A Father’s Day Tribute to Zee!
Shortly after we got Zee, we began a complete knock down, drag out renovation of our home. Zee was with us every step of the way and loved being part of the process!
Once upon a time, a long, long, long time ago in 2005, way before high quality photos and knowledge of the Internet and blogs, there was a kitten named Zee who was still so young that he had not yet grown into his full, fluffy mancoat. For the most part, he was a happy and content cat, sharing his days with his older feline family members, some boring humans, and a dog. Because he was an active and curious sort of fellow, eventually his older feline family members got tired of his bold and obnoxious kitten ways, the dog ignored him, and while the humans were well intentioned, they were no substitute for a cat’s company and he longed for a younger kitten playmate to share his pent up energy with.
Jazz and Zee were always good buddies, but Jazz never gave Zee the physical run for his money he needed.
Being that the human’s loved Zee very much, they sensed he needed a friend and that is when they decided a new kitten would be the perfect addition to their household and decided to adopt a Bengal kitten, which the female human had wanted for many years. The instant that they brought the kitten home, they just knew the name Zoey would suit her personality and Zee feel instantly, head over heels in love with her.
Zee towered over Zoey when they first met, but she never once was intimidated by him and the love story between the two of them was practically instantaneous!
Zee and Zoey were inseparable and adopting her was the best gift we could have ever given Zee.
The love story of Zee and Zoey was one of profound and epic proportions. So much so that a book was written about it. However, as sometimes can happen with young love, surprises occur and low and behold, much to the significant displeasure of Zee, he found himself a father and no longer a carefree cat enjoying unbridled adventures with his beloved. His beloved was now a mature, responsible, and VERY BUSY cat who barely had a minute to pass even the quickest of glances at him and he was NOT HAPPY!!
This is how Zee looked for the first month after the kittens were born – angry, sullen, and petulant!
This picture would melt even the hardest of hearts and eventually these little sweethearts captured Zee’s love!
Now, as kittens have a tendency to do, they get deep under your skin, to the very core of your heart and soul and you fall deeply, madly in love with them. Which Zee did. He was the father of four kittens – Mia, Peanut, Rolz, and Zeuss – and all of a sudden it clicked with him that he was a father and those were his children. And so here we are, 4 years later and Zee still loves his children very much and they adore him. And then there came Kizmet – another son enters the family. Not by blood, but Zee has taken to him just as much and is ever the father to him as well.
Proud Papa Zee with his kittens all grown up!
Zee with his boys – Rolz and Kizmet sharing some nap time together!
So, dear boy Zee – Happy Father’s Day! You are an incredible Daddy Cat and so dearly loved and cherished by your family – both feline and human!! And Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Zee & Zoey’s to all of you wonderful Dads out there – whether human, furry, scales, fins, or whatever!!!
Oh my word, I SO enjoyed seeing the pictures and hearing the love story all over again!
I think I may be re-reading a certain book very, very soon!
Happy Father’s Day, dear sweet Zee!
(By the way, he SO looks like Legend in those early photos – I wonder if they are distant cousins! or something!)
I think I need to read the book again myself, Create With Joy – the dynamic between Zee, Zoey, and the kittens was just so incredible! I love looking at pictures of your Legend when he was little – they did look similar!
Loved this story soooo much! Happy Father’s day, sweet Zee!
Awww…. thank you Brooke!!
What a cute post, and as always, wonderful photos!
Thank you Ingrid!
What a wonderful and appropriate Father’s Day post!! HAPPY HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to ZEE!!!!! He is one GREAT Daddy! xoox
Thank you Caren – it took him awhile, but once he stepped up to the plate, he sure did become a great dad!
Loved the story and the pictures! You are so fortunate to have been able to keep the kittens!
Rosemary – you are so right – I feel so blessed to have the kittens with us. And Zeuss, while he is not with us, he is with someone we care about very much and he has a great home!
Happy Daddy Day Zee ! Also Happy daddy day to Zee’s daddy! Have a purrsome day to both you guys. (I am learning kitty language :D)
Oh Carma, we are so proud of you for learning our language!! Does that mean we have to learn dog talk? Bow Wow from Zee and Zoey!!
Happy Father’s Day, Zee!
What a wonderful post =^.^= We loved it here!
Purrs
So glad you enjoyed visiting our site, Texas!!
I was hoping you’d post about Zee! So glad he turned into a responsible cat father. Happy Father’s Day to him from all of us–especially Mimi and her children.
I’m linking to the Fantastic Four’s Father’s Day post to yours so others can compare feline fathers…
I really appreciate the link, Bernadette and enjoyed your post as well. I wanted to do something a little different this year, and it all just fell into place!
Happy Father’s Day Zee. Love the story.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, Sue! Thank you!
Happy Father’s Day Zee. That is a lovely story.
Thank you Flynn – we hope you had a nice Father’s Day with your humans!
Keeping it All in the Family. Happy Father’s Day Zee and Dan.
We do keep it all in the family – although it does seem to keep growing!! Thanks for the wishes, CK!
I loved that Father’s Day story! Happy Father’s Day wonderful Zee and to wonderful Fathers everywhere!
Glad you enjoyed the story, Brian!!
Happy Father’s Day yo yous Zee and your Cat Daddy!
Kisses
Nellie
Kisses back to you Nellie – thanks!!
What a great story! Happy Father’s Day, Zee!
Thank you Island Cats!!
Such a beautiful story. Happy Father’s Day, and Happy Cat Daddy’s Day to Zee, too!
Thank you meowmeowmans and Happy Father’s Day to all as well in your house!
Those photos are a knock out- but they always are! Since both of our dads are no longer with us- and we miss them dreadfuly- my husband Marty has stepped up to the plate and taken on the role of “dad” to our two kitties, Sir Hubble Pinkerton, and Dr. Hush Puppy. While it may have been my imagination- (I very much doubt it however) the two boys seemed extraordinarily affectionate to him yesterday, curling up beside him and purring up a storm.
Thank you for a lovely tribute.
Jo
Jo – cats are so intuitive – no doubt they were giving Marty extra love for a reason!! xoxoxo
dood zee……bee glad zeuss iz knot askin for child support moneez !!!
hay jazz…lookin good ther buddy
Yikes tabbies… child support! Zee hasn’t worked a day in his life!!
Great story and photos and you are so creative!
Congratulations!
Thank you Jan – it was a fun story to write!
The love story of Zee & Zoey is the stuff of myth and legend! I always enjoy reading it. Gives me warm fuzzies! xx
Hi Deb,
I love your story. I showed your post to my daughter and instantly she told me that we must have a Bengal kitten. Anyway, belated Happy Father’s Day to Zee! 😉