Remembering Mugzy ♥

Mugzy the Cat: Beloved friend and protector

Mugzy, a beloved community cat known for his independent spirit and for his compassion towards cats and humans alike, passed away last week. He was twenty-two years old.

Mugzy was a fixture in his community, choosing to live his life outdoors, though he formed a particularly close bond with Chuck (our own Chateau Minette), who cherished their daily interactions and Mugzy’s loyal companionship over the years. Mugzy first met Chuck and his family as a tiny kitten, seeking warmth on a cold and snowy day. Chuck and his wife scooped up the little black and white puffball that was baby Mugzy and brought him in to warm up.

But he didn’t stay inside very long!

Mugzy knew he was meant to live life as a community cat, and demanded his freedom, but he knew he could always count on his friend Chuck to help when needed. Though he chose the great outdoors as his home, he still stayed close to his family, inspecting Chuck’s home improvements, helping Chuck grill, and waiting to for his friend to come home from work every day.

He also spoke with a Cajun accent, as cats sometimes do.

But Mugzy was more than just a friendly face – he was also a guardian and protector to other vulnerable stray cats in the area. Anybody who thought they could bother one of the ‘cuddle puddle’ cats quickly learned that they’d have to go through Mugzy first. Over the years, Mugzy handed out more than one lesson the recipient would not soon forget. Just recently, he courageously led a group of cats into the woods to hide them from a cruel individual who was threatening their safety. Mugzy’s quick thinking saved their lives.

Though he preferred the freedom of the outdoors, Mugzy’s intelligence and personality endeared him to all who knew him. The way he left this world tells you everything you ever needed to know about Mugzy – he quietly went to sleep in his favorite spot, on the seat of Chuck’s tractor, and didn’t wake up. Many community cats will hide when it’s time for them to go on to their next adventure. Not Mugzy – he knew his friend would need closure. It was Mugzy’s last gift.

He will be deeply missed by his best friend Chuck and his family, the local cat colony, and all of his Minterland friends who so enjoyed hearing about his exploits and considered him one of their own.

Mugzy’s legacy of compassion and bravery will never be forgotten. He was a true friend to both humans and felines alike, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. While Byron wrote the following about his Newfoundland dog, it perfectly captures Mugzy’s unique spirit:

Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferosity,
and all the virtues of Man without his Vices

Rest in peace, Mugzy. We love you.