Missy, a much-loved moggy, passed away today, Thursday 24th September 1998, at the age of 15 years. She was put to sleep after suffering from kidney failure.

Her early years were the stuff of novels. Raised in Kings Cross, Sydney, she consorted with prostitutes and was known to indulge in marijuana (which may account for strange behaviour later on in life).

Leaving the demimonde, she moved to Cronulla and took over Mum's place. She quickly rose to the status of the housecat, being allowed in when all others were not. She had her spots, the bedroom at the back being her favourite in winter, and the window sill above Mum's bed. She was incapable of obedience to the command "Get off that bed!" unless she thought you were going to follow through physically.

Built for comfort, not speed, Missy's  natural rotundity was exaggerated by her short legs. She did not like having her belly tickled, and left the room quickly if she heard Kim say "Little white toe!" Naturally timid, she later occasionally crossed to the other side of the road from home -  a major achievement for a cat of little courage.

In later years she actually trusted someone (Megan) to pick her up and cuddle her. However her first loyalty was always to Mum (never bite the hand that feeds). Towards the end of her life she lost a lot of weight, but was still healthy. She suffered a broken hip after being run over in the driveway, and subsequently chose not to sleep under the car again.

She is survived by Lloyd, Jess, Sam, Benny and Minnie, who will all miss her; and Gus, who probably won't.