The Cat Who'll Live Forever

The Cat Who'll Live Forever
Peter Gethers
0-7679-0637-3
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Want to share your feline tale? Send your story and a snapshot of your cat, and we might put it up on this site! Email us at norton@randomhouse.com.
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Hi! My name is Cooper the cat and I live in Ossining, New York. I've figured out how to climb onto every window sill in my house, so that I can watch my masters when they're out in the yard. Sometimes they get lost out there and I meow to help them find the door again.

My husband's cat (recently deceased at 15) was named Mr. T. T, as in TROUBLE. A gray tabby, he was the AUTOCRAT of the four-plex we live in, and had all inhabitants trained! Mr. T COULD speak - aan for can, aow for out. Roast turkey was his favorite food, and if Phil and I expected to eat any ourselves, I would have to buy several extra pounds. Thank goodness he did not have opposable thumbs, or the fridge would have been bare. We miss him.
-- C.Battista

Hello. My name is "Miss Money". I got my name because my predecessors' name was "Trouble", and a coyote ate him, so my Companion decided to name me "Money". She said if she was going to stand in the front yard calling for something, it was better to call for "Money" than "Trouble".

I came from the pound and have a chopped- off tail, which makes me clumsy. I am sort of glamorous, like Marilyn Monroe, but if only she tripped over things all the time.

I like to go for walks with my Companion and the Dog. My Companion has started reading your book and went out and bought me a cat carrier, so on really long walks I can be carried. I think I like it. The next thing you know ,the dog will want a stroller (he is getting older).

Today I received a phone call from Leticia, a friend of mine, she told about Norton, the cat....I've already cried when reading the site. So, I'd like to write about Mirello, a yellow cat, from the street of the North Zit in Sao Paulo - Brazil. He was found by my late niece Roberta, he lived with us just 2 years, but it was enough to be always in our mind...
-- Lidia

My name is Baloo "Bubba" Wong-de Gan. I live in New Orleans and before that, I lived in San Francisco. I am 23lbs and I do tricks for Sheba. I hunt lizards in my courtyard. I usually encounter my neighbors there. I'll hang out with Pip, my African Grey friend, but am still a little skittish with Baby, the rottweiler. My momma saved my tubby butt from the pound and even tolerates my paw-sucking habits.

--Eve

Thanks for the truly touching story in the "Cat Who'll Live Forever" I am reading it first because it was suggested to me that it may help. I lost my kitty 3 weeks ago and it reads like a synopsis of what I had to deal with. It does help with the grief and all. Do you ever get over the empty feelings?
-- Bob

About a month ago, I pulled a print out off my computer on a NASA story of 5 planets lining up in the skies in late April to mid-May. I read the one page article to Alice and the next morning, awoke and there in the living room was one of her large balls she plays with and four smaller ones in a "V" shape. The next morning she had the larger ball in the center of a rectangle, and four smaller ones at four corners. Now---that's a smart cat!!! She's a Maine Coon Cat and I thought that was pretty remarkable.
-- Carole

I was reading "The Cat Who'll Live Forever", and the scene where Peter sticks himself with the IV needle -- but first assumes poor Norton was the one bleeding, struck a chord - re: occasional ineptness while giving fluids. No, I didn't stick myself while giving my late cat Debbie her fluids for CRF, but one evening I thought the fluids were running really, *really* well. It turned out I'd stuck the needle in one side of her skin & straight out the other, and about 50 mL of the fluids were already puddling like crazy on the other side of her by the time I realized just why they were running so incredibly well.

Here's a pic of Debbie...she was 16 when she died from CRF in the summer of '01. I also have two other cats, Demelza (10), & Herrie (3).

--Cathy

This is Tess who recently passed away at the fine age of 17 years. She was a beautiful cat who enjoyed Jazz and Classical music. Tess loved to travel and found herself in several exotic backyards. A lifelong resident of Ft. Collins, CO Tess was a member of the Democatic Party and the Catnip of the Month Club. She enjoyed being read aloud to--her favorites included Norton and Sneaky Pie Brown. She is survived by her pal, Lil , a sister-cat, Maddie and two Border Collie brothers, Bailey and Jack. She will be missed.

--Lil

My fur ball just lays around the house and his "stories" are only amusing to my friends who also own pets. Nothing unusual about that. Except when my neighbors had a pot bellied pig and I found out that Bambino was eating with her when her owner fed her, apparently they both loved garlic. I thought about rereading the books aloud as a motivational guide for Bambino. I know he understands a lot of English and Spanish too! But carrying a 10 pound cat on my shoulder or a shoulder sack, gave me second thoughts.

