Happy Caturday - My lovely old man is aging gracefully...

To celebrate Caturday, I thought a little introduction to my 19 year old gentleman, Mano, was in order.

He was found on the streets of London as a kitten, held by the scruff of the neck and being waved over a front garden wall.

'Will someone take this cat. I don't want it,' the woman was heard bellowing.

My boyfriend at the time didn't need a second hint, and swiped this little ball of black fluff from her hands and into his jacket pocket. And so, tiny Mano, arrived into my life. I had never had a cat; in fact, I was living in a flat where no pets were allowed. I didn't much care - he was mine.

And he's still mine. He's gone through four house moves. He's said goodbye to my ex and hello to my new husband. He's outlived a sister, and a brother, and many various houseguests and pets along the way.

He was never much of a mouser...in fact just earlier this year he sat on the end of the bed and watched as a mouse scuttled out of the closet, around the litter tray and under the skirting. Mano didn't move.

You see, he's old now. His hearing his failed and so he yowls for company, even though we're only in the next room. His fur has lost its sheen where he can't reach to lick, clean and smooth his coat for all to see. Once a man about town, so much so he'd disappear for hours into the brambles, he's now timid to explore the garden. Instead he prefers to curl up with someone. It doesn't matter who; me, my husband, one of the two dogs...I've even found him curled next to the growing chicks I keep in my living room.

Mano the vampire cat.

A rare venture outside.

Reminiscing of being an adventure cat.

He's old and drab and has lost some of his shine. But to me....to me he's my wonderful, beloved old gentleman who I hope (though know it's impossible) will live forever.

THANKS FOR READING - PLEASE CONSIDER UPVOTING, RESTEEMING AND REPLYING BELOW

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