Thelma Anderson/Truett

Thelma Anderson/Truett

Spring, 2013–June 11, 2024

Thelma Anderson/Truett lost her battle with mouth cancer on June 11, 2024. She was 11 years old. Thelma was preceded in death by her Mother, Mama Kitty II, of the State Museum Feral Colony. She leaves behind her sister, Freda, and her half-sister, Josie. She was named after Mama Valerie’s Aunt Thelma. Her sister, Freda, is named after Mama Valerie’s Mother.

 In 2012, the State Museum Feral Colony was home to a Siamese mix female cat named, oddly enough, Mama Kitty II. She had her last litter at the Colony in Spring, 2013. Thelma and Freda were part of that litter. They soon came to be residents of Cayce House of Cats (CHOC). They had rooms of their own (in Mama Valerie’s office) with their half-sister, Josie (from Mama Kitty II’s 2012 Spring litter).

Thelma was always a shy cat and was not one to request attention. She preferred her sisters over hoomanz and was a regular user of their luxury Catio so she could watch the wildlife outside.

Monthly administration of flea medication was always one of challenge–to see who could outsmart who. In the end, she was always dosed (mostly on her own terms).

Given her personality, it was particularly interesting when it came time to visit the veterinarian. We all dislike the “sneak up and snatch” approach–but that was, unfortunately, how she got to her initial vet visit to determine why she was losing weight. She was diagnosed hyperthyroid. 

We do, however, have Thelma to thank for our discovery of Gabapentin–a mild tranquilizer that was hidden in her food. This medication was in play the last time we took her to the vet (October, 2023) for additional testing for continued weight loss. She was sedated at the vet and tongue cancer was discovered during her examination. Hospice care was immediately ordered...

Thelma continued to lose weight and, during her last weeks, decided to see what the rest of the CHOC household was all about. She would run in and out of her rooms every time the door opened. She was allowed to goanywhere she wanted. The other CHOC residents did not complain. They welcomed her to their community. 

It was among the CHOC community that we found Thelma on the morning of June 11. She had spent the prior evening and overnight scouting the area–not wanting to return to her rooms. She passed as she wanted–on a large pillow underneath a low table with her CHOC mates surrounding her.

Thelma, your last weeks were particularly memorable. Papa Stoney misses his “litter box buddy”–where you would sit patiently waiting to be petted while your box was being cleaned. Mama Valerie misses your presence at dinnertime–as you would always find something tasty from the dinner plate (especially the bacon-wrapped chicken).

You allowed us to pet you during that time–maybe trying to make up for the times when you wouldn’t let us–and we appreciated that! 

You go rest now, sweetie. You are with your Mama and the other departed members of your Colony and former residents of CHOC.

We love you and miss you.

We will see you again soon...