Losing a kitty is one of the hardest things a human can go through. It’s even harder when the human and the cat are a bonded pair. And it’s even harder than that when the bonded pair spend years working and traveling together. Today, Samantha Martin, the human behind the Acro-Cats, is losing the star and inspiration behind her troupe of performing cats, Tuna. Our hearts are breaking for her.
In December, Tuna was diagnosed with an aggressive oral fibrosarcoma, and Samantha has arranged her final appointment with the veterinarian. Although the show will go on — or at least it will after the currently scheduled shows are finished and the troupe takes a break — it is truly the end of an era.
Fourteen-year-old Tuna was the first Acro-Cat and manager of the Rock Cats, the mostly-feline band (plus chicken) that always ends the Acro-Cats’ show. Known especially for her talent at the cowbell, Tuna was an icon and the most recognizable of the cats.
When Samantha taught Tuna to ring a desk bell and do a High Five, the Acro-Cats were born. Along the way, Samantha had to make a decision: did she want cats that were highly trained and just existed for the tricks they could do, or did she want traveling pets who just happened to do awesome tricks when the mood struck them? Happily, she chose the latter, and everywhere the Acro-Cats go, they show the humans in the audience that cats can do tricks… maybe even their own cats at home.
My human has seen the Acro-Cats several times, first in March 2012, and most recently in April of last year. She took to heart the fun lessons she saw coming from the stage, and was so happy that I wanted to learn tricks too. Tuna was my idol and inspiration, and I was so sad to see the news about her illness.
Farewell to a great cat, whose legacy will continue as long as humans love felines. Every time I do a High Five for a child in a hospital, I will think of Tuna, and offer a purr of gratitude.
See all of Summer’s merch at her Designercat Shop, available on Zazzle.
Sorry about this loss. She sure was a special kitty!
RIP, Tuna, fly free in the catnip fields at the RB
We are so sad about Tuna having to go to the Bridge. She was an amazing cat, and a wonderful ambassador. We are sending purrs and prayers to Samantha.
This is heartbreaking. Our thoughts and hearts go out to Samantha at this time of loss.
Our mom has always wanted to see the Acro-cats. This is so sad that the star of the show will be leaving the act for the RB. We know she will be missed. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo and Cooper Murphy
We’re so sorry…..
OMG, we just finally got to see the Acro cats in October. I fell in love with Tuna and all the other cats. I even bought a couple of bells to use with my cats (my kitten, Kotoha, actually seems to be getting the idea). RIP, Tuna. You touched a lot of lives and helped kitties everywhere. You will be missed.
We know she has years of happy memories of Tuna, but it will be hard to say good-bye. 🙁
We saw the Acro-Cats on t.v. once. They were very distracted by the audience but the t.v. host jumped in and helped the act. It was great to see that the kitties performed only if they wanted to. They’re great ambassadors for cats & promoting fun cat ownership. Purrs to Tuna’s owner.
A loss for so many. RIP Tuna, and purrs to her human. 🙁
I am so very sorry to read this. Having cats in my life for 50+ years, I can totally understand as I have lost many in that time frame. It hurts so very much to lose ANY of them, and they always have a special place in my heart forever. My condolences to Samantha. May God continue to bless her with light, love and MOJO for the kitties. . . ♥♥♥
Oh that is so sad. That poor Mom. She looks like such a great cat and will be missed.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news for Tuna and her human. I’ll keep them both in my prayers.
We didn’t realize Tuna was the inspiration behind your tricks. We’re very sorry to hear she has to go to the bridge. Our purrs are with her family, friends and fans.
Oh dear – how very very sad. We never had the pleasure of seeing their performance, but it sounds like they were great at their jobs. Of course cats can be trained – you are living proof of that sweetie.
What a sad news. Hugs to the human that Tuna loved.
Oh this is desperate news indeed, and we grieve with Tuna’s human on the loss of such a gifted and inspirational cat.
Samantha we are so sorry for the loss of your soulmate, and know you will have an empty space in your heart. Please, hang in there – you do wonderful things which are a tribute to Tuna, and we wish we had seen the Acrocats for ourselves. Maybe we still will one day.
RIP Tuna, inspiration, stellar cat, gifted performer.
Oh we’re so sorry to hear about Tuna. We aren’t familiar with the Acro-Cats but what a wonderful and fun idea…especially that Samantha Martin decided to have PETS doing tricks and not pros! That way they were ALL having fun. That makes us very sad……….Hopefully Acro-Cats will continue on entertaining and bringing fun to their fans and Tuna will watch out for them from up here at the Bridge!
Love, Angel Sammy
It sounds as though Tuna made a lot of people happy and that she was also an inspiration to many cat owners who were encouraged to teach their own kitties tricks. Tuna had a wonderful life with her human touring and experiencing new situation and people ; hers was a life well lived! We are sending lots of love and support to Samantha as we know she will miss Tuna. May she take comfort in knowing she gave Tuna a unique and exceptional life where she was well loved not only by her but by many who will also miss her.
the critters in the cottage xo
We are so very sorry to hear about dear Tuna and we send our love and hugs to the most wonderful Mom.
Oh Summer and your person we recall how much you enjoyed the Acro-Cat show. WE are so very sorry to read about Tuna’s illness. Samantha is for sure gonna miss Tuna but this is the right last loving thing to do to be sure Tuna no longer suffers.
Hugs and Kitty kisses
madi and mom
oh, that’s sad news…
Pets are a huge part of our lives.
While I am a cat person, when watching My Dog Skip, I knew that I was going to have to compose myself, at the end of the movie.
On the bright side, hopefully a young beautiful kitten will make her way into the lives of Tuna’s humans!
We are saddened to hear the news of Tuna’s diagnosis. What a remarkable kitty! Heartfelt condolences to Tuna’s Mom.
Angel Normie, Angel Mika, Sasha & Grady Lewis
We are so sorry 🙁
Sending purrs and hugs
Athena and Marie xx
A death of a loved one is always sad to hear. Our thoughts are with you and Tuna’s family.
Rest in peace, sweet Tuna. Heartbreaking news.
Precious Tuna and her mommy. My mommy knows what it’s like to be a bonded pair. he sends our condolences to Tuna’s mommy. We know how hard it is. Devastating.
My heart is breaking for Samantha.
mom saw that last night and it made her cry…..
It’s amazing cats like Angel Tuna, you Summer, and all of the other talented ones that are on social media that get the word out that cats are fantastic creatures! 14 years is not long enough.
That is so sad. Rest in peace Tuna.
We’re so sorry you lost a cat you look up to. Purrs to Tuna’s human.
What a beauty! This is so sad. Purrs.
We are so heartbroken by this news. Our human met Tuna in person and has one of her tshirts, which she will wear today in her honor.
We read about Tuna on FB…..so sad.
The Florida Furkids
We are so sad today. Mom had heard the bad news a few weeks ago. Mom and her sis volunteer at the Houston shows. We love Tuna and the gang. We are praying for Tuna and her mom. Purrs
We heard the news about Tuna and it is very sad. We send lots of purrs to his human.
I’m sorry to hear about Tuna. It will be hard to lose such a special cat.
That really is sad news.
We are so sorry to hear this news.
We are sorry to hear about this amazing kitty.
We send comforting purrs to her human too.
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