Autumn Walker-Weir, a sweet cat with a pelt that resembled a sun-dappled Vermont countryside in mid-October, died today of kidney failure. She was 11.

Autumn was originally adopted as a kitten by a family in Seattle. When the patriarch developed allergies in 2003, she joined the Walker-Rogers household. Although shy at first, she soon emerged from her shell and became an absolute cuddle monster. When held or pet, she would purr her appreciation and nuzzle closer for more love.

Autumn had many intriguing cat talents. She could hear the sound of a can opener from the other side of the house, and was able to distinguish the opening of tuna cans from that of say crushed tomatoes or baked beans. If a fresh flowing source of water was available, she could balance precariously on slippery porcelain sinks and tubs to daintily drink from the stream without soaking her fur. Although declawed, Autumn could stretch out and relax on an outstretched pair of legs or atop a desk chair without falling off. And she could carry on a full conversation in meows, making it very clear when she wanted attention, affection or assistance.





Autumn also had a few odd habits. Despite the threat of electric shock, she would chew on the thick plastic coverings on computer power cords. If allowed, she would climb onto or into any cardboard box and claim it as her own (often by marking it with vomited food or hairballs). On the rare occasions when she was allowed into the bedroom, she would leap on the bed and burrow under the covers. To show her pleasure at being granted access to such a warm and cozy place, she would purr happily and drool.

As the middle child in a house of strong female personalities, Autumn often played the role of the victim. If attacked by one of her sisters, she would screech her displeasure, a terrifyingly loud sound that could be heard from anywhere in the house. Fighting back -- even play fighting -- wasn't in her mild-mannered nature, yet she'd put in her licks when a feline tormentor wasn't expecting it. That said, she was surprisingly friendly to all guests, both human and canine. When a large, well-mannered Great Dane/black lab named Midnight came for a visit, Autumn was the only cat in the house to befriend her.



Autumn was always a healthy animal, so it came as quite a surprise to her parents to learn this week that she was suffering from end-stage kidney failure and anemia. While her final days were difficult, she left this world fighting Death with every ounce of strength she had.

Autumn is survived by her mother Jade, her two dads Marcus and John, her sisters Brat Child, Buddha, Dany, Arya, Brigid, Georgina and Sera, and her brother Duncan.