30 April 2026
In memoriam, Bien
After fifteen years we said goodbye to Bien, our ever-talking cat with an unmistakable voice and a love of water.
After fifteen years we have said goodbye to Bien, our ever-talking cat. We look back with great warmth on a very special animal.
A gentle goodbye
The farewell lasted two days, during which Bien slowly swayed from one favourite spot to another. At the end of the day she withdrew to the bathroom, where she liked to be most.
Five modest meows alerted Schelto that she was taking her leave. He sat down beside her and saw her chest barely moving anymore. Sacha came home at that very moment and was able to say goodbye too.
From Zutphen to the valley
Bien came to live with us in Zutphen in 2011, together with her sister. She always had a loud voice and an excessive interest in running taps and little puddles of water. That is how she once alerted us to a leak in the toilet, very helpful.
A few times a week Bien needed to 'recharge', and she made that clear too: on your lap, with her head tucked under your arm.
Her own rhythm
In Spain, Bien always kept to her own rhythm. She avoided large stones and was not fond of strong wind. Water kept drawing her in; that is why the bathroom was one of her favourite places.
In the last two years she was deaf, and her exceptionally raspy meow grew even louder. She walked through the garden talking, even as she began to grow senile.
We treasure very fond memories of this unique cat. She was given a lovely spot in our garden, next to Zaza, who had also moved with us from Zutphen and passed away here in 2018. We will not forget her.