My old Cat Norma is TWENTY and STILL PURRING! 

Oh Kate, so so hard when our pets get old..Norma is such a sweet cat..she's had a long life. She's become famous and loved by people all over the world.

I know that Norma has passed by the time I watch this, but it's wonderful that we still get to meet her and hear that wonderful purr. It's hard to watch our best friends get old, but we are responsible to make sure that they have excellent quality of life. Norma was well loved and lived well!

Please tell Norma we all love her, that she is very dear to the Last Homely House community and how lucky we feel to have gotten to know her through her best friend, Kate.

We had one that was born in my daughter’s closet about 35 years ago. We named her Bootsie. She let us know in no uncertain terms that she wanted to live her life with us. We all adored her! She always wanted to be around me in her later years like Norma wants to always be with you. . And she lived to be 22 years old. 💖 Norma is so lucky to have you as her person.

Sunshine was my daughter in laws oldest cat, 23 years young! When my daughter in law died suddenly of heart complications my son asked if I would care for their three cats while he went back on the road as long haul truck driver. Sunshine wanted to sit close to me as well. Sunshine passed away peacefully the following year at age 24. The other two kitties, Pumpkin and Blackjack lived to ripe old ages of 16 and 17. My last cat Sarah died this week at age 17. It has been a heartbreaking week. Norma is your true companion. I read and have reread your book of Norma many times...REMARKABLE sweet kitty. Loved your tribute to Norma today. Yes, They are forever in our hearts. Bless you Kate and Norma for sharing your warm life with all of us. Blessings.

Dear Kate, Just found this vlog. Eating, grooming, and wanting to be near us; exact habits and symptoms of elderly cats. My Finn is 20 & 3 months. Skinny, (shrinking like my Mom, 92), sleeping 16 out of 24. When it is calm and 50 degrees or warmer she "knows" and wants out to the stone wall to watch the wood line. She is now like a baby, food every few hours, just a bit; picky as all get out; howling at 3am for cuddles . . . This is what we do for our creatures. As I write this, she talking to me for a nibble and attention. Love you, your sharing of life & family, your quilting creativity, cooking and various crafts. Thank You. Happy New Year. 🤗

My father’s cat lived 25 years! This cat, Ladybug, followed him up and down the vegetable garden: plowing and prepping the rows, planting the seeds or plants, caring for the rows as plants grew, picking the fruits, and plowing under in the fall. One day, I asked him what she licked from his fingertips. He smiled and replied, “Vitamin E oil! I’ve given it to her for a few years now!” No wonder she was around so long:) She passed away the spring before the fall my father passed. It’s a cherished memory of him in the garden and his cat. My cat, Lucy, is a rescue! Sometimes when she looks at me, I see eyes telling me, “Thank-you! Thank you for loving me and bringing me here to live! Thank you for rubbing my coat multiple times a day. Thank you for this great food.” When we met, she had lived in a cage for almost two years. Here, she runs and plays, goes outside, goes camping, and she is loved.

Norma is lovely. Our oldest cat right now is 15. He was recently abandoned by the nearby neighbors because as an outdoor cat he is harder to get meds into now that he has hyperthyroid. Yeah 15 years for a cat that has lived outdoors all of his life amongst raccoons, possums, other cats, foxes, and dogs. There is a deer that comes by and is fascinated by this white cat. He comes for cuddles and food. Hopefully if it is raining or an especially cold night we tempt him to sleep indoors. He is a flamepoint with bright blue beautiful crossed eyes. He is also not cleaning himself as well and I rub him down with a damp cloth when we cuddle. Here is to Norma and Mu.

There’s nothing more comforting than a snuggle or a nap with a purring cat.

Kate, Norma is a beautiful, lovely family member. She is lucky to have you and you are lucky as well to have Norma. They are a gift in our lives for sure. I have so enjoyed having both cats and dogs in my adult life not having been able to have them as a child. My cat Abigail lived till she was 18. She was a rescue kitty my 6 year old son brought home one day. He and his friend found her by a church parking lot across the street from our home, her eyes were still closed. We bottle fed her and she grew to be a health cat. She loved being in the garden and loved lying in the tall grass. I miss her. About 6 months after Abigail joined our family I adopted a kitty from the rescue shelter. We names him Linus. He lived to be almost 19. He was an acrobat and loved to climb and jump. I feel very lucky to have had them in my life. They brought me great joy. I now have a cat that has adopted me. She has come to live in my vegetable garden. My granddaughter named her Petunia. I provide her with plenty of food and water and she has begun to be more comfortable around me but she is still very guarded at any sudden movements. When I am just sitting in the garden she will come around and say hi and purr. She is sweet but does not let me touch her. I pray she stays safe. Stay well my friend and my best to Norma. 💕

Moped marched into our house when we were students and adopted us , he moved houses 4 times, outlived his companion…whom he detested, survived the arrival of 3 children whom he regarded with disdain and finally left us at the age of 22. Everywhere we lived he adopted people, especially those who lived alone but had tasty food! Norma has lived a life well loved, kindest regards Kate.

