In Memory of Odin the Cat: A Life of Adventure, Love & Wisdom
In Memory of Odin the Cat: A Life of Adventure, Love & Wisdom.
It’s still a shock that a week ago, Odin was still alive and now he has claimed his wings to fly to kitty heaven. Only 15, he had the energy of a kitten and I expected him to live to 20 but it was not in the cards.
Odin was a remarkable cat with a presence that filled every space he entered. Born in the Bronx and rescued by the ACC as stray kitten with a huge infected eye, moved to another shelter, had surgery to remove the eye and arriving in our lives with one bright green eye—as a foster along with an older cat Gris Gris.
My old Siamese Merlin was grieving his sibling Coco so deeply, we thought fostering a cat would ease his sorrow. Needless to say, we ended up with two foster fails. Odin and the mysterious 10 year old Gris Gris.
The three bonded immediately and became lifelong pals.
Odin was always a resilient, curious and easygoing soul.
He joined our household as part of the original quartet of cats that shaped the beginnings of Cat Wisdom 101, alongside Merlin, Domino, and Gris Gris.
From the start, Odin demonstrated a calm, gracious temperament. He was never aggressive, always accepting new cats and humans alike, and instantly became friends with everyone.
This is his original profile.
He was our adventure boy and true to form Gemini. Odin loved exploring the outdoors in any weather, from snow to heat, always returning home with tales of his journeys.
He was our adventure boy and a true Gemini, full of curiosity and energy. Odin loved exploring the outdoors in any weather, from snow to summer heat, always returning home with tales of his journeys.
But the only thing he enjoyed more than exploring was hunting—he was a master hunter.
We never had to worry about mice in the house. Over the years, his prey expanded to birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and even the occasional baby snake or vole. He would often bring his “gifts” inside to play with them, and we rescued as many as we could before Odin’s playful curiosity turned predatory.
Despite this, he was sweet-natured and never cruel—he simply embraced the instincts all cats carry, making him both a loving companion and a skilled predator.
When we moved to our current home six years ago, we outfitted him with a GPS collar to keep track of his explorations across our property.
Despite the collar, Odin never strayed far, but he approached each day with curiosity and confidence. Two days before his passing, he even visited a cat friend across the way, a subtle reminder of his spirited life.
Odin also had an important role as our original “product tester.” Over the years, he sampled food, toys, litter, and books, offering his discerning paw of approval.
Odin approached this responsibility with dignity and humor, never hesitant to share his opinion. For years, his reviews helped guide the Cat Wisdom 101 community, making him not just a companion, but a contributor to countless cat owners’ lives.
And like all Cat Wisdom 101 members, he dispensed his unique brand of wisdom.
There are over 500 images of Odin in our archive if you feel like seeing more. I found many never published ones too like this one.
And so many posts. It’s impossible choosing a favorite but this was so quintessential Odin, intrepid as always.
Mancat Monday With Snow Cat Odin
A Sudden Turn: Odin’s Final Vet Visits
Odin had always been remarkably healthy. Year after year, his vet visits came back perfect—his blood work normal, his body strong, and his vitality impressive. Even in his later years, the vet would exclaim, “He’s like a two-year-old!” and marvel at his health. We felt confident in his well-being, trusting that we were doing everything right.
Then, a few months ago, subtle changes began to appear. Odin started drooling more than usual, and at first, we thought it might be a dental issue. His coat seemed slightly scruffier, but nothing alarming—he was still the same playful, adventurous, and gentle cat we had always known.
Concerned, we made an appointment to have his teeth checked, thinking perhaps a small dental procedure would resolve the drooling. The vet, a feline specialist, examined him carefully and delivered unexpected and shocking news: Odin had a growth that looked like cancer. The tumor was aggressive and fast-growing. Surgery or dental work would not help; the prognosis was grim. The vet estimated that he might only have about two months left.
Odin and I had daily snuggles but rarely took selfies but I’m so grateful I snapped these recently.
The news was heartbreaking. How could this have developed so quickly, especially when everything had looked perfect just a few months prior? We felt stunned, yet grateful for the clarity. Knowing the truth allowed us to provide him with comfort and dignity in the time he had left.
Seeking reassurance, we obtained a second opinion from a feline oncologist. The oncologist confirmed the original assessment: the tumor was indeed fast-growing and aggressive, and intervention would not change the outcome. We had our vet examine him as well to no avail. The tumor was growing rapidly enough to interfere with his ability to eat, and his drooling had worsened to a thick, bloody discharge in the final week.
It feels like yesterday that he looked like this.
