I've been avoiding this thread ... for reasons.
From left to right, Pembo, Tegan and Benny (P & B are brothers). These were the "kids" who have been in my life post-High School
Pembo disappeared 8 years or so ago. We suspect it was our neighbours then partner as he and Benny liked to go over and visit and beat up their cat. I woke up about 4am, walked past the bedroom where my sister and few months old nephew were sleeping and he was on the bed then. By 7am he'd vanished.
Tegan joined the family just after I finished high school. We'd gone a few months without a cat and one day mum said we should go check out the animal shelter "just for a look". When we got there Tegan was all over her, very affectionate, mum couldn't resist. Turned out though she was just a hussy and did that for everyone.
Tegan was basically my cat, "Missy Meow" had a very sweet voice. She left us a few months after Pembo. She didn't adjust well to my (then new) nephew and "moved out", spent a lot of her time outside (after being an indoors cat) and went off her food.
Benny stuck around though. They say animals take after their owners, and I guess Benny got his grumpiness from me! He was a rough and tumble cat, spending many nights going out and getting into fights, he had many injuries over the years. But when it rained or got cold he had no hesitation in taking over your bed, he took great enjoyment in curling up on top of the sheets between your legs ... provided you were under the sheets so he could pin you.
He also didn't mind a good nibble of your finger. Offer it to him and he'd lick it before crunching down. He had an addiction to food pellets for turtles. Once he heard you shaking the tin he'd appear out of no where, his eyes glazed over like a zombie looking for food.
And the reason why I've avoided this thread is because he hasn't been too well for a while now. His hips were shot, he could no longer clean himself ... so last Friday we made the decision and he left us.
While there were cats (and many other animals) before them, and after them, these three have been a part of my life for 20 odd years, which if you do that maths, is over half my life time.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go ban someone to re-establish my rep.