Yeah, I had my Fernie for 17 years, and miss her though she died a year and a half ago. Orange didn't move in until after she was gone, so though he was old, he hadn't been here all that long. But was so lovable and gentle, he became a big part of our lives in a hurry.

The wild outside cat is now our only one, since we don't really want to get another inside cat right now--too much travelling, etc. She's a great cat and comes in for a brief purr now and then.

When we settle back down, I may ask the vets and shelters to let us know if they get a mother with little kittens. I'd love to have babies around again--used to have lots when I was a kid and cats weren't spayed and neutered as they should have been, even then. Love the tiny first steps, the newly opened eyes.