Lucien (Lulu, Louby-lou, Lou), who died peacefully yesterday at the age of 15 plus, was a cat of many parts.
Grumplestiltskin, sleep-a-lot, loner, lounger, sybarite, guardian.
He was not a cat who easily showed affection like Marmalade or Ben. He was not a big greeter like Butterscotch who would roll over in the courtyard whenever we returned from an outing. Nor was he a cat that cared, in the sense that Pippa seems to care, when either of us are confined to bed and she decides it’s her duty to be with us.
He was a solitary cat, a cat apart, a cat set in his ways, a loner by choice–happy it seemed to spend hours curled up in favorite familiar places where he wouldn’t be bothered.
He wasn’t a tolerant cat either and could be the scourge of newcomers–prowling round the kitchen at feeding time like Bill Sykes in a black mood.
He was a “found” cat, who’d been separated from his mother too early–a rough start for anyone. After such a trauma, likely it was hard for him to trust anyone–one reason perhaps for all those years he spent in the garage with one sleepy eye on the cat-flap, guarding us from unwelcome guests!
It took him practically a lifetime to start cosying up on the sofa for a bit of telly watching in the evening rather than clambering arthritically onto the back of the sofa opposite, where his favorite folded blanket awaited him. For years no amount of cajoling would persuade him to change; he was a stubborn cat.
Meredith thinks that missing out on his mother’s milk for the vital first few days contributed to his physical difficulties later in life.
He arrived at the front door in a cardboard box. He sat nervously in the palm of one hand–he was so small–not understanding that he’d fallen in the butter dish, as a friend used to put it.
He’d been found in her garden by the sister of a friend who knew we loved cats and that Pippa had just had a litter. Perhaps, our friend thought, Pippa could be persuaded to accept a small addition.
Meredith tried adding him to the line of tiny mites who were suckling at Pippa’s teats–but she was having none of it at first and quickly shook him off.
Meredith tried again, but no go. A little while later she watched Pippa walk over to Lucien, pause, then step forward to clean his face–as if he were one of hers.
Lucien, Butterscotch and Marmalade.
Pippa had had a change of heart and accepted him into her litter.
It was a significant bonding for both of them. They remained friends for life.
Pippa was Lucien’s only close relationship, though he spent years pursuing Butterscotch, apparently the love of his life, with no success.
She was disdainful of him, clearly regarding him as a parvenu and beneath her!
All this doesn’t make him sound much fun but he did have a playful side most often brought on when the sun shone.
Even last week when he was clearly fading fast–the vet on a home visit had told us to our relief that we was not in pain–he spent part of an afternoon outside, following the sun round the front of the house.
Lucien loved to lounge in the open air, albeit often behind a tree and close to the garage and sometimes, very occasionally, he’d forget himself, throw care to the winds and simply let it all hang out!
So why did we love him so?
We loved him for his difference, for his curmudgeonliness, for his contrariness, for his independent spirit, we loved him to be precise– for being Lucien and unlike any cat we knew.
.
Robin Ellis 
what a wonderful tribute.
A lovely tribute to a much loved cat and sweet memories. Our cat Jasper who looked like Lucien had a habit of leaping over the back of the armchair and landing on your knee, he instinctively knew not to do that when I broke my shoulder, so he would perch on the back of chair purring in my ear and gently lick my shoulder to help the healing process.
Precious….Just Precious! So very sorry for Merideth and your loss, Robin. Your words and pictures truly paint a picture in one’s heart.
Karin
What a wonderful eulogy for Lucien; I feel I know him. You and Meredith always seem to find the perfect name for each of your cats. You really are cat people. Therese
What a loving tribute, sorry for your loss.
Thanks dear Robin to share with us this Lauren´s Story.
Emiliano
I love cats too, but we have only dear Gatufo
As always robin, just the rift chords were played. I have allergies instead of pets but everyone else’s as if they were my own. Now, with tears of an unknown friend, I will remember and think of lucien with joy of his fifteen plus years. thank you for sharing, these partings are not easy but it’s only a visit here for all of us and will be greet you when you meet him again.
So sorry to read of your loss. A lovely written tribute to him.
That was very moving, Robin. You and Meredith gave him a good life. (How is Pippa taking the loss of her buddy?)
RIP Lucien. My condolences to you and Meredith – I think you’re going to miss him loads.
A fitting tribute to a feline friend. I enjoyed reading the life story of Lucien the Cat.
I was very moved by this story. You and Meredith gave him a wonderful life. That’s what really matters. He loved you both, I know.
Sounds like he was a typical ‘blokey’ cat to me, and he led a charmed life when he found his place!