So glad you still have your Norma!! Love watching the two of you! As I watched you today, binding your flying geese quilt with the bright fabrics you mentioned that you often wondered how we found your site. My discovery was quite by accident as I just browsed RU-vid. My children got me a new SMART TV as a birthday gift. I dislike most all TV shows and movies and news!! But RU-vid is wonderful. I watch quilters and homesteaders, and church services. A quilter you might like is Kaye England. She has many tutorials and has written some books .... loves history too. Also the channel called "My Sewing Room" with Beth. I love her videos. She shows a new pattern and how she begins the blocks...sometimes shows the quilt on her display wall. Mostly scrappy - like Bonnie Hunter. YOU are certainly one of my best picks on any day!! I have only one cat at present, but have had as many as 4 at a time. I

I deliberately adopted Harry because he was a 2 year old, unneutered male at the shelter so I knew his days were numbered. When I arrived, the male shelter manager angrily told me the cat was severely aggressive and I would accept all liability for adopting him. It turned out that Harry was in the, “Euthanasia room” when I arrived. The staff all came to me one by one, in secret, whispering that there was nothing wrong with the cat and thanking me for adopting him. It turned out that Harry was a love muffin but he didn't like men or work boots. I concluded that early in his life he may have been kicked by a man. I have never regretted adopting him despite his health issues. He is now 20 and like Norma, in the twilight of his years. I take comfort in knowing that he has had a good little life.

Oh, I just love Norma! My oldest rescue/foster failure since 1975 was Missy, named by Vet at the time [1976] when one of his staff had rescued her and her dead newborns and taken her to clinic for care, then she and others were adopted out to knowm clients. She was fully grown and could only speculate her true age as she arrived as an unknown, so he said maybe 3 yrs old and lived, though blind from a brain injury because her eyes were fine, until 1991 when a substitute/relief vet authanized her without my permission because "she was so skinny". She had always been lean, just very fluffy, and by age 21+ she was very thin but not suffering and still very responsive. Forgiveness is hard; forgetting is impossible. The average age of all my rescueds/adopteds etc has been age 18 but considering they were all special-needs but one, when they arrived here, I think those are quite good odds.

This is the downside to having pets and falling head over heels in love with them. Sending lots of love and hugs to you Kate and your little shadow. Stay strong.

My dear Kate and Norma. My Cali, Calico is almost 23 . She and my other cats comfort my terminally ill mother that is 85 . She has a Lung disease but they do not affect her breathing . I guess the purring comfort outweighs any allergies. ! According to cat ages my Cali is 104 ! Norma is so precious as are Sadie and Rita ! I have many cats and would not want to live in a world without them . 😊

My new landlord warned me that the little cabin in the woods would benefit from my acquiring a mouser. I kept the mice in check, but then one day I saw a nasty wood rat running along my floorboards. I went straight to the shelter to adopt a young, female, shorthaired kitty to be my new bestie. I looked at them all (and wanted them all. LOL), but as I walked past an old, declawed, long haired, feral fellow we immediately fell in love. Why on earth would anyone declaw a cat, especially a feral one? The animal shelter employees were surprised that such a sour puss was so affectionate with me. He became my "Norma" (except declawed, so he couldn't go outside). Always purring. Always at my side. Even without claws he could catch mice!! I miss him tons, and Norma fills me with joy because she's so like him in personality.

Yes Norma is a big part of your home you share with us. The bond, and love shown between you two, and all your pets, even the grand goose of the manor, smile. We have loved them all. I was reading definitions of cross stitch lingo and they had one for pets that sit and watch us cross stitch or do sewing projects, and Norma is yours in her special lil basket, with her lil tail wagging purring next to you, complete bliss. I had our Theo who would sit between my husband and I as we would watch television and he got very sick and we had to put him down because he was suffering so much. Too much, and you know, Norma is fine. Our Theo was so sick and was in so much pain, and I couldn’t let him suffer another minute, yet he’s in my heart always. And he sometimes paws me as I walk by... he was a beautiful majestic Himalayan and so playful, and I will see him always sticking his paw out to play with me, tugging at my heart.

Oh, precious Norma. Our fur babies are the most wonderful companions, and we love them so.

22 - and I still can't bear to look at photographs of her, the pain/loss was/is too much ! I have had 23 cats in my time and every time one left me, they took a piece of my heart with them. I recognise Normas 'look' so well. Take care of her and you, sending feline hugs. xx

Thank you for sharing Norma with us. I teared up watching. It's so heart warming.

“ I’m not crying, you’re crying!” The images and music just pulled these heartstrings.💕💕

Loved seeing Norma curled up in the bowl.

How affectionate Norma is! It goes to show how much she is loved. It's so hard to think of us living without our fur babies, but we must! My kitty was just under 18, and she looked a lot like Norma. So it's a joy to watch you two. We brought her out here, to the Eastern US, from the Western US in a car. That was an experience! In my kitty's last days and months, she didn't eat much, but drank a lot of water, too. In her final hours, she wanted to sit next to me all the time, always trying to find me if I got up; even falling off a chair when I laid her there with the promise of coming back. I had her out on our deck for the entire weekend in her last days. She wouldn't let me hold her, so I put her in the chair next to me, petting her all the time, and she heard the birds when she passed. Such a sweet memory, but two days out of my life I can't fully remember; it's still such a blur.

