1994 - 5th May 2003
Until the sad event of earlier this year when Whinge passed away, I would imagine that it is only those of you that are sponsors, or regular helpers/visitors to PussyCat Lodge that know of Fluffy Tail.
Eight years ago, while busily cleaning out one of the pens, Jennie yelled for me to come and see what she had in another pen. There sitting huddled and clearly petrified was a fluffy black and white boy and a short haired tabby girl, ears flat to their heads and hissing with all their might if you so much as looked at them. The previous day Jennie had been out on an all too familiar trapping job in East London where a small feral colony had formed. These two 16 week old kittens were the result of her day's work.
The little tabby girl soon decided she wanted to be friends and didn't have too long to wait before her own special home was found. Fluffy Tail, as her brother had been called, was another story. He resisted all attempts we humans made to become friends, remaining true to his feral roots. After a few months he was allowed to join the garden cats of PussyCat Lodge, enabling him to enjoy complete freedom with the added bonus of two square meals a day and a nice warm bed. He was clearly very happy with this arrangement.
Fluffy Tail has grown in to such a handsome cat with a magnificent long coat that he maintains beautifully himself. He has never lost his feral nature and still shies away if we humans get too close.
Throughout his early years you would only ever see fleeting glimpses of him. When I used to arrive early on Saturday mornings he was always the first to race out of the cat flap so I knew that deep down he liked the warmth and comfort of home. Jennie discovered that he was spending his days in a neighbour's garden. Perhaps he just wanted a bit of peace and quiet away from all the comings and goings at PussyCat Lodge.
When Whinge's health began to fail, as if being told by a far superior sense, Fluffy Tail started to spend all of his time at PussyCat Lodge. He was always there to help Whinge when he became disorientated or distressed. He became his shadow and best friend.
Following his death, Jennie took Whinge's body out in to the garden, allowing many of the cats to say their goodbyes. Fluffy Tail was absent. When he returned he searched and searched for Whinge. Jennie found it so upsetting, it was impossible for her to explain to him what had happened.
Fluffy Tail still stays close to home. He spends a lot of time sitting quietly in the house, garden or perched up on top of the roof.
Is he still looking for his friend I wonder?
Pauline Lake, September 2002
PussyCat Lodge has lost one of its most handsome residents, Fluffy Tail.
Though short, his life was certainly happy. Remaining true to his feral roots he was never any trouble and always stayed close to home. Many of us longed to be able to give him a hug and stroke his luxurious coat but he would not allow us the pleasure. Never mind.
Fluffy Tail assigned himself the job of caretaker to the elderly cats. Whinge, towards the end of his life, was grateful to receive his caring presence. Recently his attention was turned to dear old Toby, Toby was not ready to admit he needed looking after and much to mine and Steve's amusement would give Fluffy Tail a dirty look and do his utmost to avoid him. Not that it deterred Fluffy Tail who continued in his caring role.
One of his favourite spots was my neighbour's garden where he would stretch out in the sunshine under the bench. It was here that darling Fluffy Tail chose to curl up and go to sleep for one last time.
Night night, God bless. I'll miss you.
Jennie Hurley, May 2003
