Alison Roman, the renowned chef and cookbook author, has bid farewell to her beloved cat Margaux, affectionately called “Monkey Girl,” who passed away this week after 17 cherished years together. Roman commemorated their special bond through a moving obituary shared in her newsletter on 7 September.
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In her heartfelt tribute, Roman reminisced about the early days of their relationship, revealing that Margaux was rescued as a feral kitten in Brooklyn. Born in 2010 in the backyard of a local resident, Margaux was part of a litter deemed too wild for adoption. Despite having recently settled in New York and feeling unprepared to take on a pet, Roman was drawn to the “tiny feral girl” hissing beneath a picnic table, ultimately taking her home. Roman thoughtfully chose the French-inspired name “Margaux,” even though neither had ever visited France.
Their journey together was not without its challenges. Margaux initially refused to engage with Roman, retreating under the bed and expressing her apprehension with sharp swipes. However, patience and love eventually won over the shy kitten, leading to moments of companionship marked by purring so loud that it echoed throughout their home.
Margaux became a steadfast companion for Roman, accompanying her through a series of eight apartment moves over their years together, as well as frequent trips to the countryside. However, Margaux retained her strong-willed personality; she would sometimes express her anxiety by urinating in a suitcase whenever she sensed she might be left behind.
Roman’s tribute also highlighted Margaux’s complicated relationship with other pets, particularly with her younger companion, Lenny. Roman described how Margaux displayed her disdain for Lenny’s arrival in 2023, often greeting him with hissing that seemed eternal. Yet Lenny remained undeterred in his affections, frequently lying beside the bed despite Margaux’s cool disinterest.
Despite her apprehensions towards other animals, Margaux showed remarkable affection towards Roman’s son, Charlie. While she was pregnant, Roman noted that Margaux would nuzzle against her belly, seemingly greeting the new arrival. Once Charlie was born, the bond deepened, with Margaux remaining close by during feedings and moments of cuddling. Unfortunately, as Charlie began to crawl and Margaux’s health started to deteriorate, their previously close relationship began to shift.
In the final months of Margaux’s life, there were subtle signs of warmth towards Lenny. Roman observed that Margaux had begun to allow Lenny onto her bed, a significant change in their dynamics. The day prior to her passing, the two cats were spotted sharing a cushion on Margaux’s favourite chair, a moment that underscored their evolving relationship.
Reflecting on her experiences with Margaux, Roman expressed her feelings of guilt over moments of frustration but ultimately focused on the gratitude she felt for being chosen by such a particular cat. She drew strength from the memories they made together, signing off her tribute with a heartfelt message: “Goodnight, sweet girl. May every blanket be mohair, every can of food be chicken (in gravy, not broth), and every face be available for licking.”
Roman’s heartfelt tribute serves not only as a testament to her love for Margaux but also highlights the profound bond shared between humans and their feline companions. The story resonates with many pet owners who understand the deep sense of connection that can develop over years spent together.