Come On, Little Gamma Ray: A Love Beyond Words
A cat’s love is often earned, nurtured through trust, and built on the sense of safety they feel in your presence. Cats, though often misunderstood as aloof, independent, or mean, are deeply complex creatures. They show their affection in subtle ways, revealing their love as they get to know you.
Kyle and I have had the privilege of observing many different cat personalities over the years. We've always had four cats in our lives, and each one has taught us invaluable lessons about unconditional love, living fully, and staying present in the moment. Our late friend, Gamma, who became a part of our lives for 14 wonderful years, taught me some of the most insightful lessons. To honor his memory, I want to share what I learned from my time with this extraordinary cat.
A Black Cat with a Bright Soul
Gamma chose us 14 years ago at the animal rescue and adoption society. We had recently lost our beloved cat, Battlecat, and were in search of a new companion for our small cat family. At that time, we already had three cats: Robotboy, a big orange tabby, and two grey tabbies, Nemo and Sully.
Little Gamma Ray
We wandered through the kitten area, hoping to adopt an older cat, when Gamma reached out, grabbed Kyle’s hand, and made an unforgettable first impression. He was a beautiful, tiny black Bombay cat, only about six months old. Despite the Bombay breed’s reputation for being social, affectionate, and intelligent, black cats often face unfortunate stigmas, like bad luck or superstition, leading to fewer adoptions.
We didn’t have a name for him right away, but one day while driving, I heard Beck’s song “Gamma Ray” on the radio. It felt like a perfect fit for our new little friend.
It popped up as we were driving home from our recent trip from Porto.
The Subtle, Soulful Love of a Bombay Cat
When we first brought Gamma home, we had no idea what to expect from the Bombay breed. But he quickly showed us his deep, soulful connection with us. One of the most sincere ways cats communicate their love is through slow blinking, and Gamma was a master of it. If you blinked slowly at him, he would blink back, signaling his deep connection to you.
Gamma was also incredibly social, affectionate, and fearless. When we introduced him to our other cats, we initially planned to separate him until the cats could adjust to his scent. But Gamma, being the outgoing Bombay he was, immediately laid on his back in a submissive position, allowing our big tabby Robotboy to smell him. They quickly became inseparable.
He was also incredibly intelligent and curious. He was the first cat we had who figured out how to get treats from an interactive toy called a Kong Wobbler, and the first to enjoy running on an exercise wheel designed for cats.
Gamma had a way of rallying the pack, especially at night when he would do a critter call that sounded like a phone ringing. He would run through the house during his occasional zoomies, encouraging the other cats to join in. Gamma was Robotboy’s shadow, and the two of them were always together.
A Resilient Spirit
Gamma was tough, resilient, and loved life with his companions, but he also faced numerous health challenges. Early on, he developed a cherry eye, likely due to a herpes virus he’d contracted as a kitten. We also faced a terrifying health scare when he came down with a blocked urethra in the middle of the night, which, if not treated immediately, could have been fatal. It happened twice, and we had to find ways to help him stay hydrated and manage his health.
When Robotboy was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and given only 3months -5 years to live, we were devastated. We did everything we could to keep him alive, and we were fortunate to have three more years with him. Only a month after Robotboy’s passing, our little Nemo, who had been with me since I was 14, succumbed to lymphoma at the age of 18. Gamma grieved deeply. Even though he still had Sully by his side, he became lost and would meow in the usual spots, searching for his old companion.
We knew we had to find Gamma a new friend. After visiting several shelters, we brought home two new cats, Django and Llewyn. Gamma helped Llewyn feel comfortable, and our four cats quickly became a tight-knit pack, doing everything together. Gamma and Llewyn quickly became the Yin-Yang brothers. During meal times, they all came together, often led by Gamma.
A Final Struggle and a Lasting Legacy
In 2021, just as we were preparing to uproot our lives and move to Spain, Gamma was diagnosed with intestinal cancer. The news was devastating. We were already planning our big move, and the thought of him not making it through the 18-hour journey was terrifying. Despite the diagnosis, we were determined to give him the best chance possible.
We explored every option, and after a disappointing round of chemotherapy, I found hope in a blog post from someone who had dealt with a similar situation. She used CBD from Canna Companion and herbal supplements from NHV Natural Pet Products, which were tailored to her cat’s bloodwork. (Tumeric, Milk Thistle, ES-Clear, Yucca, Felimm, Omega 3) We decided to give it a try.
To our surprise, the combination of these treatments, along with acupuncture and B-12 shots from a holistic vet Becca, Zen Pet, helped Gamma thrive. With the help of the new diet, supplements and lots of love, he gained weight, stopped vomiting, and even began running on his exercise wheel again. It was a miracle.
My team at the salon even had these shirts made for us to cheer on Gamma!
When we finally made it to Spain, we had shipped out a new wheel, he was quick to start using it. The wheel became a health meter—when he was feeling weak, he would only lay on it, but when he was strong, he would run.
Their passport pictures, ready to go to Spain!
Gamma’s resilience amazed us every day. He endured countless vet visits, IVs, B-12 shots, and regular supplements with a calm and patient demeanor . He’d nudge me with his head, showing me that, despite everything, he still loved me.
The Love of a Lifetime
Gamma Ray was more than a cat. He was a companion, a friend, and a teacher. We were incredibly fortunate to have him in our lives. The love and care from the vets who treated him, along with the support from his feline community, made it possible for Gamma to live three years longer than expected.
For anyone going through something similar, I hope this story brings you hope. And for those grieving the loss of a beloved pet, know that it’s okay to feel the waves of emotion. Losing a furry companion can be just as painful, if not more, than losing a human. It’s been five days since we said goodbye to Gamma, and with each day, healing comes a little more. I’m grateful for my entire cat colony, who continue to help me through the grief.
Be kind to yourself, and if you’re considering adopting a cat, we highly recommend the Bombay breed. You won’t regret it!
Rest in peace, Little Gamma Ray. You’ll forever be in our hearts.