She's so lovely in her golden years but we never want to lose our friends. It's hard to watch them grow older.

Kate, beautiful Norma. We had a cat called Abbey, which was our married daughters and lived with her and family for many years, finally when the family moved from Sydney to Darwin, so she came to live with us until she was 13. We moved into a great retirement village, but no pets, so we put her on a plane and of she went to Darwin. She lived many happy years after that and lived with them till she was 17. Beautiful cat and a great life. 😺😻

My female cat, Brandy, was 19 when she died. She was my best friend. All my children were raised by then so it was just her and me. That was about 20 years ago and I still miss her. I love your Norma and have her story. Thank you for sharing her with us.

Awwww Norma..... the story within your eyes♥️....tell me of much triumph over hard times....making your way into the this lovely lady Kate , who loves♥️ you beyond measure....Her crown 👑 is full of lovely memories sparkling ✨ stories .... and oh so much affection from you , Dear Norma....May your purrrrs continue to bring you ♥️peaceful naps... with your lovely Kate 👑♥️ I love kittens.. however I’m so allergic a Epi pin for a needed...I do have a loving loyal 12yr old rescue Pit Bull, his name is Tiny Tim....named by my Vet who found him in the most horrid place... freezing cold . He likened him to Dickens Tiny Tim ♥️ He has cancer .... but he Soldiers on.. He is my shadow.... I help him get up next to me (69#) he’s a big soft cuddled companion..... for shall have a huge hole in my 💔 when he tells me .... he’s tired... Always a Blessed time with you Kate.. your shares are just what I need, often. Thank you sooo much Hugs 🤗 Stay safe 🇺🇸 Ohio Sharon Affectionate kiss for Norma...such a lovely fur babe... 🐈

Gosh, this brought tears to my eyes. Norma is beautiful. Wonderful to have such a gorgeous companion 💜

Oh Kate, I so enjoyed your little tribute to Norma.. I have purchased your books and they are all wonderful stories. I’m not sure what I was expecting when I purchased them, but I thought they might lean towards children’s stories but I was so mistaken! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Norma, and I think my next favourite was you teaching those less fortunate than you, to quilt. It saddens me to know Norma is not well, and I cannot imagine how it must hurt you to see her failing. You said she is certainly your best friend. I venture to think that If Norma could speak, she would have told us that you are her best friend as well. Give her a little rub from me too please. There is something so relaxing about petting a cat and listening to her contented purring. I think it would be listed among A Few Of My Favourite Things.

Have tears in my eyes watching this. Norma is such a special cat - you are fortunate to have her in your life as she is to have you in hers. Big hugs xx

My family has had 5 cats in turn over the last 40 years. Our first cat passed away at a young age from a preexisting condition that was caused from injuries he had received before we adopted him. Our second cat lived to be 21. Our third cat passed away at 19, as did my fourth cat. My last cat passed away six months ago at age 17. He had been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease 5 years ago, and he lived three years longer than his veterinarian had given him in 2016. After a couple of years he grew to absolutely hate his Rx food and fluid treatments. At that point I decided to give him his regular food and stop the fluid treatments. He needed to be happy above all else, come what may. He lived for another 3 years, and for that I am truly grateful. Thank you for sharing these precious moments with Norma for us. I will keep both of you close to my heart.

All of us on the lime green sofa have little tasty cat snacks for Norma. X 🌼

The cats in my past didn’t live as long as that. My two favourite cats had sad endings. I think of them often. But now I have a dog who is getting old. He’s my buddy who loves to stay close to me. It’s hard when a beloved pet gets old. Norma is so lovely. My daughter in law has the sweetest cat who is 19 years old. She has recovered from inner troubles a few times. She too is getting thin but still eats and drinks and purrs endlessly.

In 1975, I was 20 years old, my mum found a box of eight kittens on Hampstead Heath. She brought them home and we found homes for all of them, except for the tortoiseshell and white one which we kept. We called her Lady and she lived to be 21, she died peacefully one day while lying on the sofa. 🐱

Loyal Norma! Our calico, Gizmo, was 20 last year during the lockdown. She too became so skinny, sought warmth, barely ate so we gave her special food too. She was basically blind and nearly deaf toward her end, but she knew her territory and would protect it fiercely. Oh we spoiled her! Heated blankets and tasty morsels with so much loving from us. She became very fragile and had a fall that she was not able to recover from. She is forever in our hearts as Norma will forever be in yours.

