Dermot O’ Leary has paid an emotional tribute to his cat Silver, who passed away.
The X Factor host highlighted the impact a family pet can have on our lives in a lengthy Instagram post.
He spoke about how his cat lived much longer that they expected after he was given bad news back in December, and remembered how his wife Dee actually helped to deliver the kitten in Italy four years ago.
“Had to finally say goodbye to our little Italian boy Silver today. He bravely fought on for 7 months against a horrible heart condition (originally given days to live back in December.) One tough little Puglia paisano cat,” the lengthy tribute began.
“No words can begin to describe what a massive heart shaped hole he leaves in our lives.
“He made our house a home, made us better people, and won the hearts of all that met him. He gave & received unconditional love, and was genuinely the most dog like cat we’ve ever met.
“He was only 4. And in our minds, that means he’s joined the 27 club- in cat years. He lived up to the mantra… live fast and die young. As heartbroken as we are, we are so grateful for the stray kitten which came into our lives.”
Dermot shared several adorable photos of his cat along with the post.
“From the moment he came into the world in an olive grove in Puglia, (Dee actually helped deliver him, in a deft piece of cat midwifery) to his last breath holding onto his mama- he was a wonderful friend, companion & cuddle giver, and you couldn’t have wished for a more human like cat. Smart, funny, intuitive, with a model looks & a killer blue steel.
“Born, raised and went to sleep in his mama’s arms. You couldn’t have wished for a more dignified & serene passing.”
“Rest easy little prince, we miss you terribly. Snooze & play on the laps of those who we followed, and know we’ll be rubbing that brilliant white belly, and massaging those beautiful pink paws, further on up the road.”
He finished the post with a thank you message to those who helped Silver while he was alive.
“Special thanks to Fran, @franowen9271Kate, @katehsheard Chantelle & all at ‘The Village Vets’ who kept that engine going for as long as they could. But some hearts are just too big to be here too long.”
