The Katz Nest

This past week, my family and I had to say goodbye to our Goodest Boy, Santo.

When I was just eight years old, my parents decided it was time to bring a new family member into our home. So we went to our local animal shelter in search of a kitten. I don’t remember every detail, but I do remember one little kitten who stood out. While all the others were begging for love and attention, this tiny maniac was too busy playing with his mother’s tail. Of course, that was the one who had to come home with us.

While we were waiting to finalize the adoption, a woman walked in holding the cutest little puppy — shaking, nervous, and clinging to her for comfort. My mom and I instantly fell in love. So what started as a mission to bring home one kitten turned into bringing home a kitten and a puppy… much to my dad’s surprise.

Little did we know that those two little shelter babies would become two of the best decisions we ever made.

After nine wonderful years, we had to say goodbye to our sweet pup, Bo. But that mischievous little kitten kept thriving, filling our lives with love for eight more years after that.

Santo was truly one of a kind. When he was just a few years old, he developed a urinary blockage that nearly took his life. We learned that he was prone to forming urinary crystals that could block his bladder — an incredibly painful and dangerous condition. Thankfully, with quick vet care, we were able to save him and got many more years with our boy.

From then on, Santo needed to be on a prescription urinary care diet. But of course, he decided he had his own plans. He refused to eat his dry food and would hold out for his “bedtime treat” — Purina Fancy Feast wet food. When we tried to take away his wet food, thinking he’d eventually give in and eat the dry… he didn’t. He waited us out longer than what was safe, and eventually we had to surrender to his stubborn little will.

From that day on, Santo lived on a purely wet food diet — and not just any wet food, only Fancy Feast. He was so picky that no other brand or flavor would do. And because he ate too quickly, we had to feed him six tiny meals a day, one teaspoon at a time.

Eventually, he also developed constipation and needed daily medication to help keep things moving. It wasn’t always easy — between the vet visits, the feedings, and the meds — but he was worth every moment.

Santo had a personality like no other. He loved hair — if he liked you, he’d be in it, grooming you or trying to make a nest. He was a ham lover, a skilled mouser, a sun worshiper who adored the summer heat, and the ultimate daddy’s boy.

Through every pile of homework he laid on, every gift he sat under the wrapping paper for, and every single day he shared with us — Santo was there. He helped raise me for 17 years, and I couldn’t have asked for a better buddy.

Rest easy, sweet Santo. You were the best boy. ❤️