Two decades ago, a 9-year-old cat found a family from Wisconsin, and has been their most loyal companion since.
Emmu Lah @retired_familiar
The 29-year-old cat (lovingly named Margo Margopants) found her forever human 20 years ago when their family brought her home to foster. Emmu Lah who was 12 years old at the time, met the sweet feline and was instantly smitten.
Before their paths crossed, the cat spent nine years with the owner of a restaurant, and when she could no longer keep the cat in her apartment, her employee, Emmu's mother, offered to help.
"My mom took Margo in 'until we find her a better home.' Margo immediately became a member of the family," Emmu told Love Meow. "I was 12 when we adopted her. She was always the peacekeeper amongst our cats."
Margo befriended other furry friends and met many people along the way. She discovered that she loved to be the center of attention at all times. "She was suddenly living in a place where she could have as many friends as she wanted."
Emmu (15), Margo (12)Emmu Lah @retired_familiar
They reached out to Margo's original owner to find out how old she was. "She told me she got Margo in 1991, and that she was 'probably under a year old' when she got her," Emmu said. "I picked a birthday—March 13th—and we started counting years from there."
Margo grew very fond of everyone in her family and especially bonded with Emmu. "When I moved out at 18, Margo came with me. Between my mom and my three siblings, Margo had decided that I was going to be her caretaker."
Emmu Lah @retired_familiar
"She has always been incredibly cuddly, loving, and intelligent. I've slept with her in my arms every night for about 20 years," Emmu told Love Meow.
"She is very good at letting me know what she wants. She loves to play but was never a hunter. She likes to sit on the back porch or in the garden to lay in the grass and enjoy the sun. I even planted a catnip plant by our back door so she could sit and smell it."
Emmu Lah @retired_familiar
Margo has been a beam of light to everyone around her. She is constantly seeking affection and never discriminates whether you are people or furry kind.
"She's always had a fondness for kittens. She loves to be unconditionally adored by them," Emmu said. "Her favorite things are laps, food, and attention. She has always been able to pour herself into a lap, even if you were trying to bar her from it."
Emmu Lah @retired_familiar
The sweet senior cat won't take no for an answer if she sets her mind on getting pets and love. Demanding your attention is what she does best.
Margo asks for cuddles right meow:
"She comes to greet people at the door. If we are sitting outside and someone walks past, she will get up and go to them. New humans seem to be her favorite because she can try all her tricks on them," Emmu shared with Love Meow.
"Even during her recent health scare, she was affectionate and curious during her overnight stay at the hospital."
Emmu Lah @retired_familiar
Every night, Margo anticipates her bedtime routine with her favorite human.
Emmu gives her food and meds, and then they relax by giving Margo a nice wipe bath, followed by brushing and grooming.
Emmu Lah @retired_familiar
"Margo adores being pampered, and she trills when she purrs. As she's gotten older, her voice has gotten much higher pitched, to the point where her contented coos almost sound like a whistle," Emmu added.
Sweet Margo tries to pet her human back:
"In her old age, she is less slinky, and just puts her paws on your leg until you pick her up. We've been saying she was on 'borrowed time' for about 12 years, and figured she deserved whatever she wanted."
The sweet girl has many friends. One of them is a ferret who loves cuddles.
Emmu Lah @retired_familiar
Emmu created a Facebook account for Margo years ago as a way to remember her — the little things and quirks she does, and the beautiful memories they share together.
"Her age is not the most remarkable thing about her! It's her soul, her personality," Emmu said.
Emmu Lah @retired_familiar
"The goal is to make the time they have left as comfortable (and comforting) as possible. There are things in Margo's body that cannot be 'fixed,' they can only be treated," Emmu said. "And some day, as long as I pay attention and don't blind myself to it, she will tell me when she's ready to go."
Emmu Lah @retired_familiar
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