A Tribute to Wavy Gravy, Muffin, & Pancake

Wavy Gravy was nine years old when his pet guardian made the difficult decision to find a better home environment for him. Wavy and had lived with another cat in the home, but the two had a difficult time getting along. This resulted in keeping the cats separated for months within the home. Most likely due to the stress of the other cat, Wavy was prone to bladder crystals and had experienced a urinary blockage, which can prove fatal if not cared for properly. Heartbroken, his guardian knew a calmer environment without other cats would help Wavy heal in more ways than one. Wavy Gravy made his way to our Sanctuary in 2020.

Wavy Gravy quickly stole the hearts of many staff and volunteers with his engaging, exuberant personality! Wavy was very affectionate and was known to purr up a storm during lap-time snuggles. He loved to rub his face on his friends, as if he was petting us too. He had a behavior of nipping when he was pet too much. Sometimes called a “love bite”, this behavior was probably reinforced in his past when he was young. We learned his cues, practice redirecting him to a toy, and give him space.

Wavy Gravy was also incredibly food motivated! A delicious can of wet food was an easy way to Wavy’s heart. He would turn on those smarts for a treat- working on food puzzles like a pro, having fun with clicker training, or would meow at you so loudly you had no other option but to give him a treat! His funny, entertaining nature really blossomed given the right environment for him to thrive!

We eventually posted Wavy up for adoption, but his history of urinary issues, the need to be a single pet, and his nipping “love bites” proved a bit challenging for your average adopter. Under our care, Wavy did not have urinary issues; we knew how loveable, adoring, and sociable this boy was and felt determined to show him off to the world! We were hopeful that Wavy Gravy was healing and could eventually find a home of his own again.

Still a resident in 2023, Wavy Gravy’s health unfortunately took a turn for the worst. Our food loving boy stopped eating full meals and experienced consistent vomiting episodes. After numerous tests, he was diagnosed with a GI disease. We started him on a prescription diet and daily medication. The management was successful at first – as we watched Wavy perk up while playing with his cat nip toys and enjoying joyful naps in the sun. He took his mediation without fuss, but it wasn’t long before he started to show health concerns again. We noticed our joyful boy acting lethargic and losing weight.

After another round of bloodwork and endless testing, Wavy was diagnosed with diabetes in 2024. Our Cat Team administered insulin and Wavy had a glucose meter attached so staff could check his glucose levels from their phones. Our brave boy took all these changes in stride, still showing his love and affection to his Sanctuary family. Thanks to the diligence of our Cat Team and the our team of veterinarians, Wavy’s diabetes went into remission and he no longer needed us to administer insulin! With his diabetes under control, we were able to see brief sparks of our affectionate, spunky Wavy again. Staff logged daily records observing his appetite, respiratory rate, and overall mood/energy. At times he was “the same old Wavy Gravy” but sadly, the medical roller coaster wasn’t over.

Though he battled many illnesses over the years, in recent months he became very unwell and was taken to the emergency hospital. Tests showed that he had polycystic kidneys, anemia, and a high white blood cell count, leading us to believe he had developed Lymphoma. Though supportive care continued, it was clear this last medical battle was far too difficult for Wavy to endure and we made the difficult decision to help him pass. His last moments were surrounded by his friends and biggest fans; the people that loved and cared for him unconditionally.  

Wavy Gravy loved to be the center of attention, and in turn we loved to see him shine! He brought endless laughs, love, and beautiful memories to his friends. He would make us laugh with his conversations and ravenous nature around food. He was always ready to seize the day with head butts, snuggles, exploring, time on his catio, and even agreed to wear a few costumes now and then.

He was always helping staff prepare for the week ahead, joining them in the kitchen and often lounging on the island counter.

He enjoyed playing in our cat friendly play yard, soaking up the sun and feeling the grass on his paws.  

He had such an incredible spark that radiated throughout our Sanctuary community and beyond. Wavy Gravy was truly a gem, and we are so grateful he shined his light onto our Sanctuary and into our hearts. Wavy left as a real family member of Our Companions. He will be dearly missed, but we find comfort knowing the Rainbow Bridge got a whole lot groovier with him there.

Around the time of Wavy’s decline, we lost a couple of our mice family members as well. Our Small Animal Team noticed one of our original mice, Muffin, breathing raggedly at times and brought her into the vet. She was given antibiotics, but they did not ease any of her symptoms. Despite multiple vet visits and careful observation, her condition continued to worsen. She lived happily with her female mice friends, running on her wheel, taking treats from our hands, and burrowing elaborate tunnels until her passing. We were happy to have saved her from a massive hoarding situation and will hold her memory close.

Soon after, one of our baby mice, Pancake, developed a respiratory issue. We tried two different medications, but neither were effective. Even with her labored breathing, her mice friends kept her warm with snuggles and groomed her every day. Knowing she was declining, we made sure to give her extra special snacks which she happily took from our hands. Pancake passed surrounded by friends and family.

No matter the size or length of time with us, these wonderful animals snuggle and burrow deep into our hearts. Wavy Gravy, Muffin, and Pancake will be remembered as our family forever. We send our condolences to our amazing OC family and friends who knew and loved them.