 A tribute to Pickford (the Brave), the most surprising cat we’ve ever known
Pickford (formerly known as ‘Sparecat’ and ‘3-Dinners’) moved into Cat Chat Towers in September 2005, aged around 9 or 10 years after having been living as a stray. Back then he was scruffy, hungry and extremely nervous. Little did we know what an adorable, affectionate, handsome lad he would become.
Leaving his stray-days behind him, Pickford made the most of every day. He adored fuss, fuss, more fuss, and he was a total catnip junkie.
His transformation was a delight to witness, and we were incredibly privileged that he chose to share the last four years of his life with us, as he slowly became the magnificent cat he always deserved to be.
Below is a brief insight into what a very special cat he was.
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Quote from 'Pickfords' removals company:
"We at Pickfords are delighted that we have a furry namesake as cute as yourself!" |
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Pickford (the Brave) - a Most Surprising Cat
Rags to Riches
Pickford first appeared at Cat Chat Towers in February 2005 as a hungry, nervous, un-neutered stray, sneaking in to scavenge food. After being trapped and neutered, he settled into a daily routine of food-scrounging, but was still far too wary to allow human contact, and so lived outside in a purpose-built box-house. Back then he was known as ‘SpareCat’ or ‘3 Dinners’. Finally, in September of that year he allowed himself to be be stroked for the first time, and one weekend shortly after, he moved himself in. He was thereafter named Pickford (after the removals company), leaving his stray-days behind him.
Fuss Fuss Fuss!
As Pickford grew in confidence, he graduated from his first 'best place'; a kitchen chair, to a fluffy rug, a bathmat, and finally he became a regular feline hot-water-bottle on the human's bed. Making up for his years out in the cold, he gradually transformed into an adorable, affectionate, cuddle-bug. He loved to be on laps, and adored fuss, fuss and more fuss, and would give force-ten headbutts to elicit yet more fuss!
Everyone loved Pickford (possibly even Gemini!)
Further encouragement, if any were needed, came from (the late, great) Colonel Beau Cat. The Colonel and 'Private Pickford' would regularly go 'on patrol' together, and they became probably the closest thing that either had had to a 'bezzie mate'. After Beau's death in June 2008, Pickford even forged a friendship (of sorts) with Gemini Cat... not the easiest of tasks! As well as being a pretty street-wise dude, Pickford was also a well mannered, diplomatic, and gentle-natured cat, who stole the heart of anyone who knew him.
Making the Most of Every Day
Due to his tough years living as a stray, Pickford had more than his fair share of health problems, but he never complained. He had to contend with severe arthritis, having lumps taken off his belly and leg, having one of his dew-claws removed, and as for the state of his teeth... after two major dentals, Pickford was left with only one tooth, but that didn't stop him eating for England. On hearing of his lack-of-teeth situation, one of Pickford's friends, the late, lamented Oliver Postgate, sent him a food-mincer! (yes, we still have it!). Pickford was a happy little soul, he just got on and enjoyed life, and made the most of every day.
Catnip Junkie
Never a day went by without Pickford having his catnip fix! Even before he moved in, he would sneak in not just to eat, but to play with the Wiggly Wagglers or the Catnip-sacks. Every room contained some form of catnip toy for Pickford... catnip fish, catnip sacks, catnipped wagglers, and a tub of super-strength catnip was always on hand just in case. It's possible he liked catnip even more than coley fish or sunbathing, but given the choice, he'd have all three!
Give an Ex-stray a Chance!
Many people followed Pickford's story as he slowly blossomed from an un-touchable stray into one of the most affectionate lap-cats you could wish to meet. Without knowing it, he was quietly championing the cause of the nervous cat, and no doubt encouraging more people to give an ex-stray a chance. Pickford showed that given love and patience, cats like him have the potential to blossom into the fascinating and unique cats they always deserved to be. |