Exactly. Loved for his Lucien-ness. Sorry for your loss.
I’m not a cat person (allergies) but you made me love the old boy too. Thats the kind of cat I think I would like to have, one not so attached, one able to entertain himself. And yet very much cherished as Lucien was.
What an eloquent (and elegant) biography of an exceptional creature!
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Blessings to you, Meredith and to the furry friends who remain to comfort you in your loss. xxxx
Such a loving tribute. Thank you for sharing Lucien’s journey through life. We still miss our boy, Tommy, his character was very much the same, aloof, but charming. It was a uplifting read.
ellen
Thank you for sharing this portrait.
This brought me to tears. One can almost hear Lucien grumble about all the fuss made at his passing, and then see him pass by and secretly smile at such love.
He sounds a lot like one of my cats. I’m so sorry he is gone, but I do give you all credit for giving him a good life.
Thank you for being his friend. Grace
I repeat– lucky little fellow!
We have one like that. He’s just George. He isnt an affectionate cat as are his siblings… he’s just George. he’s not going to be anything more. But he’s actually a gentle and beautiful cat.
I adore the phrase “Fell Into A Butter DIsh” and will be incorporating it into my repertoire. There are 11 of those fuzzballs out there who must still be licking the grease off their backs….
We pulled in a feral kitten a few years ago who was almost blind, and subsequently died of leukemia. The innoculations came too late! As my daughter said, he found a “soft place to land”.. so did Lucien.
Grief is the price we pay for love
Oh, so sorry to hear the sad news, Robin and Meredith! It’s so hard to lose them, whether it’s 2 years or 15 years. Your pictures are so nice, though–shows what a pampered life he had! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dianne & Gene
Godspeed, Lucien. And deepest condolences to you for your loss, Robin and Meredith. Because of you, he was a kitty who lived a good and a long life.
Kathy
Maureen Harney
I’m so sorry about Lucien’s passing–in the summer I had to let my Tabbycat go. The FIV finally ended his life but I treasure the almost three years my sweet stray cat shared my home. Tabby was my first cat but won’t be my last. Lucien crossed over The Rainbow Bridge and is among new friends.
As I write this my three cats, Rebus, Morse and Biscuit are laying on the bed. Robin and Meredith-so sorry for your loss. It doesn’t matter how many cats you have, they are all so special. I’ve had several cats over the years and every time one of them leaves it does not get easier.
Having lost two cats in two years, I know how this pierces the heart. What a beautiful tribute to Lucien!
So saddened to hear this!
Thinking of you and Metedith.
You have made us all love him. Sweet memories, sad goodbyes. If only we didn’t have to part with them when the time comes. How lucky the little lad was to have found you and Meredith. Thank you for sharing your happiness and your hard times. All of us who have loved and lost our pals know the sadness that comes with the joy. It does take courage to open one’s heart to fur people but the rewards are so fine, aren’t they? I hope you and Meredith will gather up your clan and pamper yourselves during this tender time. Build a fire and curl up! Before you know it, Lucien will be back in a silky new coat.
Dear Robin
I was so very touched to read Lucien’s story. He was indeed an exceptional pussy cat. Yourself and Meredith are such caring and special people, he couldn’t have happened upon a more loving home. His memories live forever.
You are in my prayers.
Lana N.Z.
When I saw the pictures of the adorable Lucien I got goosebumps – we had 2 beautiful tabby cats that looked so much like him, one called Casey who died of leukemia and his friend called Cuddles who died a few years later of kidney problems. Their departure has left a hole in our hearts but we have moved to a house that is not suited to animals so we share our love of them with our elderly neighbours whose tabby cat called Dottie is a delight.
Lucien’s life story – so beautifully told Robin. You and Meredith gave him a wonderful home. He had a full life after a bumpy start. he could not have spent it in a better place than your home.
Thank you for that wonderful story! Our furry friends will always be alive in our hearts.
Little lovey.
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it, and the photos. xxxx
So sorry for your loss, he looks like he was a wonderful cat! People who don’t have animals just don’t understand what we go through when we lose them. You gave him a great life.
My thoughts are with you both,
Kate.
You may know T.S. Eliot wrote that every cat has three names: One common, one unique, and one that only the cat knows. It sounds like Lucien had his secrets, too, but I’m sure he knew he’d found a loving home where he was loved and accepted, secrets and all.
Lovely tribute. Thinking of you, Meredith and the other cats during this time of transition. Ann
Dear Robin,
Thanks for introducing me to Lucien. I like stubborn, solitary, lonely curmudgeons, feline or human. I was married to one for 64 years, whom I lost at 87 two weeks ago, and I miss him like crazy. I love your emails and postings, never missing a single one. Each contains at minimum one or two nuggets, but most of them chock full of humanity and kindliness and patience.
