In Memory of Rafiki 11/29/2015 – 1/9/2024
All cats are special but then there was Rafiki. He was the most brave and courageous cat.
There are some cats that you just have to say their name and a smile comes to your face. Rafiki was one of those cats. He was the coolest cat, the happiest cat, he was hip, he had a swagger, he had that “je ne sais quoi”, he had an appealing quality and the biggest personality, a love bug, a cuddler, he was so handsome, he gave the best kisses, he had it all, he was the total package. And we didn’t mention the best fashion sense any cat could possibly have! Rafiki was known for his very dapper sweaters and onesies, he always looked so debonair!
Rafiki had Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that manifests in fragile skin that can tear easily and can lead to difficulty in healing and also pendulous skin. Rafiki suffered from all these conditions. He had operations to remove pendulous skin and he had staples when his skin had torn. So many staples and glue, yes glue, when his skin would tear. Rafiki had the best care and always recovered well. He defied the odds! He always overcame his obstacles. This is why he always wore his sweaters and onesies to protect his delicate skin and he wore his cone with great pride! He had quite the wardrobe – striped ones, camo ones, flowery ones,. He had his seasonal wardrobe, too – his fall sweaters and his Christmas onesies with reindeer, and he always wore his collars with such self-confidence, he knew he was cool!
To know Rafiki was to love Rafiki, and so many did, a favorite of so many, near and far. He was a hospital cat at one point, always greeting clients at Central Texas Cat Hospital. He came to Shadow Cats after retiring from his day job. He was an adventurous boy; he loved to be out on the catios, always on the highest shelf, he loved to explore, loved watching the action outside, he did not know he was any different, he was just a cool cat! He had no fear and would scare us with his high-jumping antics, but he would just give us that side look as if to say “I’m fine, don’t worry! “ Our boy could be a rascal at times! His bathroom habits were not stellar! You know he was more like a toddler than a cat!
When you walked into the room, you only had to call his name and he would strut to meet you as though he had a story to tell and would give you the best greeting with kisses and licks. Loving and so sweet, he never met a stranger be it cat or human. He had lots of kitty friends he cuddled with every day. He loved our attention, pets, and head scritches. He was the happiest of cats! Nothing stopped him from living his life to the fullest every single day! Always with a cheeky cute look on his face, he was the absolute best!
We said goodbye to our beautiful boy Rafiki today. Our hearts are broken; the sadness we feel at your loss has been almost too much to bear, and tears have flowed freely. Rafiki’s condition suddenly deteriorated, this obstacle he could not overcome, and he told us that he was tired and a gentle passing was our final gift to this special boy. He left us surrounded by love and light, gentle whispers in his ears, telling him how much he was loved and cherished. We are comforted that although not old in years Rafiki lived every day to the fullest. It was filled with adventure and was truly his best life. He lived every day as one of the most loved cats by so many all around the country. We told him all the time how famous he was! He was a star.
Words cannot express how much we will miss you, precious Rafiki. You were loved deeply. The Harmony room will never be the same without you there to greet us with kisses and licks. As we walk up the ramp you will not be there looking through the door and waiting to slip by us as we opened it so you could run down the ramp. Oh, Rafiki you were such a character! The joy you brought us was immeasurable. We will miss your antics, and we are honored to have been part of your life and so grateful you were part of ours. The memories you have left us will stay with us always; we will cherish them and you will live in our hearts forever. The many tears we have shed will dry and we will remember you with a smile Rafiki, every day. As we look up we know one of the brightest stars is you, we know you are strutting at the Rainbow Bridge, dressed in your best onesie, greeting all the Shadow Cats that have gone before and you are telling the best stories of a life well lived.
Rest easy, our beloved Rafiki, our ‘One Cool Cat’. There will never be another like you, you had it all, the total package….
Thanks to our amazing compassionate staff who cared for Rafiki every day and the wonderful veterinary care he received. Thanks to our volunteers who showered him with love, his sponsors and fans everywhere
Rafiki had 4 Sponsors
Michelle Swann
Sharon and Ben Mineo
Terri Egan-Torkko
Debbie Childers