On March 3rd, 2026, we lost one of the all-time greats. Kevin was not just a cat. He was the cat.
Kevin
A cat of exceptional quality & character
On March 3rd, 2026, we lost one of the all-time greats. Kevin was not just a cat. He was the cat.
And he was also friend.
Kevin spent most of his life as an indoor/outdoor cat in Mill Valley, California. He was a stylish dresser, noted for his brightly colored ruffled collars that prevented him from acting on his worst instincts toward birds. When he first started wearing the collars he became an expert at removing them.
Then, after a few weeks, his perspective changed and he adopted the ruffle collar look as something akin to a mane. He practically seemed proud when the collar was put on him each morning, and his dapper dressing made him a neighborhood celebrity.
When Kevin first arrived at his new home in Mill Valley, he was fed the recommended diet for a cat his size. Kevin found this inadequate. He expressed his displeasure vocally and by eating every edible item he could find. Finally his father decided not to let this issue stand in the way of a good relationship. Kevin was a free spirit who needed his kibble available all times – and that’s what he got.
Every day, without exception, Kevin went out on patrol, surveying and securing his expansive territory. His terrain consisted mostly of brambles, groves, and other such suburban wilderness. For this reason, it was always a frightening possibility that one day Kevin might fall victim to a coyote.
Kevin made his rounds in all weather, sometimes returning home soaking wet, eager to snuggle up on a dry lap. He often supervised his dog and cat sisters and human parents when they were out in the family yard. He was a multi-tasker, consulting on the garden, demanding to be patted and watching for predators all at once.
On the last full day of Kevin's life, he headed out into potential coyote territory to conduct his scheduled patrol.
He was 13 or 14 years old. Unknown to any of us, his kidneys were failing; he had a deteriorating heart; he was at severe risk of stroke.
And you know what?
The coyotes still couldn't get him.
Kevin completed his patrol, returned home, spent a final night with his beloved family, and died of a stroke the next day.
What have we learned?
All due respect to coyotes, but coyotes, like all the rest of us, were simply outclassed by Kevin.
For 13+ years, Kevin lived his life exactly as he wanted. He secured the territory by day so he could revel safely in the comfort of his family at night.
Kevin was in a league of his own. And though his family’s hearts are broken, we take comfort knowing Kevin remains in a league of his own in kitty heaven.
Kevin is the COAT (cattest of all time), and he always will be.