Hank Nash, the most gorgeous gray tabby, passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of about 13 years old. The oldest of Madison and Caitlyn’s feline children, Hank was the only, and best, boy.
Hank was adopted as “Vinny” from a Craigslist poster by his mother on October 14, 2014. From the start, lifelong cat-lover Caitlyn, and anxious, loving, angelic Hank were the very best of friends. For the next 2.5 years, Hank would emotionally and morally support his mother through college. Caitlyn would often joke that her Bachelor’s degree rightfully belongs to Hank. He was there to purr her through numerous college assignments, greeted her home with cuddles after she worked late hours, and he supported her unconditionally through every high and low.
Caitlyn and Hank moved to Great Falls in 2017. There, Hank and his mom adjusted to life as she started teaching full-time. Hank was lonely during the day, often apparent by his eager meows when his mom returned from work. It was at this time that his mom decided Hank needed a sister. In March of 2018, Junie, a four-month-old brown tabby, joined the little crew. The two connected within a day. Through the years, they would take turns taking care of one another— always forgiving frustrated hisses and pushiness at mealtime. Although he never really got the hang of grooming her (he often would simply pull her fur out), his Junie knew he loved her. Shortly after she joined the family, Junie, along with Hank and their mom, soon fell in love with Madison. Their family was complete.
Throughout his life, Hank was known to love several things. First and foremost, his family. He loved his mom’s insistent snuggles and photoshoots, his dad’s foot pets and scraps of dinner, and his sister’s stinky grooming licks. He loved to EAT- his favorite, of course, was chimkin, as he called it. He moved quickly (he never ran) to the sound of a can opening, and even though it might have just been a can of beans, he required an inspection. Hank loved catnip, as many cats do. Hank oftentimes preferred to just eat the nip, rather than simply sniffing it. He loved guided tours out the front door, where he would sniff the air, and roll around in the dirt. He could be heard saying, “funk yeah concrete.”
Hank was a simple boy. He did not like to play with toys. Instead, he opted for cuddles whenever possible. The boy was an expert cuddler. His emotional intelligence was superior to most humans, and he was especially good in times of crisis. His mother especially would like to acknowledge the many times he saved her from herself. An angry, angsty, existential Caitlyn could be calmed within 30 seconds of Hank’s love. She is so grateful.
Hank is survived by his mom, Caitlyn, and his dad, Madison. He leaves behind 2 sisters, Junie and Charlie. Junie especially misses her big brother, especially his warmth. With Hank’s love and support during his time on earth, his parents were able to spread their kindness to others, humans and animals alike. They will continue to do so, in the name of their Hank.
Hank was likely embraced at the Rainbow Bridge into the loving arms of his great-grandmothers Twyla and Barbara. His parents’ animal friends Squishy, Bucky, Mocha, Kahlua, Jasmine, Squirt, Garfield, Hannah, and Dr. Beans, DDS welcomed him with sniffs galore.
We miss you buddy. Thank you for everything in our time together. All the foot pets, bedtime cuddles, meows of (perceived) starvation, and wet hisses are so missed.