakfast, she would initiate a very cute boxing match with her brother Forest when day after day he naively sat in her designated “eating spot.” Daisy spent her days inside her mom’s hoodie, expertly balanced on top of a heater, outstretched in a ray of sunlight, or snuggling in front of the fire with her brothers. She allowed them to groom her, but would give a brazen whack to the head when she’d had enough. At night, Daddy was her chosen human for lap sitting, neck rubs and butt pats – but not butt rubs!! – her loud screech and glaring eyes let him know if he crossed the line. When strokes were delivered just right, she would would express her contentment by emitting a deep, resonant purr and swishing her tail vigorously from side to side. She was Daddy’s little girl.

Daisy was not to be ignored! She would sit at your feet and meow incessantly until she was the center of attention. If you were sleeping, she would swat at your head continuously until you acknowledged her presence. Despite having cardboard and cat tree options, her favorite pastime was shredding every piece of furniture we owned. She had the eyes of a hawk! If you tossed a piece of kibble, she would dramatically jump, slide, or somersault to catch and eagerly gulp down her prize. Her favorite foods were cheese, butter, and spaghetti. She enjoyed bird and squirrel watching, fish swimming videos, string toys, select small bouncy balls, the automatic toy feather machine, digging in kitty litter, and pushing cans and pill bottles off the counter. Occasionally, she enjoyed chasing her brother Jackson–she would stalk, crouch, wiggle her tiny bum, and pounce.

Some of Daisy’s antics included settling into a warm pot just out of the dishwasher, charging at her dog nephew Clipper who was 10 times her size, causing him to retreat (luckily there was a screen between them), and pouncing on our friend Rosemary’s belly while she lay on our gym weight bench. We once took her to our Boston condo alone for the night, and she wandered around for awhile meowing, clearly distraught that she could not locate her brothers to join the cat pile. Daisy resided in multiple homes and frequently traveled between Jackson, Boston, and Arlington, VA, seemingly unfazed by long car rides. She loved to greet visitors and made many feel special when she chose their lap. She was adored by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In 2018, Daisy was diagnosed with cecal lymphoma, and then in 2022, with congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy. She had a strong will to live and fought very hard to stay with us. She was our miracle kitty and remained active and snuggly despite frequent ear infections, two surgeries, several hospital stays, numerous doctor’s appointments, and loads of medications invading her body. She kept her spunk and most of the time we “forgot” she was sick. On 10 February 2023, after a two-week viral illness, she departed this life peacefully in the arms of her sobbing mom and dad. Her final evening, seemingly knowing the end was near, she switched laps between mom and dad a few times, despite being unsteady on her feet, then spent the morning snuggling with Rascal and Jackson while they simultaneously groomed her. We are grateful to have had 12 ½ years of unconditional love from this quirky little girl who kept us laughing and did it her way. Our home feels empty. Baby Daisy, you will forever be in our hearts. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later Bubsee.