I only know you as a dedicated Poldark fan, and more recently I’ve discovered you are as an extraordinary, literate, almost poetic chef. I admire all facets, especially your wonderful writing.
I am just a retired middle school teacher of French, German, and Spanish. Yes, I am a polyglot, having had a German mother and a Belgian father, who met and were married in Rosario, Argentina. I was born in the U. S., but the family moved to a tiny village outside Rossario, called Paganini, remaining there less than a year. I consider myself more of an internationalist than American, and I have a penchant for literature that is multicultural and often multi lingual.
I love the Poldark series, and if you have any other TV series available for purchase, please do let me know where and how I can buy them. I love your work and I am a fan of your cooking blog. I am a mom of two sons, who live locally (Los Gatos, CA), 5 grandchildren, scattered (Denver, Saginaw in Texas, Santa Nella in CA, Corvalis in Oregon, and one locally. ) My 3 adorable granddaughters live with their mother in Saginaw, were home for Thanksgiving and will be here just after Christmas, too.
Love your recipes.
Lea Frey
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Lucien with us. I’ve lost several furry babies over the years. It always hurts.
What a lovely story and Lucien was lucky that he landed in ‘the butter dish’. You gave him love and acceptance that would have been missing. He is at rest now. It is so difficult to loose a pet so thank you for sharing
Thank you for saharing this story Robin, thank you very much and condolences for the Lucien’s lost. He is now in the animal’s Heaven. Love, Bea.
So sorry to hear you have lost Lucien, but he clearly found a loving home for his 15 years where he was appreciated for being the unique and special cat he was.
Very sorry for your loss. What a lovely tribute or Lucien.
I am so sorry for your loss . Xx Norma
Sent from my iPhone
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A moving tribute. My husband of 45 years died last month (of cancer) and my two cat friends have made my life so much the more endurable: Ian and Clary. Lucien reminds me of Ian who has similiar supposedly difficult-to-love traits. I did think of Jane Goodall’s obituary to Flo published in the London Times at least a decade ago.
Ellen
Such a noble, gentle and perfect expression from your hearts for Lucien. Thank you for allowing us, through your words and photographs, to know him as well. Lucien is still with you, I doubt he’s going anywhere.
Sincere sympathies on your loss, so eloquently expressed. It looks as if M. Lucien had a lovely life in beautiful surroundings.
Glad he landed in your butterdish, and may your grief fade into lovely memories of him.
Really and heartidly sorry for your loss. We love cats and dogs too, we have had dogs for twenty years. Last year we adopted our dog number four together with a cat, Red and Toby, and they contribute to our family with lots of love, happyness, and some damages too, but most of all love! Everytime we had had to separate from one of our pets was terrible, it was worst than losing a friend. They never betray you, their love is total, even that of an apparently “snobbish” cat. 😥
I was very saddened to read on the 3rd Dec. about your great loss. Lucien has passed away… My most sincere sympathy to you both. But he had a very long life in a loving home. I was very moved to read: “We loved him for what he was…” Those are the sacred words of true cat lovers.
The same day, last Tuesday the 3rd, before noon I was driving home from town when I saw a young ginger kitten wobbling in the middle of a very busy road. I stopped the car and the traffic (I was most unpopular with the busy drivers but that was of no importance) to collect the kitten. Brought him home. He was very small and very skinny. He also was almost blind. I gave him some lukewarm milk and immediately took him to our Vet’s Surgery. Rob’s verdict: the kitten was not older than two weeks. His lack of eyesight indicates that he hails from a stray mother’s litter. He was kept at the Surgery overnight and at this very moment he’s sitting on my lap. With special food to be given every two hours and eye ointment and lots of love and great care I hope to see him also living a long and happy life. He has a right to it…
What a great story, Odette and congratulations!–what are you going to call it?
Good morning, Robin, I’m so relieved to read your reply at 11.00 o’clock. I wrote my comment 36 hours ago and it wasn’t moderated for a very long time. I was wondering what have I done wrong this time. Thank you for your reply. The little feline scrap is triving in my care. It’s now 6 days since I have found him on our road. His eyesight is improving. He has an enormous appetite and at the moment he’s fast asleep on my lap while I’m writing. To me it’s the same as taking care of a new born baby… full time. Regretfully I’ll not be able to keep him. I fear to accept any young creature be it a puppy or a kitten because they might outlive me… What would then happen to them? He is going to live with Sylvia (my only daughter) who is even more “crazy” about the cats than I am. He’s going to be pampered and cared for by her. I expect he will be well enough to go to Adelaide at Christmas. As to the name he has several: Mink, Monkey and Acrobat. I really don’t know yet but Mink is at the top at the moment. We’ll see as he gets stronger and his personality will develop. Writing this I’m thinking about you and Meredith and about your furry family. It was frightening the terrible storm sweeping across Europe. How badly were you affected by it?
