in memory of Maui
We had to say our final goodbye to our beautiful cat Maui this week.
Although we knew it was coming, we’re still completely devastated to have lost our boy, and I know that many of you have got to know and love him over the years too. If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you’ll know that Maui has been a huge part of PlanetJune – he’s been my assistant, supervising my work, since the very beginning. And, of course, there would be no AmiCats designs without Maui as my muse!
But let’s try not be too sad – Maui has lived a long, happy and adventurous life, and we’re so grateful to have been with him for so long and to have so many beautiful memories. I’ll share a few moments with you today.
We adopted Maui from a shelter when he was a year old. When we adopted him, he was a very sweet but independent boy – he didn’t get along with other cats, which was perfect for us. He was always reserved with new people, but he adopted us right back immediately, rubbing around our ankles and purring as soon as we got him home.
He loved watching our birdfeeders out of the window, and the local squirrels loved to tease him through the window!
Whenever we left the house, he’d sit in the front window and watch us go – it was so cute to see his little face in the window.
Once he realised we’d be together forever, he mellowed and relaxed, and his favourite pastimes were sunbathing and snuggling with us.
And also eating… He really loved his food, and he was so smart that he figured out how to get his paw up into his feeder and sneak extra food. We had to change his feeder for a Maui-proof one eventually, so he didn’t get too fat!
Maui was our constant companion through 6 house moves and two moves halfway around the world and back. He was so strong and brave, and adapted quickly to every change – all he needed to be happy was to be with us.
checking out the snow in Ontario
checking out the view of Cape Town
Maui always loved the toys I made for him – you may remember seeing some of them here over the years (fuzzball and mouse, crinkle ball, cardboard scratcher, fishing toy). The lovely mouse I sewed for his third birthday in 2007 was his favourite and longest-lasting toy – it lost the felt ears after a year, but apart from that it’s still in one piece today?
And he somehow knew the difference between his toys and my yarn and amigurumi and never, ever tried to mess with my yarn!
When we added Maggie to our family in 2020, Maui took it in stride, as always. We bought him a cat tree so he could have a safe place to relax, and he loved curling up in there to survey the world or snooze the day away.
Maggie loved her brother and often slept at the foot of the cat tree to be close to him. They definitely treated each other like family, and they had lots of contented times sunbathing together on the rug by the window.
Maui has been a huge part of our lives for so long, and although the last few months of his decline have been heartbreaking, we had 16 amazing years of love together that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
His loss leaves a huge hole in our lives, but we’ll try to follow his example: to be strong and brave, adaptable, and always make the best of any situation.
Rest well, dearest Maui. You’ll always be with us.
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Yvonne said
I’m so heartbroken for your loss. I always loved his name and have watched him through the years with you. Stay strong June, know he is watching you always ❤️
Susan said
You were an excellent cat-mom. Pat yourself on the back for giving him a long, loving, wonderful life. I hope all my departed pets greeted Maui at the rainbow bridge.
=^..^=
Jen said
I’m so sorry for your loss, June. What a beautiful, inspiring boy. Thank you for sharing these pictures and stories. Sending lots of love. ?
Kathy Bartholomew said
I am so sorry for your loss.. Maui was a beautiful tabby with big, bright eyes and beautiful stripes. As humans, the hardest thing to do is to see our furrbaby in pain, age gracefully. We barely had time to prepare when our Baggy cat suddenly had heart failure. Its been 2 years and I still miss him sitting on my lap, purring his big purrs at me, or taking a walk on his leash. Our cats always have a special bond in our heart, and Maui was one very special cat. RIP Maui, your momma loved you to the ends of the earth.
Sue Wade said
Hi June,
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your kitty – it’s devastating to lose one of our 4-legged family members – they bring so much joy to our lives.
xoxo
June said
Thank you all so much for your kind words. I can’t reply individually or I’ll never stop crying, but I just wanted to say thank you for caring and for leaving such lovely comments – it means a lot to me xxx
Zoe said
I’m so sorry to hear about Maui. We just lost our sixteen-year-old cat Frosty a few weeks ago, and he could have been Maui’s twin in some of these pictures. It’s so heartbreaking to lose our loyal companions of a decade and a half. Frosty had his own AmiCat thanks to you and Maui, and I’ll always be grateful to both of you for that.
Jana Hunter said
I’m so sorry, June. Crying right now. My Bibi (also your inspiration for your calico, i believe) will be 14 next month. she is sleeping in my lap at this moment. I can’t imagine my life without her. I know you are heartbroken. It doesn’t matter that it’s expected or inevitable it will still leave a giant hole in our lives.
Laura H. said
I’m so sorry June. It is heartbreaking to lose our beloved fur family members. What a lovely tribute you’ve written. Sending love and condolences.
Sandie said
I’m so sorry for your loss. It was nice to see the pictures of his life with you. Thanks for sharing them.
Jesse said
So sorry to read this. Hugs to you.
Rhonda Lee said
I’m so sorry for the loss of your precious fur baby, June. We never have them long enough…They make our lives so much better and Maui sounds like a wonderful cat indeed. He was beautiful. ❤ Thinking of you.
Chrisie said
So sorry for your loss June! Maui was a special member of the PlanetJune family and will be greatly missed.
Margo said
My condolences to you and your husband.
Moira Ferres said
Dear June
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your companion Maui. Please know that my thoughts are with you at this sad time. Love from Moira
Jennifer said
I was so very sorry to read that Maui died. It is such a shame that our animal companions don’t last longer—like, for our whole life times! You had a wonderful time having him in your life, but it is clear he also had a great time being your cat, and I’m sure he felt his life with you was totally wonderful. It is good that you have Maggie so that you can comfort each other as you get used to Maui’s absence. You wrote a lovely tribute to him. Again, so sorry to hear of this.
Paula Bush said
its so hard to lose our fur-babies…what a joyful life you gave him…so very sorry for your loss:broken_heart:
Tal said
Beautiful tribute to a wonderful companion. Rest easy Maui. ❤❤❤
Nancy T. Hermann said
a beautiful obituary youve written. i recently lost my bunny to old age. Our critter companions are so important in our lives. im sorry for your loss.
Michelle said
I am so sorry for you loss but grateful you had all those years of happiness and joy with him.
Caren said
i’m so sorry to read this. we’ve had to say goodbye to a few of our furballs over the years, and it’s never easy. furry kids are always a part of your family.
{{hugs}}
Katy said
I’m so sorry for your loss.
KimS said
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. What a beautiful tribute to Maui it really shows the love and care and protection that you provided.
Anna said
So sorry! A very handsome boy and you have lots of memories and of course the pawprints they leave on our hearts. Hugs.
Amy Gromel said
So sorry for the loss of your fur baby. I understand how you feel. I have had to say goodbye to many of my own fur babies. :pensive:
Jeanne Schane said
June, so sorry to hear about Maui. he had a good life with you.
i lost my last two cats at age 16 too. They are definitely family.
I do a lot of crochet and my cats have never bothered my yarn either. Animals are very smart. Hang on to all those great memories of Maui. Thinking of you, Jeanne Schane
Susan said
Oh June, I’m so sorry for you loss of your beloved furry friend, Maui. His “Light of Life” will remain Forever (“Furever”) in your hearts.
God’s Blessing of Peace to You All.
Loving Regards, Susan in Texas
Lynda Hoover said
So sorry for your loss. They are like family.
Ruth Lister said
Dear June
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Maui. Thank you for sharing the lovely story of his life with you. He has led a full and wonderful life with his chosen family, and you will miss him dearly. It is never easy losing a much loved member of the family.
Sincere condolences to you all.
Ruth xo :bouquet: