Yesterday was a sad Sunday. Musetto, one of our older garden cats, died unexpectedly. This was a cat that we nicknamed “Survival,” and I think we all thought she was invincible – at least a little bit. Musetto was about 9 years old and was one of the first kittens of the big fluffy momma cat Patù (who is also the mother of Puffy). She earned her name Musetto, which comes from the word “muso” meaning snout, since she had a rather distinctive little face. There’s also the expression “Che bel musetto,” which means “What a cute/ pretty face.” Often it’s used to describe cute little kittens. Musetto wasn’t a beauty queen among cats, but her sweet nature and persistence against the seemingly constant challenges in her cat life made her one of the cats we always looked out for the most. She needed us just as much as we needed her “bel musetto” waiting patiently for us at the bottom of the stairs at the end of a long day.
Musetto was a fixture in the garden. It was strange this morning opening the windows and not seeing her little face there eagerly awaiting breakfast. Eating was one thing Musetto took very seriously, and she never let anything get in her way.
I’ll miss her company in the garden and on my walks near the house where she would often lead the way.
Musetto was a very good mother. This is her last week with her last litter of cute orange kittens. Thankfully we had already found a home for them all before yesterday!
Addio Musetto!! We miss you!!
Anne in Oxfordshire says
How sad, I am so sorry. She definitely was "Che bel musetto". I am sure you are going to miss her waiting for you 🙁 and so sad for her kittens too.
Laura says
Ciao Anne! We had found someone nearby who actually wanted all three kittens, so thankfully they were already at their new home and all together when this happened. The garden is so quiet today. 🙁
Saretta says
Sorry to hear about your kitty! We, too, have garden cats. One disappeared a few months ago and we miss him dearly. Btw, I thought orange cats were always male…hmmm
Laura says
Ciao Saretta! I'm so sorry to hear about your garden cat that disappeared. It is hard to loose them when they become a part of the family. Interesting… well, this orange female cat produced about 7 or 8 years of orange cats. With an occasional white one in there. In that video, the bright orange kitten was actually a girl. But, come to think of it, the kittens are most often boys. Wonder if there is something to that?? This marks the end of an era for our garden cats since our only other female we were able to spay a year and a half ago. The others are boys!
Global Butterfly says
Awww, I'm SO sorry!!! Wish I could give you a hug. 🙁
Laura says
Thanks Andi! It helps! 🙂
LindyLouMac says
So sorry Laura, we always had cats in the Uk and still miss them very much, so I do understand.
Gil says
These sad stories leave me lost for words. All I can say is I am truly sorry for your loss.
Lucia says
Oh Laura that is heartbreaking, the video brought tears to my eyes.
Laura says
Ciao Linda, Gil & Lucia, Thanks for your kind words. I ran into the person who adopted Musetto's three cute kittens and he said that they are all doing well. It makes me happy to know that they are together in a good home!