Old Cat - original song by Nancy Zuniga

I wrote this song in memory of my old cats Jimmy-Joe (1992-2007) and Shortstop (1983-1996). It is dedicated to all of the good old cats, past, present, and future, who enrich our lives while asking so little in return.
(Scene at the end of the video is "Boodle Rock", Jimmy-Joe's final resting place.)

Old Cat - copyright 2009 by Nancy Zuniga

When you were just a kitten
And your eyes were wide with wonder
At a world that held such mysteries for you
Back then everything was new, my old cat.

It seems not very long ago
That you were chasing butterflies
Or wads of paper tossed across the floor
You don't do that anymore, my old cat.

{chorus}
Old cat
You've been such a friend to me
The time we've shared together has been good
Old cat
Now I see you slowing down
I'd keep you here beside me
forever if I could.

The times when I was feeling down
I knew that I could count on you
To comfort me with your gentle purr
And the touch of your soft fur, my old cat.

When I sat down in a chair
You appeared from out of nowhere
Came to me and settled in my lap
For a chin scratch, and a nap, my old cat.

{repeat chorus}
Old cat
You've been such a friend to me
The time we've shared together has been good
Old cat
Now I see you slowing down
I'd keep you here beside me
forever if I could.

Your eyes once bright are growing dim
And you don't always come to me
For you can't hear me when I call your name
But your love is still the same, my old cat.

Now comes the day I've dreaded so
That you are here no longer
Though I see you from the corner of my eye
It's so hard to say good-bye, my old cat.

{chorus}
Old Cat
You're running at the Rainbow Bridge
And now you're chasing butterflies again
Old cat
When my time comes, I'll run to you
We'll stroll along together
Through catnip fields of green,
forever friends again
Until then, I won't forget you, my old cat
And I will always love you, dear old cat.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Old
• Cat
• original
• song
• Rainbow
• Bridge
• cats
• pets
• pet
• loss
• aging
• Nancy
• Zuniga

[swedemere]

Awe... so sweet! My old cat, Sylvester (18 years) loved your song too. She stood up to watch you play and is still purring next to me. Meanwhile it brought tears to my eyes, because I too... love my dear old cat. :)

[57silverhawk]

@swedemere

I'm so glad that you and Sylvester enjoyed this song! Thank you!

[catnipnbone]

This is lovely and I just sent it to a friend. She and her family lost their kitty, Tia, recently and I hope it brings them a little comfort.

[57silverhawk]

@catnipnbone

Thank you, and my condolences to your friends in their loss of Tia. I hope it comforts them to know that others understand their sorrow.

[meowfit]

That is a beautiful song. I have an 18-year-old cat, Bandit, whom I have had since he was 8 weeks old. It will a sad, sad day when he leaves us. He has been my gentle giant (he looks like that black and white cat shown at the end of the song), and so sweet. I love my old cats; Bandit, and my 12-year-old siamese mix Misty. We have two younger cats as well. It will be like a death in the family when any of them go. Thank you for this beautiful song.

[57silverhawk]

@meowfit

I'm glad that you liked the song. Losing a beloved cat really is a death in the family. I hope when that sad time comes, you will find comfort in knowing that it was your loving care that made it possible for Bandit to become an "old cat".

[meowfit]

@57silverhawk Thank you for the reply, and for that reassurance I need now, and will need the day my "old cat" leaves this world.

[57silverhawk]

Thank you very much! I'm glad that you enjoy the videos I have posted here.

[DrexelNavyPhil]

This is very melancholy and beautiful, I love my pets very much too! I'm an aspiring bluegrass musician(mandolin and guitar) and I'm enjoying watching your videos very much!

[57silverhawk]

Thank you so much, Jan! I'm glad that you were touched by this song.