Java Bean Fletcher

When Caitlin Fletcher went to Kenton County Animal Shelter in 2009 as a ride-along for her sister, she had no idea she would be leaving with the legendary Java Bean. The calico kitten had climbed the bars and meowed for attention, having selected the human she wanted to spend her life with. She charmed Caitlin with her sass and energy. Her ears, one tipped in black and one in white, were an iconic and endearing feature.







Immediately inseparable, Java Bean was Caitlin’s companion through the 2010s, always greeting her at the door after long days at college and eventually work. She assisted in moving through four different apartments by sitting in every available box, testing it for quality before allowing items to be packed, often giving an affectionate paw ‘bap’ of approval. Through life milestones, love, celebrations, loss and heartaches, Java Bean’s primary and favorite job was serving as the CEC (chief executive cuddler) of the Fletcher household, a successful career she never once considered retiring from. A diligent worker, Java Bean knew when someone was upset and would come promptly to quell any crying or pain. She understood overtime was necessary on particularly bad days and was eager to soak up tears while purring extra loud.







Java Bean was known to friends as Java, Baby Girl, Beanie, Beanie Baby and simply ‘The Queen’. Her pastimes included tossing around toy mice, sitting on plastic bags, judging silently, and kneading every blanket to the perfect level of comfort. Java Bean’s number one hobby however was dining. Caitlin had to go so far as to invest in child locks to prevent Java from helping herself to dry food in the cabinets all day long. She would display her disapproval through musical performance: Meowing and pawing at doors to try and open them. She discovered she was a connoisseur for wet food after starting a weight loss journey in 2019. Everybody was proud of her, but she stayed humble when she managed to lose five whole pounds. She was a classy lady, after all. She demonstrated self-control by only longingly watching people eat French fries when they had take out, afterwards indulging herself by politely sticking her head in the empty bags. Her manners extended to her everyday behavior, not damaging furniture or knocking things off surfaces in spite.







Java Bean was a beautiful cat with a wonderfully soft coat. She fit perfectly in your arms and lap and always made sure to greet everybody who came by. Beanie never once took it personally if you had cat allergies either, still so thoughtful in making sure to get as close as possible so you could pet her freely. She even showed tolerance for a new kitten in 2017 when Caitlin adopted her brother, Duncan, and allowed him to cuddle up with her Mom and her on the couch. Beanie sometimes permitted him to play near and occasionally with Java herself – but never with the toy mice. However, Beanie’s favorite person always and forever was Caitlin. No other soul on Earth knew exactly where to scratch her ear and Java’s was full of unconditional and endless love for Caitlin. It was magic for both of them: Java made everyday better and Caitlin knew how to unlock the cabinets.







Java Bean passed away peacefully on April 15th, 2021 after 12 years of love, laughter and box-bapping. She leaves behind a significant hole in the Fletcher family’s hearts and minds. Everyday was a good day with Java Bean around, and up to the very end insisted on being held, purring as loud as she could, and toying with her mice when she had the energy. She leaves behind her mom Caitlin and extended family, her adopted brother Duncan “Dunkaroo”, and her biological brother Munchkin.







When you read this, if you find yourself tearing up or sighing in pain, I want to invite you to recall any of the following inside jokes and moments, or ask Cait about the anecdotes if you want a good story: Java’s day as a house-painter, ‘Mob Boss’ pose, Submariner Java, Interpretive Dance or ‘The Hop’, or the time she got ahold of an entire bag of cat nip and Caitlin had to somehow get it back.







We absolutely love you, Beanie Baby, and we cannot wait to see you and scratch behind that white-tipped ear again.