I’m so sorry to report:

Linus Manuel Lopes passed away peacefully in my arms today, July 25, at 12:32pm after a short illness; he was 14.
Born under a lawnmower in Lake Hiawatha, NJ on or around May 25, 2009, he and his sister Lucy are the only survivors of their litter. Despite a precarious start at life, Linus’ appetite for food and affection was clear at a young age, up until his final days.

For a cat – Linus was well traveled, having spent some of his years in Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, and his final resting place – North Carolina. He took each move surprisingly well, settling in as soon as he realized mom was there and she had the cromnchies. Although on a prescription diet the last couple of years of his life, Linus enjoyed tortilla chips, bagels, toast, basically any carb. (Just like mom.)
In addition to food, he enjoyed supervised outside time – not on a leash as he would flop over and play possum – but on the balcony, in the sun. He loved water dripping from the sink, unmade beds, hiding remotes under his belly, luxurious fuzzy fleece blankets, and squishing couch cushions. He loved catnip, especially those bananas and any YEOW toy. He loved felt wands, especially a rainbow one that followed him all over the country. His favorite, though, was a Winnie the Pooh dressed as a butterfly miniature figurine that mom won from a .25 cent machine almost 10yrs ago.

Linus was slow to warm up to you but once he found you agreeable, he’d happily lay on your chest, butt in your face. At his heaviest, that would have been a whopping 19lbs but he’s slimmed down over the years. He loved chin rubs and behind the ear scritches, the really good ones that made him drool.

Linus did NOT like belly rubs or dressing up but tolerated both because they made mom so happy. He didn’t like being picked up or taking selfies either but, again, anything for mom. He also didn’t like taking meds or seeing the vet and, until recently, he’d never spent more than an hour per visit. Because of his lack of exposure, it took him a little while to bounce back from each visit but he could only hold a grudge for so long before moseying over for headbutts and scratchy tongue kisses. He was unconditional love.

Linus tolerated his sister, Lucy. He was never a fan of cuddling with her but would occasionally put up with it when he was sure she wouldn’t attack him. Her mood swings confused him and he remained wary unless they were both asleep on mom.

Not a day went by that he didn’t make his mom laugh at his goofiness and shenanigans. His big pupils caught your attention but his warmth is what kept you close. His soft fur, raspy meow, and big purrs won over everyone who met him. And even those who never got a chance to meet him in person, Linus was loved by so many.
His sudden loss is a devastating one.

He is survived by his sister, Lucy, and mom, Ines.