Dearest Sponsors,

I am incredibly sorry to share that our beloved Steven has gently left this world.

There is no way you and I could be prepared for this day. Our Steven has been the heart of the Tabby’s Place family for over seventeen years. You have filled those years with centuries worth of joy and comfort.

From fading orphan to angelic elder statesman, he has been the center of love’s attention … and made each of us the apple of his eye.

Even in kittenhood, Steven was soulful. A tangerine empath, he could heal your broken heart while snuggled up inside your hoodie. It was as though he never forgot the day he arrived at Tabby’s Place, a day he would not have survived unless love took him in.

We hardly knew what to call the pinch of nutmeg frizz that arrived at our door back in 2009. Steven looked less like a cat than a fossil, ancient before his time. Dehydrated and gasping, he seemed unlikely to survive.

But Tabby’s Place is the nemesis of “unlikely” and the sworn enemy of “impossible.” Through expert medical care and the sheer stubbornness of love, Steven survived.

Sweet as bread pudding, Steven stole the hearts of two species. But as you know, there was just one problem. Steven would not use the litter box.

This was understandably off-putting to adopters. They would fall in love with Steven, only to trudge away downcast at the news of his “quirk.” One by one, Steven’s kitten friends were plucked like flowers, until he was the last marigold in the field.

To tell the truth, Steven was not sad … and neither were we.

Our tangerine toddler grew up to become one of the truest friends any of us ever knew. And as his friends who were more like family, you were by his side every day.

If ever you were lost or forgotten, Steven was the cat who remembered your name. In his youth, he would sprint his solarium to greet you first, weaving warm infinity signs around your ankles until you took your proper place beside him for mutual snuzzlement.

If you misplaced your joy, he held it in safe keeping for you, presenting it to you as he gazed up, splendorous, from your lap.

As the years gathered, our earnest old man collected medical conditions. Arthritis slowed his gait but not his grace. He took heart disease in stride. His body grew as doughy as good bread. You nurtured, nourished, and adored him as your very own.

It was a gift beyond compare that we got to be his forever family.

Dear sponsors, you were here for Steven through all his hills and valleys. Though he seemed to have been made of cinnamon sugar and sunshine, Steven’s blithe spirit had everything to do with the care you provided. He was free to fulfill his mighty mission of loving, because you were here to make sure his needs were met.

I wish I could gather you up in a group hug, so Steven’s entire family could be together today.

When “goodbye” drew near, at first none of us could quite call it by name. Steven was “slowing down.” Steven was “having some ups and downs.” Steven was “just seventeen.”

But today, Steven let us know it was time.

Never harsh or brash, Steven made his last plea as gently as every request for affection. His body was so weary. His heart was so full. He could not go on, but he promised he will wait for us in the place that pain can’t reach.

He left this world from the center of our family, encircled by people who adored him. Our staff delivered your kisses across the miles and years.

And on the same morning as Steven’s passing, an orange orphaned kitten arrived: Totoro, a little girl.

We will make sure she knows in whose pawprints she follows.

We will love him all our lives, and beyond.

We will tell his story for the rest of Tabby’s Place history.

We will miss him until the day we are all together, when he comes galloping to greet us.

Dearest sponsors, thank you for being the heart of Steven’s long and happy life. He will be yours forever … and you will be his.

Your correspondent,
Angela (Tabby’s Place’s Development Director, and a fellow adorer of Steven since 2009)

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Since Steven has passed away, your sponsorship has been transferred to another Advanced Needs cat: Steven’s roommate Eartha, a remarkable girl who needs all the love we can give.

Eartha came to Tabby’s Place from Beirut, Lebanon. Found staggering through a war zone as a kitten, she has a rare and delicate seizure disorder. Yet for all that she has endured, Eartha is a zesty and courageous little lady who hopes she will touch your heart. She knew Steven well and is grateful for the chance to follow his love into your life.

If you’d prefer to choose a different cat to sponsor, you can meet them all here. Please feel free to email us if you’d like to transfer your support to a different kitty. Otherwise, going forward, you will receive updates on Eartha each month. As you look forward to Eartha’s first update next month, you can read a bit more about her here.

Thank you again for your kindness and generosity to Steven. Your selfless compassion is our comfort as we grieve together.