Oh Kate, I was tearing up watching this as I knew your heart and love for Norma. We have all grown to love Norma and respect her for the cat she is. We are down to four cats now. Brownie (18) is the only kitten left of her momma and aunt given to us when we moved here in 2003. We then adopted Mr. Tubbs in 2007 (14 1/2) when we worked the Animal Shelter. He was injured from climbing into his then owners Christmas tree. The owner had cancer and could not care for him any longer nor pay to have his dislocated hip fixed. He stole my heart. Then there is Moses (14 1/2) who also was injured by an animal trap. He has thyroid issues now. Pretty pathetic looking but sweet cat. And lastly is Red (14) who came to us by same neighbor who gave us the first two original cats on our hobby farm. We already lost four this year to old age. All were in the 16 - 20 year range. Our oldest cat was around 19 or 20. We adopted him when he was about 5 years. Amazing how they steal our hearts and give us joy. Sending big cyber hugs and wishes to you.

My little Tiggy Tiger looked exactly like Norma & is 22 in December. She has never been a cuddly cat but the last year she wants to be right near my face on my bed which isn't the best because I am allergic & get asthma & itchy but I love all my animals & put up with it. She has become very fussy with her food & usually have give her up to 5 different types of food till I get the right one for her to eat a couple of mouthfuls but she is doing quite good & does good droppings every day. Vet said her kidney's were failing more than 2 yrs ago & gave me tablets to give her & after a dispute with the vet I stopped giving them to her about 6 mths ago & now she is eating better & not so needy, more content & health has not changed. Sending all our luv U & your cat family from Australia,

I love that you gave Norma her own episode!

My childhood cat Sayna lived to be 19. She was a former barncat who we adopted as a kitten, and she worked her way through all 9 lives while she lived with us. Leaping from the fireman's hands 30 feet up in a tree; coming home from a fight with a quarter-sized hole in her flank. Once while we were away, the cat sitter found her in the basement, her back end paralyzed. The vet said she wouldn't walk again, but a few days after we'd rushed home to be with her, she was clawing her way up onto her favorite sheepskin. She did walk again, and run with a funny gait, and carry her tail in a permanent question mark after that. When she came down the stairs, her back end would arrive at the bottom before her front! She was never a lap cat, but she enjoyed being around us and talking to us, and it was her wits and scrappiness that kept her alive for so long.

You wonderful, sweet woman. I lost my last cat last year (Earl). I had two cats years ago now who were best friends, Feather and Midnight. Feather was 23 when he died. A couple of weeks later we lost Midnight. It makes me get teary to remember. Feather was truly the sweetest cat I’ve had and I miss him all the time. Some always stay with us in our hearts. Love to you 💕 Sharon from California

I love Norma, such a wonderful cat. My cat looked exactly like Norma. Her name was Lynx and I got her when she was 6 weeks old. She was the runt of the litter at only 1 pound!. She was like Norma...she had to be near me. She slept at the top of my head when she was a kitten. She was either up behind me on the couch or beside me and had to have her paw on me. She was 20 when she passed.

Awwww-my heart is breaking for Norma. But she is so happy to live with you. All my love...Elin from Norway

Emily Catch-a-Mouse was 21 when I had to have her put to sleep. She was born on a farm and came to me via a boyfriend I had when I was 18. She was the smartest cat I have ever had in my family, she was black and white, and one eye had full black eyeliner and one with only half the black eyeliner on. I will never forget her. She was my bestie, and no ones fool. She ruled the roost of all the other cats that came and went within her lifetime. Sir Edward Madog Widget (another of my cats), although almost twice her size, would always back down if she gave him a look. He was a huge long haired black and white cat that looked very like a Norwegian forest cat. He made it to 16. I miss him a lot too.

Fluffy lived to be 20. The last 5 years she couldn’t get up on anything, not even the sofa. I put stairs on the the sofa, beds, etc. Library stairs were the best because they have deeper steps and easier to manage. I picked the stairs up at the charity shops, and then donated them to the animal shelter. She died a year ago and my heart is still broken. My neighbors moved and just left her, so we adopted each other.

We had a rescue cat for 18 yrs. She was 1 yr. Old so she was 19 when she left us. She was aloof, hated being picked up. Never, ever, sat in our lap. Hated kids and visitors... but she was ours! She tolerated us and we loved her no end. She was in my lap when she left... and I miss her ignoring me so much. Your old lady is gorgeous... 💛💛💛

I love Norma.. She is such a sweet old lady.. so full of love for you, her mama!

Hated cats for a long time but took in my sons 2 cats while he was away at university and I then took in another cat from a girl who developed allergies to her cat. So now I have 3! Plato, Sox, and Juliette and I love them dearly!!!!!

