Another cat passes: my Denver

[Spoons]

I regretfully had the vet put my cat to sleep today.

Denver (photo here) is familiar to those of you who followed this thread. Sadly, diabetes got the better of Denver, and I asked the vet (whom I will call "Dr. Kay") to put him to sleep. She concurred. Denver's dosage of insulin was well beyond the norms for his size and weight, and she was reluctant to prescribe more. Dr. Kay did feel that there might have been something that was complicating the diabetes, but without further testing, couldn't be sure. As the tests were quite expensive, she understood my reluctance to proceed with them; and should they return negative results, we'd be back where we started. Under the circumstances, she agreed that euthanasia was called for.

As it was, Denver had 13 great years. He was quite the traveller, having moved from the farm where he was born to our house in a small Ontario town. Then, in his carrier in the baggage hold of an an Air Canada flight (see my reporting of his experience here). Then he moved down from Calgary to Lethbridge in the car during a bad snowstorm. At all times, Denver was agreeable, pleasant, curious, and easygoing.

I have other cats, but Denver was pretty special. Not just because he was the oldest of all, but because of his nature. Very little bothered Denver; he simply made the best of the cards he was dealt. He enjoyed kitty treats, watching birds from the window, and playing with his catnip cigar--the only toy he really cared about. He played occasionally with toy mice, wiggling ribbons, and laser pointers; but it was his catnip cigar that he protected carefully. He was also interested in me, and would often jump on something (the bed, the bathroom vanity, the kitchen table) and reach a paw out to get my attention. He would be rewarded with head skritches, to which he purred happily. And more often than not, he would curl up with me when I went to bed.

Sadly, the diabetes and associated neuropathy took its toll on my little buddy. He staggered around the house like a drunken sailor. His legs could not get him up onto the bed. I built a ladder he could use, but after a while, he even had problems using that. He had a hard enough time getting onto my easy chair for a nap--he dragged himself up onto the ottoman, rested, and then carefully moved over to the chair. Half the time, he would fall between the ottoman and the chair, and he would start over again. Sometimes, he could not get to the litterbox in time, and he would void wherever he happened to be. He liked it no better than I did; he always looked sheepish and embarrassed about it, scraping at the floor in an effort to clean up his mess. I forgave him, and cleaned it up myself.

I will miss his voice. Denver never could produce a cat's meow; he squawked, make "grak" noises, and could sound like a 1970s funk guitar ("Wa!"). But he could not meow. He could purr like there was no tomorrow, though; and he often sounded like a little diesel engine when he got head skritches.

Denver provided companionship to me, but he taught me also. For example, he taught me that sometimes, the best thing is to just go with the flow--it may be interesting and educational (his flight from Toronto to Calgary). But sometimes, we have to pick our battles and do have to stand up for what we want (you can have that toy; I don't care about that, but I do want my catnip cigar). If a problem presents itself, study it and try the most logical solution (see Denver's response to a problem at this post). Don't keep trying things that obviously don't work.

I am certainly richer for having known Denver, and to have learned from him.

Friends, if you can, please spare a thought for Denver. Perhaps those of you who are cat owners could give your own feline friends some treats, or some extra skritches. But I would ask anybody, pet owner or not, to spare a thought for my little buddy. Many thanks.

Spoons

[Baker]

In honor of Denver I'll give my cats Attila and Tobermory extra skritches and love. And my dog Nathan too, I'm not a speciest!

RIP Denver, sounds like you had a good life.

[PapSett]

I am so sorry, Denver sounds like a special fellow. CHarlie & Ruby will get a treat of their favorites, Temptations, and some extra love in honor of Denver.

[Alice The Goon]

I'm sorry for the loss of your buddy. 13 years is not long enough.

[SnakesCatLady]

I am very sorry for the loss of your friend, and I hope your memories are a comfort to you. Your posts brought Denver to life in my mind. All the fuzzies will get extra lovin's in his honor.

[Snowboarder Bo]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Denver sounds like a class act, and I'm glad you had a chance to know each other. Reading about him, I was reminded of my own beloved Mao (the most beautiful and perfect creature I have ever had the privilege to know).

I loved the airport story.

If you'll excuse me now, I have something in my eye.

[Cat Whisperer]

I'm so sorry to hear that, Spoons. Rest in peace, little furry fellow.

[not what you'd expect]

I'm sorry for your loss, Spoons. This month is the two year anniversary since I lost my special stinker. I still miss her madly, but the pain does ease. I hope you feel better soon.

[nonacetone]

I'm so very sorry to hear about Denver! I send you my condolences.
I'm going to give my oldest boy, Mr. Brandybuck (Who seems to seriously resemble Denver), some extra scritches and kisses today, in honor of Denver. May he rest in peace, and my you find peace, also.

[Sarabellum1976]

A free round of skritches for the Bellum kitties today, in honor of Denver.

Sorry for your loss.

[Snickers]

Oh, my heart is sad for you. A good kitty is indeed a gift. I'll give extra skritches to Brix and Bella tonight in Denver's honor.

[purplehorseshoe]

My sympathies for your loss - he sounds like he was an A+ kitty.

[Tom Tildrum]

Good kitty. I'm sorry to hear this.

[Khadaji]

I am sorry for your loss - sending supporting thoughts your way.

[Ibanez]

Sorry to hear that Spoons, as a fellow pet owner who's had to put them down in the past, they turn out to be definitely more than just animals after awhile. They become little family members for a lot of us, and we can become quite attached. You're right, our lives are much more enriched with them around.

[Quasimodem]

Spoons,

D and I both are cat lovers and sympathize along with everyone else that you lost your best friend, Denver. It's never easy to let them go and he sounds like he had a lot of character. I just called and asked D to bring home some Pounce, and tonight as my kitty
Bert and I go to bed, I will lay my head lightly on his little body and tell him about your friend.

Our thoughts are with you, Spoons

Bill and Dondra

[kayT]

Streak just came into the room and looked very surprised when I invited him to jump up on my lap for lovin', since when I am on the computer he is not usually welcomed this way. I told him it was for Denver and Spoons and he wondered where the food is, then...his English is not so good. Anyway thanks for the stories and also for getting so many kitties extra lovin' today.

[salinqmind]

Been there, done that. It's so hard. It's very sad. But time will heal. There will always be kitties out there who need a good loving owner. My best.

[Buttercup Smith]

I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face for Denver and you Spoons. RIP Denver.

[Hanna]

I'm so sorry. I've been there myself and know how hard it is. Rest easy, sweet Denver.

[lost in cyberspace]

So sorry, I know your pain too well ... he was as lucky to have you as you were to have him

[Maiira]

I'm sorry for your loss, Spoons. Denver sounded like an awesome kitty. Beetle will get extra skritches and cuddles today.

[Sunspace]

I'm so sorry, Spoons. I know someone who will soon have kittens available to give away, and I wish I could send one in your direction...

[control-z]

We just lost our cat last week, she got hit by a car. I had no idea how much we would miss her, I know how you feel.

[Infovore]

I'm sorry for you loss, Spoons. Denver sounds like he was a wonderful cat and a great friend.