In memory of Mr Gum

Mr Gum passed away recently at the grand old age of 17. He was my partner in crime since I was 7, and I miss him dearly. He loved following my Mum and me around the house, making himself useful as we tried to complete our daily tasks. He would sit on the calendar or newspaper she was reading, nuzzle into my laptop when I was trying to study, or plonk himself in the middle of the chessboard. He was a well-mannered cat, and would usually come sit beside me at the table during lunch and dinner. He would sit and wait until everyone had finished, before excusing himself and heading to one of his favourite spots: sitting by the fire in the living room, or squeezing himself onto the small pillow at the edge of the couch. When he got a chance, he would cosy up to Dad for belly rubs, usually late in the evening when his brother was asleep, and competition for attention was scarce. In his later years, Mr Gum developed kidney disease, resulting in frequent trips to the water bowl, something that developed into trips outside to drink from the puddle that would form on the garden table. When the weather was too wet, or too dry, he would sneak himself into the kitchen sink and drink from the leaks in the tap, something I think of fondly. If he was caught, he would scamper to one of his obscure hiding spots: the shoe rack, the washing basket, an IKEA bag, wherever he could squeeze his tiny self into. His appetite also declined during this time, but he would always be waiting at exactly 1700 in the kitchen for his wet food, where he would lick the juices from both his and his brother's bowls, usually before his brother even made it to the kitchen. In his final days, we made sure to do all of his favourite things; we made snacks in the kitchen with him, carved pumpkins, took him outside to enjoy the sun, and cosied up in bed and on the floor beside him. My girlfriend came and visited every day, something that brought him joy, which in turn made me feel more at ease. His passing was heartbreaking but gentle. He passed away in my arms, sitting in his favourite spot, next to his brother and surrounded by family. I would give anything to have him back, but I find comfort in knowing that he lived a life full of as much love as a cat can receive, and that he has given me treasured memories that will live with me long after his passing.

by Sam McMillan