No one wanted to write this post, and I drew the short straw. Personally, I am happy to live in the imaginary town of Beauchamp in the Black Orchid Enterprises Mystery series, no matter how many mishaps occur, because I have an agreement with the author: the cats never die. Sometimes they get hurt, but I can always fix them and send them on to a better life.

That doesn’t always happen in the author’s world, and this week saw the departure of the cat who inspired The Sphynx Who Stole Christmas. Several years ago, In a moment of inspiration or idiocy, the author bought a premade book cover just because she liked it.

Then she met Nigel, the online wonder cat, and knew instantly what story to write.

Unlike Nigel, our Sphynx cat Godzilla had a rough start in life, but he shared many traits with Nigel, like swinging on ferns, climbing screens and whatever would take him to the highest point in the house, shredding the sweaters bought especially for him, and wreaking destruction wherever he went. During the pandemic, his friend wrote stories about Nigel’s concerns and fears, which often seemed similar to ours.

He provided her remote counseling clients with wonder and joy. Or possibly he scared them straight, glaring from his friend’s shoulder with his Gollum-like expression. We will never know.

Nigel lived a life of spoiled-rotten comfort, as he deserved. He also lived a rich fantasy life, subjugating house plants, Christmas trees, and lampshades, all the while blaming invading lemurs whom he valiantly chased away.

Nigel is survived by his friend, the other cats in the household, and friends around the world who followed his adventures. We offer our deepest condolences to those who miss him.

Dianne wants me to say that you can buy any version of The Sphynx Who Stole Christmas for half price through the end of the year with the coupon code NIGEL. I have no objection to that. It’s an educational book. You probably don’t know that you have to bathe and oil Sphynx cats regularly.

But a better way to honor Nigel is to hug your cats close every day. Though September is Happy Cat Month, there’s no reason to stop showing love for your BFFs, your best feline friends, just because the calendar turns over to October. May you all know long life and happiness.