It has been many, many years of the sweetest memories with Ginger. His family was a CNRM cat family, initially looked after by a feeder until we moved into this neighbourhood in early January 2012 and Ginger adopted us.
This is the very first photo I have of baby Ginger, sent by the feeder.
Ginger lived with his mum, Daffodil, and sister, Rosie, in our park.
When we moved to this neighbourhood, we started feeding them too. One day, Ginger was attacked by the neighbourhood terrorist-cat, Mr Quack. The feeder informed me about a “paw wound” but he could not catch Ginger. Then, a few nights after that, Ginger came on his own into our catio and sat inside our cage. He needed help.
True enough, I took him to the vet and the paw injury was about to turn gangrenous. Ginger was put on antibiotics and other medications.
I kept him safely inside the cage so that I could medicate him daily, but I took him out of walks with the leash. Mr Quack did come to terrorise Ginger further, but luckily Ginger was safe in the cage. Daffodil came to visit Ginger daily too. Finally, after 2 weeks, the paw wound healed. I caught Mr Quack for neutering and a kind friend adopted the terrorist.
From then on, Daffodil and Rosie also came to live with us. That was how Ginger got his whole family adopted!
Daffodil and Rosie came to visit Ginger every day when I had him caged for treatment.
When Ginger and family were still free roaming, they loved to sit by the drain. So even after we confined them in the catio, Ginger still made many heroic escapes out. I would be frantically searching for him, but all he wanted to do was to sit in the drain! That’s how he earned the nickname “Longkang Cat”. Once he went missing for too many hours until I desperately sought the help of a psychic. Ginger finally came back that same night, safe and sound! He was probably having a good nap in a longkang and had forgotten the time.
From left: Daffodil, Rosie and Ginger.
This was our catio family way, way back.
Rosie passed away from hepatic cholestasis in March 2017 and Daffodil of old age in September of the same year. Daffodil was 17.
In early 2020, Minnie brought Smurfy to our porch to seek our help and soon after, Minnie gave birth to the Monsters. Ginger found a new family in Minnie and her Monsters. He adored them, looked after them and vice versa.
Ginger’s new family and new purpose in life – to look after them.
Minnie adored Ginger to the hilt!
Then, in early 2022, we started looking after Jayden.
Ginger very naturally stepped into the role of babysitter!
He provided “back support” for Jayden.
He was always around for Jayden.
“Want to share this biscuit with me, Ginger?”
Jayden remembers Ginger as his best friend!
My husband was Ginger’s best friend as well. He would spend every morning sitting in the catio with Ginger. It was their daily routine. Ginger would sit on the chair next to him and they would spend quiet time alone. There was an understanding between them.
Ginger got along with everyone, including the Blondies. And everyone welcomed him too.
Ginger created a favourite “earthing spot” here for himself.
The vet always said Ginger was obese and needed to lose weight. Well, as obese as he was, he was super agile on the platforms and had no problems at all, jumping up and down and across, at the same speed as the Monsters too! His favourite spot on the platforms was on the highest one – at the top of the world.
Right up to a few days ago, he was still up there, enjoying the view, with Minnie always close by.
I will miss this so much and I’m sure Minnie and the Monsters will miss their favourite Uncle Ginger too.
The special relationship between Ginger and Minnie will be one of our sweetest memories.
You had the kindest heart, Ginger, and the most easy-going personality which endeared you to everyone, cat and human included.
You will live on in our hearts for always, dearest one.