A Tribute to Mikey: A Heartfelt Pet Portrait Inspired by an Instagram Story

As a pet portrait artist and animal lover my Instagram feed, as you might expect, is full of animals, their antics and stories. Which is how I came across Mikey Mike the Cat's heart warming story.

A senior stray cat rescued from the streets of France by an animal shelter Mikey was suffering from FIV, extremely malnourished and had an exposed neck wound. It was clear that he'd had a very tough life and was facing certain euthanisation until fostered by a local vet who nursed him back to health over the next 5 months.

I was late to Mikey's story, having started my pet portrait business on Instagram in 2021, but when it popped up on my feed I was instantly captivated by the sweet ginger tom with the sad face and bluest eyes. Now settled in his forever home Mikey was safe, cherished and much loved at last.

Written in his own words Mikey's Instagram page chronicles his now happy life and bond with his forever 'hooman'. It's an endearing and often amusing photographic journey of his ongoing recovery and daily life through his own eyes. His love of bananas, pineapples, boxes and spiders along with his feline narration caught my imagination and kept me hooked along with his many thousands of followers worldwide.

So when I read the sad post that Mikey had crossed the rainbow bridge on New Year's Day 2024 the words started to blur and I realised that in that short time he had stolen a little piece of my heart.

This is why I was inspired to draw Mikey's pet portrait. A tribute to a cat I'd never met but whose ability to trust in his forever owner after a lifetime of suffering captivated so many. A tribute to how Mikey found joy in everyday life and in doing so reminded us that there is much beauty, happiness and tranquility to be found in our everyday lives - we just have to be open to it.

Mikey's Instagram account was started to promote awareness about FIV cats, senior and special needs cats like Mikey. You can follow his story @mikey_mike_the_cat

Mikey in his little red scarf ❤️