This question is not original. Last week Petwarmers had an article exactly about this possibility. This week, there are many letters from people telling of their experiences.

I have had my own experience which was very emotional. In 2000 I lost my heartsoul kitty, Magic. Magic had appeared in my yard "just like Magic" 13 years prior. He was a Magic cat in so many ways. When he appeared he was scrawny and had no fur on his tail. He wanted to live with me so badly that he was always breaking into the house - streaking in the back door, or sitting at the basements steps just waiting for that door to open. With love and proper care he turned into the most magnificent black long haired black cat with a beautiful bushy tail that he was so proud of.

After a long bout with cancer, it was clear that he was losing the battle. It was so difficult for me to lose him. It took me a long time to get over this loss.

It was about two weeks after his passing that I walked to my office in the backyard as I did every day - and sitting right at the entrance was a large tuft of black fur. Believe me, it was my undoing. I still have that clump of fur which from time to time I will stroke with many loving memories of our time together.