I have not posted here on TCS for a long time but I had to post here. For some reason, I'm having trouble posting pictures and video. I want the pic to be shown here but it will only let me post links.
If you know how to show pictures/video directly here without sending people to my photobucket account, please let me know!
I just found out my beloved cat Rusty at a rich age of 24 years old passed away this morning. I knew it was coming but it was still a shock.
I remember when I first saw her nursing at her momma's with other kittens- my neighbor heard that my beloved cat Doonesbury had passed away and immediately told my mom that I was welcome to adopt any of her kittens. At that time, I was a teenager. So after a while, I came over to look at kittens and immediately fell in love with Rusty because of her coloring - I decided to name her Rusty because of that. While she was being weaned away from momma, I'd go over and get her and walk over to my home cuddling with her.
Here's a pic of her as a kitten-
As she grew up, she loved to nibble on my eyelashes, cuddle with me and loved playing with family dogs as you can see here.
Later on, I found an injured cat, brought him home and to make a long story short, convinced my dad to let us adopt him so we ended up having 2 cats. I truly believe Rusty never forgave me for bringing Sammy (2nd cat) home over 11 or 12 years ago I think. She started growling and hissing at me whenever I came near her or tried to pet her. It didn't help that I always wanted to pick her up and hold her. The strange thing is she never harmed me even when she hissed, growled or swiped at me. She was the most gentle cat ever- never scratched me with her paws or bit to draw blood. I believe it became a habit for her to hiss and growl at me since then.
Here's a great video of her I took about 3 years ago- as you can see, she'd hiss and growl at me WHILE swatting- I think she was kinda playing with me.. *wink*
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v294/Pamela4cats/Rusty/?action=view¤t=2005DECRUSTY036.mp4
I eventually went away to serve a mission for my church then later went as a student to an university in the east (across the country), ended up living there for 10 years working at the university after graduating and Rusty stayed with my parents. When I finally returned home to Utah accepting a job offer, my parents asked if I wanted to take her and Sammy since they were mine. It was a difficult decision but I knew it was best for them to stay with my parents since they are used to being indoor/outdoor cats and I believe in having indoor cats only. Also, I knew Rusty wouldn't be happy with me (especially since I have 6 cats of my own already) and my parents spoils the 2 cats rotten.
It's so hard to believe that Rusty lived long, good and happy for 24 years! I told my mom today as we grieved over Rusty that we were very very lucky to have had her for 24 years. She was still spry and feisty up to about 6 months ago then started going downhill slowly.
I love her and will never forget her - I know she's in a better place now. Hopefully someday when I die, I'll see her and at that time, she'll let me hold her. :)
Here's my FAVORITE picture of her..You can tell that she believed she was a princess and she was..
Rest in peace, Rusty and know that I and my family really loved you and will never forget you.
...
Rest in peace Rusty. 
Rusty 