So I really just wanted to take the time to thank you, Peter. For the laughter and the tears in the most enjoyable books and calendar.
--Wanda

I could not believe how much my kitten looks like him! I bought the calendar and brought it to work. Every time people that have seen my cat see the calendar they thing it is my little girl! It's so weird they even seem to have the same personality. Although I'm not sure that my cat would go on long trips and behave! :)

--April

I too have a specila cat named Tiger who I love more than life so I could relate to your story, he is 7 and still young. He listens, comforts me and I love him dearly. Thank you for sharing your story with the world. I love to hear heartwarming stories about pets. I have always wanted to write a story about tiger, although i am not a writer. -- Cathy

I just enjoyed Peter Gethers books so much because I, too, have a gray Scottish Fold that has so many of the same personality traits as Norton. It's unbelievable how similar they look as well as act. I absolutely love Tugger and cannot imagine the day when he's no longer with me.

--Jennifer

That night I read the book. Surrounded by my three cats. Who, while I cried so hard my roommate kept checking to see if I was okay, my cats just looked at me as if I had lobsters crawling out of my ears. But that night all three slept with me. They never sleep in perfect harmony together. But they were there, all night and when I woke up that morning. --Peggy

Romeo, Creampuff and Napoleon

I loved the book - it was funny, touching, and it made me cry. I got divorced last year - unfortunately my ex wife got custody of the kitty (Schnapps) and the book made me miss my little 4 footed friend so much. She was a wonderful cat. She wasn't half as brilliant as Norton, she was usually a pain in the rear but I still loved her so much. She is a marmalade kitty, going to be 13 this year. Not a day goes by when I don't think of my kitty. I just hope Norton is having a wonderful time in heaven. I've loved all those books so much - I really feel like I've know the little guy the past decade!
--Alan

Hello from Bloomington, Indiana (Go Hoosiers!) My name is Samantha, I'm 5 years old and as you can see, am well-fed. My human finished reading "The Cat Who Will Live Forever" and cried for a long time. She read parts of the book to me, and even though I didn't know what all the words meant, I could tell Norton had touched her heart. I was even allowed to sleep on my human's pillow last night; which never happens! To Mr. Gethers: thank you for sharing Norton with us; we cats have never been more proud. Norton will live forever because of your unselfishness.
--Christy

First of all please let Peter Gethers know we (Keith and Henry the Cat) enjoyed his books about Norton very much. Henry (aka White n Black) is about 5 or 6 years old and has been in my life for about 2 years now. He was rescued by a friend of mine from a local pound in CT days before, well I don't even want to say it...
He is a very friendly and lovable guy who loves to meow and purr. He definitely has made himself comfortable. I always wondered how he started out and spent his first 5 years. I'd like to remind everyone that adopting an adult cat can be very rewarding, they need very little supervision and will usually settle in without being too mischievous. Check your local shelters and rescue groups for available adult cats.
--Keith

I just finished reading the wonderful, refreshing "Cat Who'll Live Forever". It brought many tears but also relief and perspective because I lost my wonderful companion of all my travels on September 7, 1996. He got the same kind of liver cancer as did Norton. But he only lived a week after his diagnosis, aged fourteen. We spent the entire night before together and for the first time in that week he actually walked and drank some water by himself and actually jumped up on the bed and snuggled on my chest and under my chin, purring like he always did. And he died the next day. Seemed like he did not want to be a bother or something. His name was 44. I named him after Mark Twain's story: "#44, The Mysterious Stranger" because he had the same fur color as the character 44 in the TV movie of the story. I loved the story and I loved the Mysterious Stranger who came into my life and did all the same wonderful things for me that Norton did for you. --Bonnie

I am just finishing The Cat Who'll Live Forever ( but also postponing that as well...), so you'll understand my writing with a lump in my throat and a very, very heavy heart. I must tell you that my Scottish Fold, Ibis, and I live vicariously through all of Norton's adventures!! Ibis is a well seasoned traveler as well, but certainly nothing in comparison to dear, sweet, handsome Norton. I treasure everyday that I have with Ibis, as he has suffered with heart disease since a kitten. But at seven years old, he is doing amazingly well..Norton is definitely with us all who have loved him from afar, and I am certain that he lives inside of your heart every second of everyday. I just wanted to say thank you for bringing some Norton into my life. I don't think Ibis will get too jealous if I say that...!
-- AckJody

This is Mugglesworth and Kid. They are both cats rescued from death row, and now enjoy a plush life owning two submissive humans. They too enjoy to travel in their own shoulder bags (Mugglesworth unfortunately has a rather feminine paisley bag, although it is the only one which would fit his massive girth), although right now it is usually on public transport: busses and the BC Ferries. One day they will possibly enjoy travelling to more exotic locales befitting their fine tastes and love of adventure, but for now they make do with the west coast of Canada.
--Jen

Hi my name is Britt...I currently have 3 and 3/4 cats. Let me explain my little 8-year-old tabby Mika was recently diagnosed with angiosarcoma (cancer of the blood vessels) extremely rare disease and almost unheard of in cats.
Your book "The cat who'll live forever" brought me to tears, it was given to me by my aunt to read to better understand my pet and my role in her care. Thank you for such a wonderful book and allowing me to share my story.
-- Britt

Every morning Katie waits and waits for us to turn on the halogen lamp in the den so she can kick back in the "sun" with her decoy duck buddy.
-- Ellen

Lucky is sleeping here next to me on my bed as I write this. Some how though that cloud has disapated because as Gethers writes " its going to have to be enough, what time we have together". To fear the inevitable is a waste of the precious time that is now. Thank you Peter and your muse too Norton. Here he is my special friend Lucky.
-- KC

My wonderful Dammit passed away a little over a year ago. I am still, and probably will forever, be mourning losing her. The hurt is not quite so raw but the scar of the loss will always be there. She was my cat and I was her human for 17 1/2 wonderful years.

