I was ambivalent about writing this post. The last time I wrote about Brixton — a cat named after a suburb — was in December 2022, a few weeks after she walked into our lives. Now I’m writing to memorialize her, just a year later, and a part of me feels like it’s a weird thing to do. But even though Brixton, a.k.a. Brixie, wasn’t with us for long, she was special. She had a big impact on our lives. She deserves a proper remembrance.
I haven’t memorialized a pet since 2020 when Smokey, the Melville Cat, departed this world. Smokey was with me for nearly a decade and while his loss was beyond devastating, it wasn’t a total surprise; the Melville Cat was getting up in years. But Brixton left us far too soon, when she was practically still a kitten. All pet deaths are lousy but this one hurts in a different way.
Brixie seemed completely healthy and serene when I last saw her on Friday evening. Then early Saturday morning I found her dead in our yard, with no outward sign of injury or illness. I suspect she had a sudden heart attack. Anyway she’s gone, regardless of the reason, and Thorsten and I are heartbroken.
Brixie, with her dainty white mustache, crazy eyebrow whiskers, and fat, black tail that often pointed almost horizontally forward toward her ears, endeared herself to us in a plethora of little ways. She was the quietest cat I’ve ever had — I heard her meow only once, on the day she first arrived and was desperate for food. She liked to stand right next to the open dishwasher and gaze into it with a vacant stare. (While brimming with charm, Brixie wasn’t the smartest of cats.) She loved to roll around on her back and never objected to having her belly rubbed. She liked to leap up on my lap while I sat at the kitchen table and also while I sat on the toilet.
Brixie patiently tolerated Trixie’s harassment — Trixie had an irritating habit of hiding around corners and pouncing on Brixie as she walked past. It felt like Brixie was biding her time until she grew up and became Trixie’s equal. After a year of adjustment they were just starting to get along, or at least co-exist more peacefully, and sometimes even slept on the bed beside one another.
I’m sorry I didn’t do more proper photoshoots with Brixton. I thought we would have a lot more time.
The end.
RIP beautiful Brixie the Brixton cat!!! I am so very sorry to read this devastating news Heather!! It really is heartbreaking to have to say goodbye to a beloved pet. I have gone through it so many times now over the past 30 years of having cats as pets, but it never gets easier. The loss can be unbearable. Please try to remain strong. I am so relieved that Trixie will be by your side, and Thorsten too of course, during this most difficult time.
You’re right, this is one thing in life that never gets easier. Thank you so much, Maureen.
OH NO. WTF happened? Can you find out I hope. She was such a sweet kitty. Darn it, It is hard enough when we KNOW our kitties are old or sick… But not just lose them randomly. CRAP. I am so sorry.
The vet did tell me at her checkup a year ago that her heartbeat sounded a little bit strange. But I couldn’t see the point in investigating it and getting her a bunch of tests, medications, etc., as she was a totally healthy young cat. I’m assuming it was some kind of heart condition and she had a sudden cardiac arrest 🙁
Losing pets just sucks so much. You did right by her with this post, though. *sniffles*
Thanks, Autumn.
I’m sorry, Heather. No, it’s not weird at all, but I can see why you might think so. RIP, Brixie <3
Thanks, Lani. xxx
I’m so sorry, Heather. Sending you a huge hug!
Thanks Erin. xxxxx