The experience was a powerful reminder that even the healthiest pets can develop serious conditions quickly. Regular wellness visits are essential, but even they cannot always predict every change. When subtle symptoms appear—drooling, changes in appetite, coat condition, or behavior—it is crucial to act promptly, observe carefully, and seek multiple opinions if necessary.
Odin’s journey illustrates how fast some conditions can escalate and how vigilance, love, and timely veterinary guidance are the best tools we have to protect and care for our companions.
In the end, the decision to let Odin go peacefully with dignity was made with his comfort and well-being as the highest priority. Though it was incredibly difficult, it was an act of love, ensuring that he passed with compassion and respect, surrounded by those who cherished him most.
This was the 8th cat death since I moved to New York 24 years ago. Each death, both natural or euthanasia and funeral/ceremony were distinctly unique. I have written about each one and numerous posts about grief, creating memorial garden 7 Signs From Ghosts Cats or Angel Cat Dead Cats Communicate in Mysterious Ways
Sure enough Odin communicated hours after we buried him in the garden beside Nou Nou, Clyde and Domino. We were watching TV with Otto when we heard a loud Odin meow from upstairs. One meow then a second to let us know his spirit was still around.
The End of Era
With Odin’s passing, an era has come to a close. He was the last of the original quartet of Cat Wisdom 101. The only remaining member is Otto, who was good pals with Odin and seemed a little confused and sad for a few days.
Ultimately, Otto is a very independent cat, likely more food-motivated than anything else. We have considered giving him a companion and even visited the shelter where we adopted him, but so far, there hasn’t been a cat that truly called to him—or to us—to be adopted, yet.
As for the future of this blog, it is also a bit up in the air. No drastic changes are planned in the immediate term, but I will be thinking deeply about what comes next.
It’s a sad time but oh how many sweet memories.
Until we meet again…
32 Comments
meowmeowmans
Layla, we’re so sorry to read of your beloved Odin’s passing. What an amazing cat he was. We are so happy you and he found each other, and that he had a lifetime of love there with you. Thank you for sharing him with all of us, my friend. XO
Tails Around the Ranch
We were so sorry to learn the news about your Odin. Sending you gentle thought of comfort on this loss.
BellaDharma an BellaSita Mum
Deer MIss Layla wee are furry sorry to reed that sweet Odin has gone to Purr Land. Hee was a furry kewl mancat an wee hope all yore memoreess an fotoss’ will comfert you durin this sad time…
Run free sweet Odin….
~~~head rubss~~~BellaDharma~~~ an {{hugss}} BellaSita Mum
Nancy West
I felt a huge lump in my throat when I saw your news on FaceBook. I am so sorry for your loss. Now, reading this post, my eyes are welling with tears again. What a beautiful spirit! Odin was a bundle of adventure and joy! I remember reading about all your kitties over the years (back when you were living in your old house too)–Merlin, Gris Gris, Domino, and, of course, Odin. They all brought so much joy to readers!
My heart goes out to you. As you well know, it takes time.
Run free in the forever summer lands, sweet Odin!
Maggie
He was such a remarkable being. A little furry Norse god. What a great life he had!
I’m so sorry for all the sadness his departure has caused, but I know how grateful you are to have lived with and loved Odin.
The J-Cats
We came over from Benji and Dalton’s blog. We are so sorry for your loss. We did not have the honour of knowing Odin, but he seems to have been an amazing kitty and much loved. Of course you can still feel his presence. As long as a kitty is loved and remembered, they never really die. We send hugs and purrs of comfort.
Eastside Cats
Farewell, Angel Odin.
Hugs and purrs.
Smudge
Oh dear, we didn’t know Odin and my gosh- how have we not known about this blog? Our hearts go out to you on the loss of your sweet Odin. Dad and mom know the pain you’re feeling at this terribly sad time. Please accept our condolences.
Duke
I am so sorry your lost your wonderful Odin. Huge hugs♥
Leah
Layla, the kitties and I are so sorry to learn of the loss of your sweet kitty, Odin. We’re purring hear for you to find comfort in sweet memories.
Edith Chase
I’m sorry for your loss. Sending comforting thoughts 😢💔🌈
The Island Cats
I am so sorry for your loss, Layla. Odin was one of a kind…and you gave him a wonderful home. I know what it’s like to lose the last of the original member. It’s so difficult…but Odin, and the others, will live on in your heart and memories.
Meezer'sMews&TerrieristicalWoofs
Layla, I’m so sorry to read about sweet Odin becoming an Angel. So sorry for your difficult loss.
Fly free and strong, Odin.
