If you’ve read any of the 20 or so books I’ve written since 1997, you probably met Katy. She made cameo appearances in nearly every book, as sender and recipient of e-mail messages, subject of photos and videos, corporate officer, quality control engineer, personal assistant, and even helicopter pilot (in a chapter where I needed to show an example of a résumé created using Microsoft Word).
Katy probably spent more time in my office over the last decade than I did. When I wasn’t there, she found dark, quiet cubbyholes to sleep in. When I was sitting at my desk, inevitably she wanted to be in my lap or, even better, on my keyboard. Unless there was a sunbeam coming in the window, of course. No lap can compete with a sunbeam.
We had to say goodbye to Katy this week. I guess it shouldn’t be surprising for a 15-year-old cat to suddenly develop a life-threatening condition, but we were still shocked and surprised and ultimately very saddened.
Katy was a marvelously photogenic creature, and given her love of the office it’s not surprising that I have a collection of photos of her at work. In her honor, then, I present this gallery.
Ed Bott (@ wordpress.com) 
Such a dear. I know you will miss her. She’ll be waiting for your at the rainbow bridge …
Lovely photo’s Ed. Its very sad when we lose one of our pets but it sounds like Katy had a very good life and lived to a good age.
We’re sorry to hear the sad news about Katy, and send our sympathies for your loss. All anyone can ever do is try to make every day count, and cherish the good memories.
Sorry about losing a buddy, Ed. I especially like the bird photo.
Awww, poor little thing 😦
I’m sorry for your loss. I also have a cat (Abby) that likes to visit me in my office and spend time on my lap. I would miss that terribly.
Such a sad thing to lose a beloved companion. I know how much you will miss her. Do you have any others?
So sad. Pets are family.
My sympathies for your loss. This reminds me of my favorite memory of animals around technology: when my cat, Comet, would jump up on top of my CRT monitor and lay there enjoying the warmth from the screen. Sadly, I eventually upgraded to an LCD…it only took him one time to try to jump up on that screen and realize it wasn’t the same! Fortunately the cat and the screen were okay 🙂
Ed, so sorry for your loss. It’s good you have so many photos of her.
Condolences on your loss, Ed. Losing an animal-friend is difficult.
Katy was indeed very special. How many times did I call you, only to have Katy appear and attack your feet? I still don’t understand, but perhaps I’m not meant to. She was mysterious and powerful. I’m quite sure Miss Katy has taken her rightful spot at the top of the pecking order in cat heaven. Perhaps she’s even casting a kindly eye on that overlarge orange cat with the pointy head, Sid. Be nice, Katy, he’s a good boy.
Sorry to hear that news, Ed.
Focus on all the good times and the great home I’m sure you gave her.
Very sorry for your lost.
My Condolences Ed.
awwwww.
So sorry to hear that, Ed. Katy was very sweet. And I know how much a friendly cat who can’t decide between lap and keyboard can add to office productivity. (And by “add,” I mean impede…in a good way.)
Ed, I’m very sorry for your loss. Nothing can match the love of a four-footer, especially the purring variety IMHO. My wife & I adopted sister torties who lived to be 15 and 20-1/2. Losing them broke our hearts. Nevertheless, I’m convinced that writers need cats. I hope you can see your way to adopting another. It helps.
I am so sorry for your loss, and am certain Katy will continue to send love and supervision from the Bridge. I am certain her lovely influence will live on in your office.
While we know cats evolved to not show symptoms of illness or infirmity, your sadness may be shared since it’s not something easily considered on a weekly or monthly basis. Indeed, the years can pour by and we may hardly notice, in some respects. You have all my sympathies, and a good deal of understanding.
In the right time, I hope your office and writing may be once again be graced by a similar level of directorship. For now, you have my deepest sympathy and understanding.
My condolences on the loss of Katy.
(I lost my beloved Shetland Sheepdog soul mate in September.)
The loss of a furry companion is heartbreaking beyond words…
BTW, some animal humane societies, and some universities, have pet loss support groups. I have found that to be helpful.