Sweet Norma! This video was so heartwarming showing the love you have for Norma and her for you! Would someone on the lime green sofa please pass me that box of tissues! My cat is 12 and I hope she can live to be 20! Thank you for sharing Kate!❤️❤️😻

Dear sweet Kate. In the past 12 months my two elderly dear cat friends passed away. I don't even know how to tell you how much I loved them. I was right where you are with Norma with my cats. You know, the cats don't worry about tomorrow they're only concern is right now this minute… Am I warm, am I full, am I dry, and so forth. My best advice is to try not to think ahead in Norma's life but just to enjoy her every day. I have taken in quite easily hundreds of animals in my lifetime. I train them, fix them up and find them homes. The unadoptable ones stay with me. Just love her right now and enjoy her right now. No matter what tomorrow may bring you and Norma, from where I sit it seems like her life is good right this minute. Chin up dear one and enjoy your Norma while you can. And, to ease your mind, if Norma feels bad she will cry out and you will know it. I have a great affection for you and I wish you all the good things. Your friend from a little island off the coast of North Carolina, Deborah

Oldest cat I ever had was 18. Older then me. I was 16 when we lost her to cancer. She was as soft as anything. Don't think she even knew what claws were for. She adored people.

I raised from baby,bottle fed her.Calico was our baby and went everywhere with us.Even our dog Pixie love her.That was in the 70s until 1990s. I tear up just thinking about her.Love you Cálie.We know what Norma means to you. Love. God Bless you and your babies.

Our Boots kitty lived to see 22 years. His hearing went in his last year, we developed a sort of sign language. Norma is lovely.

My cat was 17 when she passed away. She reminded me of your Calico. Every time I see her I think of my Patches. The last year of her life I fed her pureed baby food. TURKEY and chicken. I finally had to have her put down she couldn't keep anything down at all.

“A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.” (Ernest Hemingway) 💜🙏Precious Norma 🧡 Our two felines, Romeo and Juliet adopted us almost 10 years ago. They've lived a few houses down the road and showed up one day when we were sitting on our front porch. To make a long story short, their owner was about to move and not able to take both with him. I truly believe the cats knew this and took matters in their own paws to find a good home and picked us, how lucky are we! Juliet is a European shorthair and Romeo a grey tuxedo. She is definitely the better hunter and he is the attention seeker and cuddle buddy. Life without cats....I don't think so....

My oldest cat was 17, born under a neighbors outside deck in 2000. My son just had to have her, so she came home to our house. Of course he left home and we were left with a yellow lab, the cat and a hamster. 😂 Lilly became my cat and she always came up on my shoulder for a cheek rubbing cuddle and told me the kitty news each evening. She never sat on our laps, it was always a shoulder hug, cheek to cheek. Lovely Lilly is still missed today.

I got choked up when you said “she’s definitely my best friend “. I just lost my 9 yr old hen and it took my breath away. Our pets are so giving of love and forgiveness, they are the best among us ❤️ I cherish my Norma book.

Hello Kate 👋 We have a small mixed dog named Pixie. She is also 20. She sleeps off and on during the day and is still very playful. Our cat Patches lived to be 18 years old. She was a joy for our family. She played music bed at nighttime and sleep with all five children at some point during the night. It was a great lose when because of kidney problems we had to put her to sleep. It was out of love and mercy, but it still hurt. Enjoy your time with Norma. 🥰

What beautiful, amazing gifts our four legged companions are to us!!! Norma keeps giving you moments of memories to cherish….I had a cat named Pearl ( my daughter, who was 3 yrs. old at the time, named her Pearl cause she “purred”) was given to me by my father, who passed a few years later, so I always felt a strong bond with my Pearl…at the age of 10, she became diabetic and we needled her twice a day til she finally decided she’d had enough at the ripe old age of 18. Like you, I have had, and still do live with and cater to, a house full of four legged companions ( I now have 3 cats and a 87 lb. Goldendoodle who thinks he’s a cat…)and each one gives me so much comfort and joy….I can’t imagine my life without them and will always have room in my heart and home for them❤️. Sending love to both you and Norma❤️

My dear sweet Lily, (who looked very much like Norma) live to be 21! The last several years of her life were transitional years for me. Quite difficult. Once I settled into my new life and space it was clear that Lily had been waiting for me to be happy and healthy before she moved on. She had been with me through thick and thin!! Lily left me almost 10 years ago but I still feel her presence. Sending you love Kate and Norma. What a beautiful, precious thing this life is!!

We rescued our cat Dood from being drowned in the river by a lady (I know, it’s terrible) she was 6 weeks old and I was 5 years old. She was nearly 20 when she died and it broke my heart. I’m 57 now and I still often think about old Dood. Love to Norma I’m sure she’s had a very nice life with you Kate ❤️❤️

My Chessie lived to 24.5 years and Maddie, who recently passed after a 2 day illness, was 18 years old. I still have Max, 10 years, and his mother, MaMa Cat, age 12 years. Enjoyed hearing about Norma. With the drinking, she may be diabetic or have thyroid issues. Enjoy your beautiful cats!

To be loved and to love an older fur baby is one of life's greatest gifts! Bless you and Norma.

Norma is a real treasure and you are such a caring and considerate friend for Norma as she ages. The last cat I had, Miss Dorkins, was a black and white long haired Manx cat, who lived to 14 but developed diabetes and after a year was not coping well. Still miss her silly old self. I no longer have a cat after always having a cat since I was about 9 and now I am 70. For the past 8 years I have a little Maltese cross dog who is my lovely and lively companion. She gets me out exercising as we walk and hike and do dog sports like agility and is my travel companion. I do miss having a cat, but so many family and friends are allergic. Enjoy your last days with dear Norma.

