Nero - my spirit animal

Nero, an indescribable tomcat. When I moved to Halle for my studies, I wanted a friend. My dream was always a dog. Everyone said I didn't have time for one. Since Baby came from the animal shelter and was a really great guy, I wanted to give someone like that a chance. We also looked at dogs, but I was indirectly led to cats. I should probably mention at this point that I've never really been a cat person...

The cat I was actually interested in had already been adopted. Nero, then known as Maik(i), was poorly presented and didn't interest me. But once we were there, we took a look around.

In front of the cat enclosure, believe it or not, Nero meowed at me. He followed me and showed off his best side. I'd say he was trying to sell himself. Nero went to the bathroom cleanly and properly, ate and drank well. He was very quiet but still sought my attention. We continued walking. The animal shelter had rescued several red-and-white cats and tomcats of various breeds and ages from a hoarder's apartment, and we went to look at them. They were in quarantine. So we turned around. Back at the front of the outdoor enclosure, Nero sought contact with me. As I was talking to my friend, he went far away and lay down. I don't know why, how, or wherefore, but I tried my luck for some positive encouragement. I called "Nero," and he came. The world had never seen anything like it. A cat and me. No sooner said than done, the decision was made; it had to be fate.

Taking Nero in wasn't easy. I was in the process of moving, and the animal shelter said it was now or never. If he's gone, he's gone. You find your spirit animal and then you're supposed to lose it? I fought. After back and forth, saying he was vaccinated but not neutered, he was neutered but not vaccinated. Where do you get an unvaccinated cat?

In short, we managed everything and in October 2014 my little Nerochen moved in with me.

He was my everything. A dog in cat's clothing. I came home, and he always greeted me at the door and asked how things were. As far as I'm concerned, many people can laugh and doubt about it; I don't care because it's our story.

Nero was a great companion and uncle. He helped raise Kurama, Kitaro, and Xindra. He was there from beginning to end. He participated in everything unconditionally and lovingly. Nero was so incredibly empathetic, intelligent, simply a legend in his own right.

Nerosketier loved the fish cinema. He would sit in front of it for hours. He loved the birds, too. He was a stray animal; we were his second owners. At first, he cried bitterly every night when I went to bed. I think we gave him security and a zest for life. At least, I hope so.

Then came the worst day for me. That evening in October 2020, I gave him a kiss before bed and said see you tomorrow. Early the next morning, I checked on everyone, and Nero didn't respond. He looked at me, and I went to him. He overslept that night and left me alone without any preparation. It was so awful. I cried the whole time and had to bury him.

Nero only gave me six years. Far too little for me. I had hoped for more time with my dear witch cat. His loss leaves such a deep wound... Every day I miss him with tears because I still see him everywhere, happily among us. Dear Uncle Nero, my first child...