Wasabi-Chan, We Hardly Knew Ye
A tiny little fighter with an extremely cute face passed away overnight. May she rest in peace.
Wasabi-chan, who died overnight at the age of still a very tiny kitten, was an inspirational story of interspecies affection and great crocheted outfits in the shape of Japanese vegetables.
Little Wasabi-chan was with us for only around three months (and only two of those were spent online), but in that time her entire life was broadcast globally via square photos with yellowy filters.
It was on Instagram that most of us met and loved Wasabi-chan, who was rescued by her brave and warm-hearted human mum (@jessiepon) who found her being attacked by crows.
Wasabi-chan had holes in her mouth and would not have survived at all if not for the incredible love and care shown by her human, and also her dog friend (Ponzu) and also her pretty bird friend too.
Wasabi-chan was in recovery, and with the overwhelming love from her IRL family and the internet abroad, she seemed to be making great progress.
Far from the fragile little mess that was rescued in June, Wasabi-chan was transformed into a wide-eyed kitty with a penchant for hiding in piles of soft toys, rolling around in dappled sunlight and doing ridiculously adorable tiny-internet-kitty things.
And of course, the outfits. Having to be fed with a syringe, Wasabi-chan’s amazing Japanese human grandmother crocheted outfits for Wasabi to hold her paws down while she received sustenance. Although some extremely butthurt internet citizens were upset about this, most of us were delighted and so happy that not only could Wasabi-chan eat in such a clever and adorable way, but she could take part in the onesie-phenomenon that was sweeping the globe, too.
What is the meaning of the life of a tiny kitten who lives for only two months in dappled sunshine, interspecies cuddles and internet fame? For us, Wasabi-chan brought us hope and happiness, her tiny body and fluffy face reminding us that, with love, we can make it through adversity.
Our dream was that @jessiepon’s diligent care would be enough to rehabilitate Wasabi-chan from her terrible injuries. In the end, they weren’t — but I think we all felt like every moment of Wasabi-chan’s life was totally worthwhile for the joy it brought to the whole world.
Wasabi-chan will be forever remembered as an adorable kitten who wandered into our lives and out again so quickly that we barely had a chance to fall in love with her.
RIP little one. I hope you are vengefully punishing those evil crows from heaven.
