Obituary cat Simba

~ Stephen Baker

Simba, the red cat with the green eyes, was probably like that – a little god. Simba was proud, freedom-loving and above it all. From an early age, the cat lived outdoors with a very animal-loving lady.
As is so often the case, life set its course: The lady had to continue her life in a retirement home and an unhappy time began for Simba. He lived alone in the old lady’s flat for six months and was fed once a day. Das war’s?

Simba became an Aiderbichler and made friends with the cat family at Gut Aiderbichl Teufen. People and the other cats had to “earn” his trust. The great thing is that animals are forgiving when humans don’t always manage to make them completely happy. His old owner was no longer able to look after him, but a life alone in the flat could not have been desirable either. Animals, including Simba, are capable of true friendship. Like humans, they value closeness to another living being.

Among all the cats at Gut Aiderbichl Teufen, Jimmy became Simba’s best friend. He was also a special kind of free-range cat. He was often passed back and forth, put outside the door and fed by kind neighbours. Jimmy is also an Aiderbichler and, with a lot of patience and love, his wounded soul became strong again. Simba and Jimmy had a good time together and who knows, maybe they told each other about special free-range experiences here and there?

Simba also liked Möhrli. She is a neutered former convent cat. The black Möhrli will certainly have told Simba her story. She lived in a convent in Switzerland for many years. The order became increasingly smaller until there was only one sister left, who had to leave the convent. That was the end of catching mice in the convent garden. She also became an Aiderbichler and a friend of our Simba.

Simba was probably suffering from chronic diarrhoea even before his time in Teufen. The medical treatment was less and less helpful. Simba received the best food, care and affection from humans and animals, but unfortunately he also made us realise more and more that he no longer had any strength and longed for a life beyond the river. So our Simba, the little lion with the big heart, left this world. Quietly and peacefully, he fell asleep at the age of fourteen and began his new journey in another country.

Dear Simba,
Thank you for letting us be your companions. You were a special cat and here and there we were allowed to look into your little feline soul. Much remains your secret. We will not forget you. Take care, dear Simba, little lion.