We said goodbye to Fritz yesterday.

He’d been battling lymphoma for two years, and finally it was clear that his time with us was ending. That didn’t make it any easier, of course: we loved him immeasurably and his passing has left a huge hole in our hearts.

Fritz was the friendliest and most social cat imaginable. When the doorbell rang, Fritz would run to the door to see who would pet him next. And they always did, because Fritz loved everyone and everyone loved Fritz. I’ve never met a cat as friendly and beloved by all.

Wherever we were in the house, Fritz would come along – sometimes demanding attention and sometimes just content to sit quietly nearby. We were his people, and he wanted to be with us.

He loved attention. Even after lengthy adoration sessions, he’d still be purring, soaking up the love, rolling over on his back to ask for more belly rubs. (Which he got, because we love him and who can resist a fuzzy cat belly?)

He had no sense of feline dignity whatsoever. To paraphase the Bible verse, “For what shall it profit a cat, if he should gain dignity, and lose his belly rubs?” Here he is, asking for a belly rub, floppy paws and all.

Even his flaws were adorable. As a youth, he was a hoodlum where socks were concerned. He’d dig socks out of our laundry and cart them off. (And nothing was as fun as attacking a large pair of socks!)

He made a great laundry topper, too. (Because clean clothing is sadly lacking in cat hair.)

He loved Zoom calls. More people to meet! He would jump up on my wife’s lap during team meetings and walk back and forth, tail-waving hello to the people on camera while collecting his share of pets from my wife.

Fritz also made a cameo at the end of all my webinars. He was much admired, and justifiably so – he was every bit as beautiful as he was friendly. (I’m dreading telling all his adoring fans the sad news.)

He was a born photobomber. As soon as I set up for a photo shoot, he’d dive into the frame.

Photos weren’t the only thing Fritz loved bombing. Show him a birdie and he’d instantly turn into Kung Fu Kitty:

Here he is, licking his lips in anticipation.

Many cats don’t get along with others, but Fritz and Tigress loved each other. They’d cuddle up together, or engage in their favorite Olympic sport – Synchronized Sleeping.

Here are two more of my favorite photos of Fritz.

And here are our first and final pictures of him.

Fritz was with us for exactly twelve years (today would have been our twelfth Cat-Iversary with him). Not nearly long enough for so much love.

Fritz, we’ll miss you.