A tribute to Java, a true friend, and the best cat to ever cross my path
(February 7, 1998- March 24, 2005)
Java was the most fun-loving, friendly cat I ever had the pleasure of knowing. I miss the sound of his purring. I would often lay near him on the floor when he purred, and I'd pet him, listening to that soothing sound. There are few sounds as peaceful or mysterious as a cat's purr.
I also miss the sound of him running around the house. He would spend so much time chasing after toy mice or batting at string- he was definitely a typical kitty in the best sense of the word. Yet, like every individual, there were so many little things that he did that were just... him. When he sniffed catnip, he would go crazy- that stuff really effected the little guy like he was on a bad trip. His eyes would get all wide and he'd look around, completely freaked out. Alternatively, he might become incredibly hyperactive, chasing and pouncing on his girl Maple.
Sometimes Java would lay on his back on the edge of the stairs, his head out and paws outstretched like he was trying to fly. I called that pose "Super Java!" Laying on his back was another one of his favorite positions; he could often be found stretched out on the living room floor, perfectly content and comfortable. A cat will only lay on its back if it trusts you, because it's such a vulnerable pose. The fact that he did this so often for us is a true honor which I will never forget.
Java often did a silly dance with his front paws when he was trying to get comfortable. "The Dance of the Jav" as I termed it, was one of the most adorable things to watch. It's a hold over action from the kitten days, a "kneading," which the cat does to stimulate milk when nursing. I had never seen it before having Java, so I will forever associate it with him. Javy was the runt of his litter, which could explain maybe why it was one of his signature moves. He did this dance often when he was getting ready to settle down- usually when he was about to lay on someone's chest. I miss that dance most of all, because it was so unique to him.
Javy loved lying on his back, and he would look so cute with his paws up in the air. Other times, he'd be curled up in a little ball, the perfect picture of a contented cat, snoring ever so lightly. Yes, Java snored, it was the cutest little sound in the world. Sometimes, when he would wake up- maybe from a good dream about chasing mice, who truly knows what they dream about if they do- he'd arch his back up and make a Halloween Kitty Pose. He definitely had the classic black cat look to him!
Java used to stick his tongue out when he was happy, and leave it there for a while, it was the cutest face of all time. In other moments, he'd just look up at me with those big, beautiful yellow eyes of his and say "meow" in the tiniest, most adorable little voice.
Java was one of the best mouse catchers around, although, as a spoiled house cat, he never knew what to do with them aside from play. What can I say: my boy was a lover, not a killer, just a big kid who just didn't know any better. One time, he chased a mouse so that it ran under one of our rocking chairs. Poor Javy was so confused and unable to find it. So, as a good mommy (and a poor mouse lover, sorry!), I lifted up the chair so that the boy could go to it.
It was love at first sight with Java, and it is love beyond the end. Maybe you're a guardian spirit right now, my child. I know that you are.
On March 24, 2005, I did not lose a cat or a pet. I lost a baby and a best friend.