In Memory of Papa Nut 7/7/2015 – 7/15/2024
Papa Nut was a big, beautiful Siamese mix boy who just charmed his way into your heart. He had the most stunning blue eyes – as soon as you looked into those big ‘ole blue eyes your heart melted.
Papa Nut came to us from a veterinary hospital with a family of cats behind their building, all loved and cared for – Papa Nut, Mama Nut, and three little Baby Nuts. One of the baby nuts, Acorn, was adopted by a dear friend of Shadow Cats. All the kittens were adopted, and Mama Nut was TNR’d and continues to be cared for by the clinic. Papa Nut unfortunately was found to be FeLV+. We were contacted and had room at the time and Papa Nut arrived at the sanctuary.
Not accustomed to living with roommates, Papa Nut was a little apprehensive at first and slightly nippy, to put it mildly! We decided that for a short period, Papa Nut would benefit from being the office cat, so he could get used to people and settle in. He did quite quickly! He would jump on the desks and want to play. He had never had toys before and was so curious about each different one, but he figured it out and was always playing with his special one – a kicker toy that he loved. The nippiness disappeared and he was much calmer, and if anyone was sitting at a desk he would just sit on their feet!
We moved Papa Nut into Cookie’s Annex, so he could have some buddies. This is a quieter room, a big master bedroom, and we thought he would like the more chill atmosphere. He did! He became Mr. Chill himself! He loved the quieter room, he would stretch out on the bed, stretch out on the beds on the catio, and he became such a laid-back boy. His kicker toy still with him he also loved to play in the crinkle tunnel and if we were looking for him that’s where we could find him. He loved that thing, his big blue eyes peering out at us. He was not a big cuddler with other kitties, but now and again could be seen touching noses and saying hello to everyone. He was the calming influence in the room.
Nicknames we love, our cats are family, and Papa Nut did not escape being called other names. Affectionately he was known as Mr. P.Nut and of course ‘ole blue eyes. We told him he was famous after his picture appeared in an article on Shadow Cats in an edition of the magazine Healthy Austin. Our Papa Nut was a centerfold star! We loved this boy to bits, he was so sweet, very gentle, and a little quirky at times, too. He seemed to just enjoy his days in the Annex, chillin’, always receptive to our pets and attention.
We always give the best care we can, and a few months ago, he had a dental that resulted in him losing most of his teeth. For a few days, he scared us but made a miraculous recovery and was doing a lot better for a long time.
Our dear boy has recently declined. We did bloodwork, and there were several flags on the bloodwork that had us concerned about end-stage feline leukemia rearing its ugly head. An ultrasound was done and found a large mass encircling his intestinal loops. We were not expecting this devastating news. Our precious boy has declined rapidly. The kindest thing we could do for this little angel now, our final gift, was a gentle and peaceful farewell surrounded by all those who loved and cared for him.
Our sweet Papa Nut, we will miss you so much. Your stunning blue eyes, full of love when you looked at us, your gentle and yet quirky ways, your way of making us feel chilled in your presence. We recently celebrated your 9th birthday and we will hold dear in our hearts the last three and half years you were with us. You have lived your best life every day and we are blessed you were part of our lives.
Rest easy precious P.Nut, ’ole blue eyes, you will live on in our hearts always. You have left us with the best memories we will cherish forever. Many are waiting to greet their buddy at the Rainbow Bridge, especially dear Rose who had a soft spot for you Papa Nut. 😊
Our thanks always to our caring, compassionate staff for taking such good care of Papa Nut. Thanks to our volunteers who showered him with love. Thanks to all at Vista Vet for their care and concern. Special thanks to his sponsors who loved him from afar and the veterinary hospital that cared for all the Nut family.
Papa Nut had 4 Sponsors
Nancy Henry
Michelle Robinette
Deby Bailey
Gloria Bogardus