R.I.P. Loveable Nolan (11/22/10)

Sweet Nolan the Cat: a Gentle Giant
1994 – 11/22/2010

With his big, pointy ears, rotund belly, and skinny rat tail, Nolan certainly would never have won a beauty contest. But give him one minute of your time, and he was sure to win your heart. Nolan was the sweetest, gentlest natured cat that this family has ever known. He was very loving and completely lovable. Nolan’s life prior to his adoption by Kelly on 7/19/2000 was largely a mystery. He was adopted from a friend’s family and was named Nala at the time. Kelly immediately renamed him Nolan to eliminate confusion about his gender. His birthday was unknown but the vet approximated him to be 6 years old at the time of adoption. He had been an indoor/outdoor cat but instantly adjusted to apartment life with never an attempt to escape back to the outdoors. He also instantly adjusted to having an adopted brother, Reiley.

Nolan liked to take car rides and walk on a leash. That combined with his unequaled gentle nature and love for all people led him to be considered for pet therapy. He passed the test with flying colors and was certified through the Capital Area Humane Society and the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. He amazed them all while he continued to stand still and purr as they pulled his fur, hit him, and attempted to frighten him with loud sounds and sudden movements. Sadly, he was ahead of his time and, being a cat instead of a dog, was never called into service. What a loss for those requiring therapy! Nolan loved everyone and had zero stranger anxiety. If you had a lap, he was instantly sitting in it purring up a storm. And if you didn’t pet him, he would use your hand or arm to pet himself for hours on end.
After living with Kelly in two different apartments, Nolan settled into our current home in Brighton where he was joined by Paul and Rachel. Being humans, Nolan instantly loved them both but he took a special interest in Rachel as he seemed to have a soft spot for children. He quickly became her shadow. We called him Rachel’s “guard cat” and he slept with her every single night. This helped her work up the courage to spend the entire night in her own bed as she was a little girl in a big new house. Rachel and Nolan loved to cuddle together.

When Lily arrived, Nolan took on the role of “guard cat” for her as well. Whereas most animals run away from crying babies, Nolan always ran toward her to offer his services as a calming distraction. He never minded Lily pulling his fur when she was a baby or trying to ride him when she became a toddler.

In addition to gaining a human family, Nolan also gained more four-legged siblings in the form of Betsy the dog and then Amber the cat. He was never as big a fan of them as he was of his human family but he always tried to peacefully co-exist with everyone.

Besides people, Nolan loved food. He always purred whenever he ate which was completely adorable. His pendulous belly was a testament to the fact that he never ventured too far from the food bowl.

Sadly, Nolan departed this earth on the morning of Monday, November 22, 2010. Much like his dent on the couch cushion, Nolan’s passing has left a giant fur-covered hole in our hearts. He was preceded in death by his canine sister, Betsy, and is survived by his loving human family, Kelly, Paul, Rachel, and Lily as well as his furry family, Reiley and Amber. We will always love him and miss him greatly. We hope that he resides in kitty heaven where there is always a full food bowl laced with treats, a sunbeam to sleep in, and our love to keep him company.