The beautiful Zoey

Today would have been Zoey’s 18th birthday. I last held her in my arms on the evening of November 19, 2025, when I helped her cross over on her heavenly journey.

I wish I could have prepared a lovely tribute to her, but my heart cannot bear the pain. My precious soul kitty, I miss her so terribly. A beautiful bag sits in the guest room where I last held her, with a few clippings of her soft, silky fur. I have enormous difficulty going into that room. Writing this has made me realize how much unresolved grief I am carrying, as if part of me is still in denial, as though it never really happened.

Her ashes sit in the living room, where she rests with her beloved Zee and companions, Harley and Jazz. Maybe one day I can share posts with glorious memories. Right now, I just want to quietly honor her birthday and the thoughts of her that are forever etched in my heart.

Happy birthday, my beautiful girl. I miss you so very much.

Zoey always loved the holidays—especially the warmth of the Christmas tree’s lights.

It’s the holidays, and I’m trying very hard to manage the pain amongst the joy. I miss my beloved Zoey so much. I’ve been living in relative denial, not truly believing her last breath was taken in my arms, the late evening of November 19. But something simple—pulling out the Christmas stockings, each one embroidered with my cat’s name, was a harsh jolt that she’s not with me. I carry the sadness in my heart every moment of the day. Still, I’m trying to be grateful for what I have—my dear family, friends, Dan, and my remaining clowder—Mia, Peanut, Rolz, Kizmet, Jazmine, and Shadow.

I’m sorry if I’ve brought anyone down. I’m just speaking the truth of my heart. But I didn’t want the day to pass without letting you know how blessed I am to have you all as part of Zee and Zoey’s Cat Connection. Take care, Happy Holidays, and see you next year.

It’s happened again. Time has passed at a crazy pace, and in what seems like seconds later, my precious Zoey is now 15 years old. It’s been an interesting year with my girl since her birthday last year, as it marks the first time sharing the day without her true love, Zee, our sweet boy we had to say goodbye to on March 18, 2022. They had a unique bond – not only did they share a home with a family they created, but they were snuggle buddies and nearly inseparable. Read more

A true Bengal, Zoey is a wild thing at heart.

One might think that perhaps as one ages, it would be done gracefully, with a certain slowing down, calm, and reserve. That, however, is not how our dear Bengal, Zoey, rolls. Today is her birthday, and at 14 she remains loud (breaking sound barriers loud), playfully active – running, jumping, and climbing up onto to anything she can, as well as an avid and skilled hunter of plush stuffed animals.

That said, she does have a quieter, softer side. One that is a beautiful biscuit-making, motor-purring machine when she’s ready to settle in your lap for a nap. From loud to quiet and everything in-between, we love you dearly, sweet Zoey, and wish for many more happy birthdays!

Zoey can also be wonderfully sweet and loving.

This is Zoey a few days before her 13th birthday. She is still a youthful and stunning cat. Photo inset was her at about 12 weeks old.

It’s odd. According to  International Cat Care, cats are elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11 – 14 and geriatric cats 15 years and upwards. My Zoey has been a senior for a couple of years now, but I’ve never considered her a senior. With today her 13th birthday, she continues to astound me because, with her, nothing has mellowed with age. If anything, all of her behaviors have intensified over the years.

Her meows, already piercing with their bleeping, yelping yowl sound have become so loud you can hear her outside. She still runs around the house like a kitten, jumping up on things and scaling walls and doors like she’s Spiderman with ease.

She still “kills” plush toys and drags them all over the house and her eyes remain bright, clear, and highly alert. She’s a handful, too. But I love my girl to the ends of the earth and back and every night without fail, she settles on the couch to cozy up with me for the night. Happy birthday, Zoey, and wishes for many, many more.

An image from 2011 of Zoey and me on the couch. She settles each night this way, and I love these moments with her.

We also want to wish a very special Happy Birthday to our beloved friend, animal lover, and blogger, Marg who shares the same birthday as Zoey. She is 82 today and anyone who wants to leave birthday wishes for her can stop by zoolatry.blogspot.com. We are also participating the the The Flowers for Marg on Nature Friday Blog Hop hosted by the Adventures of the LLB Gang.