(I sent you an email…)
ERin the Cat Princess
We both are so sorry to hear this news and will pray for a good rebirth for such a wonderful companion.
Until you meet again, and in whatever form, may your fantastic memories together be your strength and guide in the days ahead.
Gentle purrs and mantras
ERin & Mrs H
Marjorie and Toulouse
Layla, you lost the finest of cats in Odin and I am so sorry he had to go. What a life he had with you, the daily wonders, the excitement of being a cat who was loved and respected. Farewell Odin, my Thomas (recent sudden arrival at the Bridge) will be ready for a meet and greet, although I know Merlin and the gang will be there as well.
Goodbye Odin.
Ellen J Pilch
I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet boy. xo
Little Miss Titch
Oh Layla, I am so sorry for your loss of Odin. it never gets any easier when they leave us does it? But its the circle of life and when it is their time or ours then all we can do is say good bye and remember that we will see them again. And you will see him again, all of them when the time is right. Sending you many hugs xx Rachel
P.S You know we still see Speedy from time to time as does Titch, we know when he’s about because of Titch, she stares at him and then eventually goes over to him sniffing at him all curiously. Sometimes we feel him touching our legs and when we look down there’s nothing there or all of a sudden we will see him out of the corner of our eyes him zooming past us like he used too….its nice xx Rachel
Rox
so very very sorry…crying but he’s pain free & busy checking & exploring….
The Florida Furkids
We’re so sorry to hear about Odin’s passing. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Lisa
What a wonderful tribute to Odin, you gave him an amazing life!
My sweet little black cat Hannah suddenly got ill and died in August after 17 awesome years.
I grieve with you…”A little body often harbors a great soul.”
Cat and Dog Chat With Caren
I am deeply, deeply saddened to learn of Odin’s passing. Being a Gemini, Roary shares some of his personality traits, but Odin certainly was one-of-a-kind. It truly is an end of an era. I know you must be reeling with grief, if you need/want to talk, I am here. Sending love and (((hugs)))) of comfort. Odin will never be forgotten. BTW this was the purrfect tribute for such a special boy.
Pam Kimmell
Dearest Layla…….we lost touch through the years my friend but I never EVER forgot the first time I saw your blog….it was when Merlin became an angel. Lots of years ago for all of us I know! At that time I had Sammy and of course as they do our loved ones move on – now I have Teddy – HUGE ginger of 9 years. I know you’ve had a lot of adventures since we last “spoke” as have I, but I truly will always remember you, Odin, Merlin and all the others. Our love for them stays through the years and beyond…………I’m so sorry for your loss. He’s there in your heart always.
Love, Pam
Elaine Hutzelman
Dear Layla,
I have been with you since the days of dear Merlin and the original foursome,each with his own personality. This news was so unexpected that I can only imagine what a difficult time it is for you to recall the positive things about your dear boy,Odin. You are in my thoughts as you grieve. He had the best life possible with you, full of outside adventure and your love and devotion- a most fortunate fella.
Deb Barnes - Zee and Zoey
I’m so sorry, Layla. Odin is from the era that you and I met and bonded. He will always have a special spot in my heart, and I am forever grateful to have known this wonderfully spirited and adventurous cat through your wonderful photos and stories. I am also thankful for his participation in Zee & Zoey’s Cat Ruler of the World contest, which I ran in 2012. He was a fantastic candidate, and thanks to him and the other nominees, this contest earned countless meals and products for kitties in need.
da tabbies o trout towne
odin, dood, each of us here in trout towne are truly sorry to learn this. we know
you lived your life on your own terms, and we know how much you loved your
pawrents. rest well in heaven buddy, where you start your tenth and forever life.
we send hugs and loves to you, and your family still here on earth. dude, boomer,
dai$y, tuna, sauce, mackerull and de gurl laura
Rose
My sincere condolences. Each cat is one of a kind and such a beautiful gift. Odin leaves you with such precious memories and much, much love, always. My thoughts are with you and Otto.
VickyC
So sorry for your loss. I loved the posts with Odin, such a lovely free spirit. Run free dear Odin, run free.
Sending hugs your way
easyweimaraner
that was our first thought too… he was the last one of the crew… and the one who knew merlin…. hugs to you all
Sue Brandes
I am sorry for your loss. I will miss reading about him.
Memories of Eric and Flynn
I am so sorry for your loss. Odin was a wonderful family member and you have made a lovely tribute to him. He will be sadly missed.
I am sure he will visit you soon if he has not already done so.
messymimi
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Odin was simply amazing.
Layla Morgan Wilde
Many kind thanks.