Woody Cheriton, 1998-2015

Woody Cheriton died yesterday at the age of 16 years and 7 months. Woody was the third of our three cats and was born in Seattle. He came to Japan in early January 1999 but was suffering from a respiratory infection. Something about his health condition and subsequent behaviors suggested to us he had not been properly handled as a kitten by his breeder. As respiratory infections can be very infectious, Woody needed to be immediately quarantined at home in a separate room from the other two cats. He remained there for a couple months until he was better.

Woody was a F3 Bengal with beautifully colored spots. In fact, seeing his first photo as a kitten, we initially named him Spottswoode after one of our favorite Napa Valley wineries. But once he arrived and we observed his character, we thought Woody was better suited to him. We often commented "He is not a cat, not a dog. He is a Woody".

He did not have an easy life but we are convinced he lived a better one because of his home in Tokyo. We spared no expense to keep him comfortable and healthy and enjoyed the company of his sister Bice and brother Spago. We will greatly miss his unique character, his independence and will always be “our little boy”. God speed Woody.

#woody