Over the years Maui has been treated for inflammatory bowel disease. It takes a special diet, supplements and a lot of close attention to keep him on track. We don’t mind it at all. He thanks us with his purrs and special hugs.

In Memory

There’s a saying that cats have 9 lives. Maui the Snow Bengal truly embodied that.

From his arrival 14 years ago after being left at a Hawaii airport, his chronic health issues were part of the caretaker’s daily routine.  After inflammatory bowel disease, kidney and dehydration issues, it was bone cancer that finally took Maui from us.

But Mau-Man (as we liked to call him) was not defined by his illnesses, but instead by his loving and kind heart.  Maui loved people so very much.  And spending time with each of us wasn’t enough. Maui liked to be carried, cuddled and smothered with affection.  You could always find him on a shoulder of a caretaker or wrapped in the belly of their sweatshirt.

And if Maui didn’t get the attention he demanded, he would always stand on his hind legs and reach up on your lap asking to be picked up.

Maui won hearts across the world, including the caretakers from Argentina.  During morning huddle, when all of us stood in a circle for our meeting, Maui climbed from shoulder to shoulder around the circle, making sure he got hugs from every single person.  And when the Argentina caretakers had to say goodbye to the lions they placed with us, it was hard. But they said leaving Maui was just as bittersweet for them.

Maui’s affection could only be overshadowed by his strong voice. He was always at the fence or the door to scream hello.  Even the morning we had to say good-bye, with labored breath, Maui meowed hello to each caretaker as the entered to say good-bye.

We made sure Maui was held every moment as we sent him over the rainbow bridge.  As a caretaker favorite, it was hard to say good-bye to him.  He had a wonderful weekend outside in the sun, visiting with those who loved him.

After that, his breath became irregular and he became very quiet. He clearly told us that it was his time.  No matter how many years they’re critically ill, the end can still seem too sudden.

I am grateful for all the love Maui received and returned over the years. He never discriminated against any human – he loved us all the same.

Maui, we will hold you in our hearts forever, just like we did so lovingly in our arms.