In memory of Matie

Matie was the last childhood pet of four. He passed peacefully on the 4th of June, 2024. His mother was found in a coal bunker, and later her kittens were discovered and reunited with her. We adopted them in 2006, when I was six years old. I'm 24 now, and studied animal care and went on to work with cats because of all the joyful memories I was lucky enough to share with my babies. Thank you for that. Matie actually began as a Katie. Not the best name choice, but my six year old self insisted. Until we found out she was a he! So as to not confuse him, we changed it from Katie to Matie. Unorthodox, but it really did suit him. Our rogue little pirate boy. Matie was always a fit, healthy cat. He was quick, agile and loved to play with string toys and blades of grass. He had a quiet love for his brother pumpkin, and when pumpkin passed he slowly began to decline. Matie always had a soft side, but it really started to show later in life. He loved company - he loved to be doted on. His tastes changed frequently, but we always made sure he was well fed and happy. He LOVED head and ear scratches. His favourite flavours were fishy. He suits a daisy chain necklace. He Loved his cardboard box beds. He loved to climb on my dad's back, he felt like the top of the world up there. He loved to carried from room to room for a commentated house tour he already knew by heart. He loved to paw and jab and my mum and chew her hair to wake her up. He loved a good belly scratch. He loved shoelaces. He loved lazying about in the garden, sunning his sleek black fur. He had an immutable trust for all of us. He had so many nicknames. Matie potati was my favourite. He loved when my brother came home to visit. He always found comfort by his side. He'd trample all over our family board games just to be close to us. His favourite spot in the garden became "Matie's Meadow". I hope he finds peace in that sunny, grassy corner of heaven on earth. We'll always love you darling, rest easy - we'll meet you there later. Say hi to Lady and Pumpkin and Smokey and Fluff and Jerry and BB for us.

by Susie Garratt