My cat came to me after my two dogs died within 5 months of each other, leaving me with a painful and empty hard. At first, Ollie would not come near me at all. About one month after brining her in from the seasonal elements of North Carolina, she got on the bed and slept with me. That was almost three years ago. Over those years she has become a little bit friendlier, at night, to my delight. My Ollie looks so much like your Norma. Sometimes I call Ollie - Norma. I ask her if she likes that name and she looks at me like she might!

I had a cat named Domino I ended up with from an elderly friend who passed away. He was 14 when I took him and was a beautiful "black" cat but when the sun shone on him he looked more like a reddish sable brown. He loved dogs, and went on walks with my smooth Collie/shepherd mix Rayne. People would always stop and laugh, pet the dog and the cat, and if I went out without the cat they always asked where he was. By the end he was nearly blind but still walked along with us and was the most friendly little guy. I usually gauge when the time is ready if they act like it hurts them to be pet. I have a cat now named Kally and she is slowing down and wants to be on me any time I am sitting, and sleeps on me at night. Sending you love and hugs, Kate.

Hi Kate, couldn’t watch this before but know Norma has passed away now so thought I would put my big girl knickers on and watch her. Two cats we had were 20 and 18 when they passed away. One came to me in the middle of the night to say goodbye - I put her back into the box we had made and she was cosy when she finally passed away. Such heartache when they leave us but such joy they give us when they are with us. Big hugs to you. It has been such a horrid time for you. Xx

I had Angel for19 years. She came to me on the day I found out I had Breast cancer. She was always with me and knew just when I needed love. Her health was very bad and at that time I was always by her side. I still have cats.It's so hard when you lose a friend.

Dearest Kate, I enjoyed your video first thing this morning and just tuned in again to read comments on kitties of old age. Oh my goodness everyone needs to pass the Kleenex boxes down the lime green sofa... the sharing of kitties past and present is heartfelt! Blessings to all whom have shared life with a furry critter!

She's so lovely. They live for us, not themselves. My oldest cat lived to be 16 yrs old. She was outside only, moved her 5 times, and she never had the first amount of vet care. She miraculously lived 16 years. She was given to me when she was a kitten. The owner was going to take her and her sister to the pound/animal control shelter. The sister was a wanderer. She found another home and I never saw her again but Rizo was loyal. Always there.

When I was growing up in Stalybridge, the minister of our Church had a cat called Edith Sitwell. She was called that because that is just what she did ( sit well ). This cat began to look like a very sumptuous, black velvet cushion and she had the loudest purr I've ever heard! She lived to the age of 27/28 (they weren't sure because she had been with someone else when she was a kitten and her previous owners had emigrated). I think Edith might be the oldest cat I've heard of.

Oh Kate that was a tearful one for me. I’ve had tabby cats all my life, interspersed with two Lilac sealpoints. Norma is so like two of my tabby cats, Thomas who made it to 18, Jess 19. My last lady, long hair tabby Mizzy who I adopted at 17, she had been in a rescue home for 4 months. Sadly I only had her for 6 months. All died of kidney disease. Norma’s symptoms are typical of her age with kidney disease and she’s probably arthritic. Ive made the decision not to have any more as living alone I get really attached and when they go over that rainbow bridge it breaks my heart.💔 Apparently, purring in cats who might be injured or unwell, wards off predators, in the wild anyway. I so miss a purring cat and for them to sit on my lap. Sending you lots of love & cuddles for Norma. Bless her. Tears in my eyes.

Oh bless her. I've just had a little weep for her. Got 5 cats at the moment 3 are 13, 1 is 14 and the last is nearly 16. Did have 7- 1 for every day of the week. They fill our hearts and Norma has filled them too. I'm sure everyone on the LGS is giving her a good old chin rub. Take care ❤

Norma, what a sweet darling girl! Twenty years! How remarkable! 💖💚💖💚💖💚

Lovely Norma. I have two cats now. Both nearly 8 years old. One of them, Lea, looks just like Norma. Lurven, from the same cat litter as Lea, have long fur and always looks like he have been in a storm. If I'm lucky my two furbabies will be 20 too. Lots of love to Norma from me and the cats in Norway.

I have an orange tabby named Little Girl. She is 17 now and still going strong. She was dumped as a kitten along with a brother and both adopted us. She is very affectionate, especially to my adult son. I had the vet cut her claws as well as they no longer retract and get very long and sticky. Little girl is also very vocal now and will cry when she is looking for you. She is a survivor as well. Many years ago, we had a mountain lion come through our property. The cats disappeared and we thought they were gone for sure. Several days later, my late husband heard some cries in a shed where there was a small opening and found little girl in a roll of field fencing. She had escaped the mountain lion and the fencing saved her life. Unfortunately, we never saw her brother again. Her teeth were broken but other than that, no injuries. We had to have all her teeth pulled a few years later as they had become infected. Most of her life has been toothless but it never caused her any eating issues. She is a sweet kitty and is definitely showing signs of aging but is doing well. Thanks for showing Norma, she’s beautiful.

