Mystic was a lover of laser pointers, tuna and stuffed animals twice his size. A cat with a hearty appetite for food, life and love, he spent 16 years bringing joy and affection into the lives of everyone who knew him.

A mama’s boy from day one, Mystic started life as a flea market adoptee, infested with fleas, ringworm and an indomitable will. Six months-worth of daily baths and lots of loving care later, he was a picture of Persian good looks — a fluffy black coat, bright green eyes and tufts of white fur on his face, chest and paws.

Mystic loved catnip, TV time with his family, watching boats from the balcony and occasionally, humping his stuffed animal friends.

Always a good sport, Mystic disliked grooming, car rides and moving — but endured them like a champ (other than an occasional nip at his hairstylist). He bore his cancer diagnosis the same way. His tireless spirit and zest for life, even after his amputation, inspired many. Life on three legs didn’t faze Mystic. Warrior kitty, his mama called him.

For 16 years, he comforted his family when they were sad, served as occasionally-bullying-but-mostly-loving brother to his Persian sister Creme and was his mama’s constant companion. He gave great kisses, even better snuggles and loved curling his leg around his mommy’s arm. He begged at the dinner table and drank water out of the bidet. He was a purring machine.

Mystic spent his last weeks being showered with love and affection, devouring delicious food and letting his mama know how much he adored her. On April 29, 2014, he peacefully passed on in her arms.

While his furry body is no more, his spirit lives on with surviving family members: mother Michelle, father Dominic, human sister Danielle and feline siblings Creme de la Creme, Boozie, Cosmo and Luna. He will be forever loved and forever missed.

“I believe cats to be spirits come to earth. A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through.” – Jules Verne