Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Sweet Dreams, Tiger
“You were a good kitty, Tiger, gentle and sweet. We miss you already.”
We adopted him when he was five years old, living in a cat hotel. His previous owner was desperate to find a home for him, and in the meantime was boarding him there.
We visited the hotel to take a look at Tiger and his brother, Shadow. It was Tiger who won us over. He stretched out before us long and lean – looked at us with gorgeous green eyes – and asked us to take him home. We did. And his brother, too.
Shadow didn’t live as long as he should have, but Tiger did, for the next 13 years.
Enjoying the outdoors.
and taking time to smell the sunflowers.
Sweet boy.
In fact, he became my muse, the inspiration for this blog, having the first word in my very first post, almost 10 years ago – Tiger’s Corner.
He lived to the ripe old age of 18, but there was a steady decline in the last few months, and we knew it was time to say goodbye. Tears were shed, final scratches given, and he was released.
I hope wherever he is now, he remembers us, as we remember him.
Sweet dreams, Tiger.
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 
Oh, Tiger! 🐾🤎 Susanne, I’m so sorry to read this! 18 years is a long time for a cat. He obviously was well loved and taken care of. He and Benji loved your garden and you and Benji will carry on.
Seeing Tiger’s face reminds me so much of my cat Stormy, who died in 2008 at 17, not bad for a cat who roamed the neighborhood.
Enjoy your lovely memories and don’t be surprised when you feel a the feather touch brush your leg when you least expect it. He’s with you in spirit and with the rest of the innocent creature spirits in Heaven. Sending warm hugs.
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Terri. Even though we knew it was time, it still hit hard, especially as I wrote this with tears. But he did have a long life and was loved. I’m happy to think of Tiger and Shadow playing together in beautiful green spaces. 💚
What a beautiful kitty he was
Thank you. He really was.
Very sorry. I’ve enjoyed your Tiger photos for several years.
Thank you so much. I appreciate your comment.
Aww, I’m sorry for your loss! He was such a beautiful kitty! I enjoyed his adventures and his love for his garden life.
Thank you so much for your comment.
Sorry to hear that it was Tigers time to pass over the Rainbow bridge. Beautiful looking cats & lots of memories. We put down Stella Sept 6th 2025 I think she was 20 years old. She will always be in your hearts.
Thank you so much for your comment. I like to think he’s playing with his brother, Shadow, somewhere beautiful and green. I’m sorry for your loss too. Even though they lived a long life, it’s still so hard to see them go.
So sorry to hear about your loss, but he lived a good life to a ripe old age and he always looked very content in his life with you. Your wealth of memories and photos will always be with you.
Thanks so much, Graham. I’m happy he lived a long life and was loved.
I’m so sorry to hear this. We will all miss Tiger. May he rest in peace with all his kitty friends and family. ❤️❤️
Thanks, Darlene. I think he’s reunited with his brother, Shadow.
I’m sorry for the sadness you are going through. I’m not normally a ‘cat person’ but he looked stunning; what expressive eyes. This blog is a great testament to him.
Thanks so much for your comment. He was a special cat and was loved.
Wow, what a nice write up about your beautiful boy Tiger. We have 1 pet now, he’s a rescued tom cat with the same markings and he’s ever so loving and quiet. He’s been alone all his life and loves to be close to us or on us for cuddles.
Thank you so much. I’m glad you rescued a sweet cat, too!
🧡😻🧡
You shared so many terrific aspects of his life with us, thank you for that…he will always be with you…
Thanks so much, John. He was a handsome boy, and left behind so many stories. And I’m happy to still have Benji.
Longevity of 18 years doesn’t make the loss any easier. But he had a happy life in a loving home, and that’s what really counts. As you know, we lost Ollie in 2024, and I still miss him all day, every day. So I really do understand. You shared his life with us in adorable photos and amusing anecdotes, and for that I thank you.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you so much, Pete. I know how much you still miss Ollie. They become such a part of the family. Tiger was a sweet and gentle cat and had stories to tell. There will be a bit of a gap for a while. But I”m happy I still have Benji.
Oh no, such sad news 😢 I know how much Tiger meant to you and how much he will be missed. And no doubt by Benji too? I always loved seeing your photos of him, as you know – such a beautiful cat! Sweet dreams, Tiger, indeed.
Thanks so much, Sarah. Tiger was a sweet boy, and will be missed. And those beautiful green eyes! I worried a bit about Benji, but I’ve been giving extra attention to him and he seems to be doing fine.
My deepest condolences. You gave Tiger a beautiful life.
Thank you so much. I think he appreciated his life with us, and knew he was loved.
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🐾❤️🐾🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 thinking of you…
Thank you!
My dear Ms Kitty was a light like Tiger and lived to age 19. They are always with us somehow, I am sure of it. Hugs as you go through this sad loss 🐾❤️🐾
Thank you so much. It’s hard to lose a member of the family, but I agree, their sweet memories will always be with us.
So very sorry, Susanne and Bob! It is one of the hardest parts of having our pets, they are like children to us! Our Corky is in his 16th year and we know that time is coming to say goodbye. Please be comforted to know how much love you gave and how much we enjoyed all the pictures and writings! We send our love to you!
Sue and John
Thank you so much, Sue. ❤️ It’s hard to let them go even when you know it’s time. I’ve been comforted by all the lovely comments I’ve received, and knowing that Tiger had a long and happy life. Love back to you and John. Enjoy whatever time you have left with Corky. 😻
We are sorry for the loss of Tiger. He will be reunited with his brother after leading a well-loved life. Purrs and purrayers.
Thank you! I like to think he and Shadow are scampering together around a beautiful green space!
Such sad news. I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet boy. XO
Thank you so much. It was time, but still hard to let him go. I’m glad he lived a happy cat life for 18 years.
Sad news, Susanne. The hardest part of pet ownership is that final goodbye. 😔 RIP, Tiger. 🕊️
Thank you. Yes, that is the hardest part. But I’m glad he had a long and happy life.
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I’m so sorry.
Thank you
I am so sorry.
Thank you so much.
Oh no. Condolences to you and all of Tiger’s family. 💜💜💜💜
Thank you so much.