So, I am a cat person, to the point where my friend has been teasing me for years that I'll end up being a Crazy Cat Lady. However, the only real reason this is a thing is because of the many cats I've grown up with in my life.

So, to thank all of the cats that have comforted with me and played with me all these years, I wrote a poem paying homage to the one I've known the longest. Her name is Spider, and she is seventeen years old, but doesn't act any older than her inner kitten.

You are soft and sleek, but you do have a bit of a tummy

Though now that you've lost weight you still have some loose skin

it sways to and fro when you walk.

Your face is still as slim and youthful as the day we found you

peeking up at us among our other possible choices.

Your small face matches your body, and you make for the perfect snuggler.

Allergies, sneezes, and coughing fits have gotten worse with the time,

but you still stubbornly lick away the snot like a child wiping her sleeve.

You are the sweetest, and most polite cat in all your timidness.

Waiting to be invited to the couch, to join everyone, or snuggle.

I always love that you knew better than to eat off the table, or from our hands,

only leaving an exception for any kind of cheese or butter product.

And though you are sociable and like to be involved, you always let us know

if we've gone too far, the signal huffs and snorts of derision.

Your age scares me when you try to climb through legs and feet hidden by blankets,

or when you jump somewhere high. Your hips and legs not what they used to be.

Whenever I catch movement in my dorm, I hope to see your big, green eyes silently

asking to share my blanket. I think about your little nods to the head as you gently

coax my hand upward to pet between your ears. I love you, Spider, and I'm glad you

always have things to say, be it hello, scoot over, or okay pet me know.

Though you have grown, you will still always treasured as a big fluffy kitten.