When I read about Norton wriggling his way into your father's heart and how he stayed by your father's side to the end, I was very moved. As it happens, I read that part as I was recovering from surgery and bedridden for several weeks. Had my Dammit still been alive she would have been glued to my side just as Norton was to your father's side.

When "Dammie" died in my arms all I could think to say to her was how much I loved her and that it was a privilege to know her. A genuine privilege to have her in my life for those 17 1/2 years. I was blessed.

I still get emotional, even just writing this letter. Blubbering slightly, as you can imagine. However, I would never trade one second with her for all the sofficini in Sicily. I guess that says it all about how much I loved my cat. I know you understand.

Now, having taken the time to write to you, it is probably unnecessary to say how much I have enjoyed yours and Norton's books. Go ahead. Consider it said anyway. They are a source of sheer joy.
Thank you. Thank both of you.
--C

Hi! My name is Sissy and I too like Norton have been diagnosed with CRF. My mom spends much time on the internet learning how to care for me and what is best for me. She is currently reading about Norton, The Cat Who'll Live Forever in hopes that Norton and Peter will teach her more. We have had a few crashes but with a trip to the doctor followed by hospital stays, I have been able to come home to lots of kisses and headscratches from mom and dad. They also visit me at least 2 times a day when I must stay in hospital. This is a dreadful disease an no cat should have to be put through it or any other type of illness. They provide us humans with much unconditional love and are ALWAYS there for us no matter what. There are times when things don't look good that I wonder how I would ever be able to say my farewell, I know a part of me would die as well. No matter how hard I try and prepare myself for the inevitable, I just don' think I will be able to handle it. That is why I am reading about Norton and Peter now. I admire how Norton passed by sparing Peter to go to that appointment the next day and I only hope that they same will happen for Sissy and I. No matter when or how, I know that I must somehow find the strength to be there for her because of how much I love and care for her. My heart goes out to Peter.
LeAnn

I am writing to share my story of my wonderful cat, Lucky. He is deceased now, but I loved him so much! Lucky was born under our house -- his mother was a stray. I had never had a cat before in my life, and I thought I didn't like cats! He was only about 3-4 weeks old when my husband crawled under the house & rescued him. We had heard several kittens crying under the house, and suddenly we could only hear one, so we were afraid they were dying, so my husband went looking for him. (We never found out what happened to the mother or the other kittens. We never saw the mother.)

It was "love at first sight" on my part when my husband came out from under our house with this kitten with the bluest eyes you've ever seen. He was beautiful -- a Snowshoe Siamese. I loved him immediately! I was lucky enough to have Lucky for 2 1/2 years.
--Connie

IMy name is Chloe and I live in San Francisco with my brother Nicholas and sister Jasmine; oh, and my human Mom too. I am eighteen years old. My Mom adopted me from the City "pound" about ten years ago. I'm very happy with my living situation and love my family, but it's taken time for them to understand that I must live life on my terms. I haven't been well lately. I'm going to have surgery pretty soon to find out what's wrong with me. My Mom has read all about Norton and tells us stories about him and his travels. I would like to have met him and maybe I will someday. I think we would have been great friends.

I just reread The Cat who went to Paris and A Cat Abroad this week for comfort, after the nerve wracking few weeks we have all shared. I was so delighted today to get a message from my son with the news of your new book and the website address.

I have attached a picture of Angus and Grace, our two Scottish folds. We went searching for them nearly four years ago now, because I fell in love with Norton!

Angus and Grace were born in Gainesville, Georgia in 1998 and came to live with us in Atlanta until they were nearly two. Then we all moved to Vancouver BC for 14 months. They drove across the country (well, we drove and they rode) and sadly, they are not the good travelers that Norton was! They did enjoy motel rooms though!
--Marilyn

Wolf the Cat is scared of everything, we always know when a stranger is coming up to the house because she growls while running up the stairs in stealth mode. But she still manages to sing us to sleep every night in her tabby falsetto, chooses my lap to sit in when she is feeling lonely, and knows on a hot day sitting next to a watermelon will help cool her off.
--Jane

This is Norton. Yes I got the name from the book (the first one). I just wanted to say that I think the books are great. I got the first one a long ways back. I think 93? And was so intregued by Norton the cat and his adventurous life I named my own cat Norton too. Unfortunatley, since then after being almost 13 (Human years, he was already about 4 when I got him.) Norton has died... I understand Mr. Gethers had went through the same... And I would like to give my condolences, and my thanks. Thanks for putting out so many great books about your cat, and may his legacy continue!
--James