I just love Norma. She reminds me of my cat Casey. She went over the rainbow bridge many years ago. I owned a small craft shop and so she would go to work with. I had a van, I would put her on the dash for the ride a d she loved it. A wide open view for her and never cried. Once we got to the shop, if it was a nice day I'd let her out the back door where she played in the field all day. When it was time to go home I'd call her name and within 5 min she would be at the back door. I love cats, they are so smart. Love dogs too ut they are so much work. Kiss Norma for me as she brings all those beautiful memories to about Casey. Happy day Kate and all the cats too.

Last year, my companion of 26 years, Toby left me. She looked exactly like your Norma who is such a sweetie. I have owned other cats that lived to 24 and 22, but they were not as close as Toby and I were. She was a very smart tabby who I always felt she was born with an old soul. I got her from a rescue shelter where they were going to euthenize her because they thought she had HIV. I fought with them to pay for her to be tested because I felt compelled take her home with me. She tested negative and spent the next 26 years together. She always knew when I was not feeling well when I needed a bit of love from her. She was totally deaf when she turned 20 and at 24 she was diagnosed with mouth cancer which did not respond to treatment. Towards the end I would feed her chicken baby food which she loved. As soon as I could see that she was suffering and her body was starting to shut down I knew I did not want to take her to the vet to be put down because I knew she feared that place. I had a vet come to my home to euthenize her in peace & quiet. Toby passed away on my lap with my arms around her. She so fiercely wanted to stay with me, that it took 2 injections for her heart to stop. I will never forget my friend and how she made my life better her being in it. It is so hard when our animal friends lives come to a close and unfair that they do not live as long as we do, but the unconditional love they show us is worth the pain we endure with their passing. You have given Norma a loving & wonderful life. She proves that with every purr and headrub I see her give you. You might try the baby food. I hve never had a sick or old cat turn it down. Norma may surprise you and stick around a bit longer than you exepct. She clearly still enjoys your companionship and loves to be at your side which brings her comfort.

Oh Kate, this brought back memories of losing our darling Snowy at the beginning of this year. He was 16/17 (he was a rescue so his age was a guess) and his kidneys were failing. Like Norma he always wanted our company and purred the loudest when he saw my husband. It was so hard to say goodbye. We now have Harry (2yrs old) in our life and hope he stays with us for a long time too. Norma knows you love her so just keep doing what you are doing. Love from Down under.

I love Norma so much. We had to say goodbye to our 19 year old Gypsy the end of July. She had kidney problems for years. She was frail and stumbling and fur and bones. In later days we would carry her to the litter box to do her business. She loved to be brushed. Miss her every day. Our other cat Alistair is 13. He still looks for her and looks in the 2 places where Gypsy's beds were. He has gotten extra lovies, even though he has always had lots of lovies. We will miss our girl forever. Give Norma lots of hugs for us. Many, many love her. I have Norma's little book. It made me cry, just as this video has. Blessings to you, Kate.

Sweet Norma. I love how some cats just want to be there with you. We had a cat who lived to 21. He spent his last few months on a heating pad set on low. He was a great cat.

Hi Kate. I have had four cats, one left. Three had been rescued off the street as kittens. Three lived to 19 this last one is approximately eleven, she I rescued from a woman that had to go to a nursing home. Loved and love them all dearly. Norma is a darling and I can see you take care of all your animals with love. Take care, Janika

Norma is a grand old lady who is very much loved and cared for by you 💕

Norma is a sweetie! My oldest cat right now is 19. He will be 20 in January. He used to be our barn cat but he cannot see to well anymore so he is an indoor cat now. It is a joy to have had these precious ones in our life for so long.

Thank you for this update on Norma, Kate. I have been worrying about her. It seems like females last the longest. My brother had a cat that died at 23. Norma is lucky to have you with her, seeing to her needs. She may be leaving us soon and that makes me so sad. But, she has had a long life. Best to you and all the cats.

Wonderful Kate! So loved this. I grew up asking Santa for a cat and never got one because my Dad was "allergic" I married a man who didn't like cats but after a daughter moved back home with hers, he decided they weren't so bad. On Valentine's Day 6 years ago he gave me the best gift; A card with a cat he drew and the words, "Good for one cat". Both Gwynee and my daughter's cat Floki are from the Humane Society here in Utah. My other daughter has two from the Humane Society and my son has two from another shelter. The oldest is Floki at age 13 but my 11 year old Gwynee acts older. It will be hard; very hard when they die. They are such a joy and I'm blessed by their willingness to love their humans. Gwynee, like Norma, is always at my side. God bless you and Norma and all of your other lovely animal friends.

when you see Norma next to cat Rita, it's very apparent Norma has lost weight. So glad she is content to be near you....this is the hard part of caring for pets, right?

