I met Takkun when he was already three. Before that, he and Ryan had been bachelors together — just a man and his cat, figuring out life side by side. Now that he’s gone, I find myself reflecting on the lessons he left behind.
1. Patience Is a Superpower
We always joked that he was given a small battery because he spent so much time sleeping. But when it came to food or a sunny spot, he had infinite patience. He taught us that stillness has power, and sometimes waiting quietly gets the best result.
2. Presence Is Enough
He loved to be close. If there was a lap, he would claim it — right up until he grew too old to jump there easily. As he aged, he still found ways to be near us: beside Ryan at night, and then, almost in secret, curling up next to me. He showed us that closeness speaks louder than words.
3. Boundaries Can Change Over Time
As a younger cat, he was bold and affectionate. Later, he became quieter, more selective, but never less loving. His journey reminded us that relationships evolve, and it’s natural to need space at some times and closeness at others.
4. Food Is Joy
Few things motivated him like the chance to taste our food. He was shameless about it. Every meal was an adventure, and he made us laugh with his determination. He reminded us to take pleasure in the small, everyday joys.
5. Competition Is Part of Life
He only tolerated the little cat. If he could steal her spot on the bed or claim the patch of sunlight she’d found, he would. Not out of malice — just because he knew what he wanted. He taught us that it’s okay to take up space unapologetically.
6. Carry Yourself with Dignity
Even as age slowed him down, he carried himself as if he were majestic. His presence filled the room. Dignity doesn’t come from size or strength; it comes from how you hold yourself, even when the battery is low.
Sixteen years is a long time. Long enough for habits to become stories, and for a cat to shape the rhythm of daily life.
He wasn’t perfect. He was food-driven, stubborn, bossy about his spots, and not a huge fan of the other cat. But he was ours — Ryan’s little man, our majestic boy. And his lessons will stay with us: be patient, be present, love fully, take joy in simple things, stand your ground, and move through life with quiet dignity.
What did you learn? 
[…] My wife often said Takkun was a dog in a cat’s body, not because he was messy, but because he lived for food and company. Everyone who met him loved him, even Dad, who was never really a cat person. “Why would you want a cat? They don’t come when you call them,” he’d say. […]
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