He was nineteen years old, and in the last few days, he was refusing to eat. He was also acting uncomfortable, constantly shifting around, never finding an easy spot to recline. I’ve lost cats before, and I knew these were not good signs.
So I took him to the vet today, and she told me he had lost three pounds since his last visit, a goodly amount for a cat. His kidneys were swollen, and he was dehydrated even though he was drinking and peeing a river. She asked me how far I wanted to take this, and that always means that euthanasia is rearing its head in a vet’s mind. I don’t have a lot of money these days, and I doubt any treatment was going to restore my Shuppie to me after nineteen years with his heart murmur and his diabetes. So I just decided to let him go.
So he’s gone. For the first time since I was six, I have no cat in my life. It’s a strange feeling. Very lonely.
I often stay up nights, watching TV until the late hours. He would watch TV with me, or would give a good imitation of doing so. Just to keep me company.
I can’t say anymore. I can’t see the computer screen through my tears.
I’m so sorry, Cats. I do feel your pain. A few years ago we lost 3 elderly cats within months of each other. I remember very well that coming home to no cats took a lot of getting used to. Felt so strange and wrong.
I’m sorry for your loss. I’m on my last cat, and I’m pretty sure I mean that literally – I’m in my mid 50s and I’m not willing to commit to another 15-20 years of taking care of one.
My cat is 17, and has been physically much shakier in the last year. There’s a pretty good chance she won’t make it through another, and it will just tear me up. That’s a much longer and closer relationship than I’ve had with any humans, including family.
So sorry your kitty is gone. I think we’re about to turn the corner on grieving after eight months, and may look for a couple of kittens when we get back from our trip. Then again, I watched the American version of “Dragon Tattoo” the other day; the shot of the cat was like a punch in the gut, as it looked just like our departed friend.
I wish you luck with rebounding from this ending; you did the right thing and it will get better.
I’m very sorry. I used to be too-many-ferrets (5 at one time), until that number dwindled one by one, and one day I found us putting our last ferret to sleep after a long illness and quick deterioration. The little furballs wrap you around a little paw and really get into your heart.
(I lasted a week before we went out and got two now-much-beloved rabbits. I don’t recommend quickly getting a new pet for everyone, but it worked for us.)
Sorry to hear that you lost your buddy. Sounds like you made the best decision for him even though it hurts to have to make that choice.
Just wanted to suggest that you might want to consider adopting a middle aged or senior adult animal.
Quite often, middle aged or senior cats and dogs who end up at shelters are considered “unadoptable” because most people are so focused on only wanting a puppy or kitten. However, for someone like you who might not want that kind of intense time commitment anymore, a middle aged or senior pet might be a great choice for a companion.
Rest in peace, Shuppie. We’ve got two senior cats (one almost 15 and one 12 1/2) and I’m dreading the day that I make a post like that. Jim’s cat has arthritis - she is doing really well with long-term glucosamine treatment, but she is gradually getting slower and shakier, and I really hope we can see what she needs, not what we want, when it’s time to do right by her. My cat has slightly elevated thyroid levels, and we’re treating that, too, but it’s a sign of things to come - she’s not a kitten any more.
We’ll try to keep you company, Two Many Cats - I know it won’t be the same, though.
I’m sad for you. I had water coming out of my eyes when I read your post the first time, so had to deal with the allergies before responding.
It really bites to lose a beloved pet. They leave a big hole in your heart. Don’t cry when you look at the empty places where he used to be, try to think about the love and happiness you shared.
Oh how sad for you, TMC I am so sorry. A a cat-person (I have 8) I know how they get to be part of you, and that last, best thing we do for them hurts like nothing on earth.
I’m sorry too. I lost my first cat almost one year ago and I still reach down to pet her on my lap or expect her to be staring at me when I wake up in the morning. It really is heartbreaking to lose our furry babies. Hugs for you Two Many Cats.
