Fred was a very sweet natured cat who had diabetes for about 6 or 7 years. He was put down when neuropathy made him extremely clumsy and feebleminded. He was probably 12 years old at that point.
Fred to be held and his huge barrel chest amplified his purr. He tolerated his more volatile companion's mood swings. Ginger would curl up with him lovingly and lick his forehead and then doze off, only to wake up and belt him in the chops. He'd just sit there and look at her as if to say, "What was THAT all about?" and then forget what happened.
Fred was known to consume his weight in turkey. Thanksgiving was also known as Fred Day. Fred would see me put the large bird into the oven and then hold vigil next to the oven for the 6-8 hours needed to cook it.
Fred Astaire, partner to Ginger, was a former pound cat. He was adopted from the San Francisco SPCA, along with his charming dancing partner.