Good to hear that Mink is in the pink or rather that he’s fallen in the butter dish. Have you broken the news to him that it’s Christmas in Adelaide?!
Not troubled by the storm and we are in London for a few days.
Good morning again, dear Robin and Meredith. I’m so glad to find that my messages were received after all. Thank you for the replies. They always give me the greatest pleasure. Mink is truly in the pink and I’m so happy to have saved him. Yesterday he has made “the greatest discovery” – his tail. He almost went beserk trying to catch it. What a show of energy just after one week. Yes, it’s Christmas… Always the saddest part of the year for me. How lucky you are to live in Europe. One day in Tarn and the next one in London. I wish you much joy and happiness during your short holiday… I’m also very happy to be able to keep in touch with you both. God bless…
Ah the tail game–a never ending tale! So enjoyable too. One day he cotton on…
Hi, again, Robin, I’ve replied to your question one hour ago but wasn’t quick enough to log into “f”. My message is awaiting moderation but I haven’t received the usual request to confirm my message. So it will most probably amount to naught. If this will be the case I’ll write again.
Well! Everything’s been said! And I second those emotions.
But yes, a very moving RIP message to what seems to have been a very “cattish” cat. Wonderful selection of photos.
Enjoy London.
Thanks Chris–he was a cattish cat–one of the old school!
So sorry for your loss, cats leave such a big hole in one’s life when they leave us. I ‘lost’ my sweet, little Tillie to cancer last year it was so unexpected and she was just 6. The devastation I felt was dreadful, friends advised re homing so I decided that Tillie would like me to give s chance to a cat less likely to be adopted and immediately was drawn to a 15 year old black cat. A sweeter natured little cat could not exist. She’s undergone an ear removal and three teeth extractions that resulted in a new lease of life. Due to go to vet’s on Thursday for suspected rear leg arthritis, always worry due to her great age and previous experience of vet visit, fingers crossed she just needs meds. Once again Robin sorry for yours and Meredith’s loss though I feel sure Lucien had a great life with you and now runs free at the Rainbow Bridge x
Thanks Kathleen for this. It is devastating especially when they go before their time. It’s the dailyness of them. Good luck with the fifteen year old.
Thanks for reply Robyn, it is the ‘dailyness’ I missed, house felt so empty. 15 year old Charlotte , mostly sleeps and eats only at this time of year, but her presence is felt and she helps provide a sense of peace. Peace to you and your family inc (of course) your cats for coming Christmas. Love the newsletters, recipes etc x
Mr. Ellis, I’m still having problems with this recipe for Le Farz Breton. In the book I bought in St. Malo, she says I bol de lait. How much milk is that?
This is a demo in French —he’s using a litre. Even if you don’t speak French it may still worth watching:
I’m so sorry Robin and Meredith! These creatures literally burrow into our hearts, no matter how intractable they may be. I love the image of Lucien following the comfort of the sun in his last days. What a gift that was for him.
Your writing was so evocative and poignant, I found myself thinking of all the loving companions we’ve lost over the years. I wrote about losing our Corgi in my blog several years ago, and about losing our dear Mr. Spickles (the name is a long story). But, ironically, I also thought of myself. I am currently facing a grave diagnosis. As I read your touching words, I hoped people would have as many kind things to say about me at the end!! Contrary, stubborn, independent, unique, occasionally known to let it all hang out, but ultimately lovable. What more could one want!?! 🙂
You and Meredith are in my thoughts.
Best,
Marie
Thank you Marie. We send you our best wishes at this worrysome time for you.
Thank you so much, Robin and Meredith, for your thoughtfulness and kind words.
Robin and Meredith: I am so sorry about the loss of your lucien. He looks a lot like my Lord Calvert. He certainly fell into a tub of butter. What a wonderful life you gave him. It hurts. It hurts. Nothing we can do. They have short lives so we must grieve for them. I couldn’t imagine not having one or two or more fur babies. God Bless
Thanks, Judy!
Dear Lucien,
Feel very sorry for your loss but I’m touched by the lovely story.
I’m a found-cat too and feel the same like you used to feel,
It gives me hope to carry on and be happy with everything I venture.
Love from Caroline’s found cat Maupie.