I've lived with cats all my 76 yrs and do my best to see they live to a good happy 20. Just lost Grey age 15 yesterday. Five others are in mourning. Mimi is 17, Goldie 15, Hansel and Gretl both 9. He had his Golden Ticket in his pocket and cashed it in. He kissed me goodbye. Pet Norma and the others for us.

Sending you and Norma much love. We watch you every Sunday morning here in California, and an appearance by Norma is always special. Thank you for sharing her journey with us. These days are very, very precious. ❤️❤️❤️

Kate, we had Barty cat, who lived to be 23. He looked just like your Norma. He was so tiny and frail and only weighed 7 pounds. We had to have the vet come to the house and Barty died in my arms. I loved that old cat. Your video brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing her with us.

20 is a wonderful amount of time to have with a pet. I have always loved seeing Norma because she reminds me of some of our cats. We have not been lucky enough to have one for 20 years. One of ours, Ebony, was born in our closet and lived 16 years. We just lost Tiger this year at 15. He was born under our deck and lived his whole life in the back yard. Did not like it when we tried to bring him inside with the other cats. So we are down to 5 which, for us, is a small amount, and they are aging. I love how Norma so wants to be near you, and that you both are still able to enjoy each others companionship. Cherish each of these moments.

I love this little story of Norma. My cat Buffy whom I got when I was a small child (1966) lived so long I moved away from home before she passed. I couldn’t take her with me as she was so used to the house and my mum. She lived until after my third child was born, 1986. We all mourned her loss, more than any my dear old mum. We remember her and the stories of her life. Thank you for sharing Norma with us xo

Oh how sweet to see you and Norma together. Bringing back lots of memories of my own old cat. Little Lene was 23 when she died. She had also trouble grooming herself. I used a small warm wet , not soaked, towel to carefully wash her a bit and then grooming her with a soft brush as well. She loved that a lot. We had a sheepfur for her to keep her warm and cosy in a basket. And because of that she would not get that stiff after sleeping there. She was always together to the last moment with me or my grownup children. Still purring and having a good time. Wish you the same with sweet Norma

Oh Kate, Norma is so sweet. I can tell how much she loves you. I know cats and live to be quiet old. A long time friend’s cat lived to be 23yrs old. My autistic sons cat ( and mine) is only 5yrs old. His name is Sampson and he’s solid black with green eyes. We love our fur babies.

My first and only personal cat (I always had dogs), Gracie, was adopted by me at 5 years of age, after Christmas in 2014. She's a Russian Blue and was declawed on all 4 paws, by her previous owner. I've reached an age when I knew I couldn't give a dog all the attention and exercise it needed, thus Gracie came into my life. What a great companion and smart lady she is. It took us a while to understand each other and now we are great friends. She's a 100% house cat who is happy to take up residence in my craft studio, laying on my sewing cabinet and looking out the window. If you stop by to visit me, you'll never see her. She'll find a spot to hide and won't make an appearance. One thing she loves and that's a routine, and like a furry alarm clock she lets me know if it's snack time, dinner time and even bed time. I love her to pieces.

Thank you. Having not seen her in the last video, I admit to having had a bit of concern for her, but am absolutely delighted to know that, while she is showing her advanced years, she is well. My dearest cat, a long haired, black cat named Mozart, blessed me with eight years of companionship before he died of kidney failure. I was crushed having been his human since he was two weeks old. I had hand fed him every two hours for weeks (snuck him in to work in a shoe box and "socialized" him with the children who were my patients) and nursed him back to health after his siblings had been abandoned and died from fleas and exposure. He and his brother survived but with long term health problems and Mozart passed quietly on his eighth birthday. It took 21 years to consider another feline because I still missed him but I now have three! McGonagall (Maggie) and her brother Muggle will be five in October and Mia, my constant companion and shadow, will be seven in November.

You and Norma are great together and lucky to have one another! My husband and I have had several kitties that have lived to 18 to 21ish years. Kidney disease is unfortunately very common in older kitties. We try to focus on the happy times and make things as comfortable as possible. Take care!

It's kidney failure, very common in old cats. My oldest cat was 19. I gave her water in a tall glass so she wouldn't have to bend her neck down, and she wanted an ice cube - she liked chasing the ice cube around the glass (she was an American cat, after all, not British!) I even gave her fluid subcutaneous infusions for a while, and it seemed to help, but eventually it seemed to me that she was in pain, and I took her to the vet. Like you said, you will know. I had hoped she would pass in her sleep at home. Her litter-mate sister also had kidney failure but the year before, but had become deaf, and then one day out of the blue became blind, so it was more clear that she had no quality of life left. I hope Norma lives her full life comfortably with you caring for her. Love to you both.

This brought tears to my eyes!! Made me think of all my animal friends that lived long ( but not THIS long!) , most of them dogs though. I love Norma! She is an old and wise soul. Bless her ❤️🐱

My Eavie Kitty is 10 years old. She has mammary cancer but she is not in pain and still likes to play and hunt. She is my buddy and loves my quilting fabric as much as I do. She leans towards Kaffe Fasset designs. Snooty kitty.