Finnegan

2007 - 2025

Finnegan was born in spring 2007 in Rochester, New York, to a black & white mother cat and he had several black & white siblings (father unknown), and yet there was something that drew Colleen to this particular kitten in her friend’s litter of almost identical cats. He was adopted by Jay and Colleen in mid-June 2007 when he was 6-8 weeks old—with his ‘gotcha day’/birthday recognized as June 29 (also the anniversary of our first date). He immediately won over Jay, who had never had a pet cat before and initially had some allergies, with his spiky kitten fur and his immediate fastidiousness in using the litter box.

During his 18 years with us, he was celebrated for his big personality. A well-traveled cat, he lived in eight homes in five states, and now we know that he was the very heart of our home wherever we lived.

Always finely dressed in his tuxedo, he was a gracious and welcoming host to all visitors, making new friends All the time, greeting old friends at the door, and offering tours of his home to newcomers. He always said goodnight to the last revelers for Werewolf Bar mitzvah or Bastille Day parties. He also welcomed us home when we returned by trotting down the hall with his tail raised and crooked at the end.

Named after James Joyce’s novel, he was quite scholarly: he oversaw two doctoral dissertations, helped grade countless student essays, enjoyed reading (or at least sleeping upon) the great books of classical literature, and often joined Jay’s Zoom meetings.

Although cerebral, he also enjoyed the simple things in life: sunlight—following the sun’s rays throughout the day until the sable part of his coat was hot to the touch; tuna steaks; sitting on the porch to watch birds; napping with his parents; a chuck under the chin; and a nightly romp with his younger companion Gord.

He also had his quirks. An early riser, Finnegan would alert us every morning that dawn would be approaching an Hour later, and his internal clock always knew exactly when each meal was to be served: otherwise, he would sit patiently and stare at Jay until he was fed. A bit claustrophobic, he expected all doors to be open at all times; if a closet door was closed against his wishes, he would stand on his back legs and turn the knob or latch. He could be a bully to his younger sister Sophie, an incredibly sweet cat, who now lives happily with Jay’s parents. Colleen’s father nicknamed him “Finnegan the Hooligan,” and his nose was bright pink when he was feeling FEISTY or palest pink when he was relaxing. His purr was like a motor revving. He also once bit through Colleen’s thumb when she dared to pet his fluffy belly while watching a documentary called The Lion in the Living Room.

He was, however, mostly full of love for his people. He liked to nap on Jay’s chest during the daytime and would join Colleen in bed for coffee and reading after his morning breakfast. A loyal companion, he nursed Colleen through every illness by staying with her in bed until she was well again. More than anything, he enjoyed watching movies and reruns of favorite shows, sitting in between us on the couch, purring and getting lots of pets. He is forever loved and very much missed by his people.