# I'm losing a kitty friend today **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 16, 2006, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947 "2006-09-16T12:49:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slip\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f475e1/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slip\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slip_1)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/1 "2006-09-16T12:49:42Z")
I have the unenviable task of taking my sweet Pepper to the vet one last time today to have her put to sleep. I thought that this format would be a fitting tribute to her. Here is the pic of her being [pretty](http://www.theimageplace.net/webpage/b0bfdc7e71.php), and here is a pic of her in her favorite [place](http://www.theimageplace.net/webpage/50e8ebe3d3.php). I found her three years ago, just before moving to Vermont. She was a rescue kitty who at that point was living in a house with about 35 other cats. She had such a sweet disposition that I was hooked. The first few weeks were challenging - I have two other Kitty Overlords that she had to charm. That, and she had the bad habits of hopping on shelves and getting into trash. But she lost those habits and soon became the “dishrag” cat I had never had before. It’s funny how people will talk about liking dogs over cats - that dogs are friendlier and more loyal. I rather think that Pepper was a bit of a dog in a cat’s body. She would greet me at the door, follow me from room to room and “chat” with me. She liked hopping in the shower and licking water off the tub or off the tile. And, she slept with me, taking to curling up by my chest at night and usually staying throughout the night. In short, she was my baby (much to the chagrin of the other Kitty Overlords). Unfortunately, she developed fibrosarcoma, the cancer that kitties get on occasion from vaccinations. She had surgery once, and the cancer came back before the incision was even healed. Given the dismal prognosis, I decided against further surgery and to help her enjoy the rest of her life until she was uncomfortable and had little chance of improvement. Well, after three trips to the vet in less than a month, and my learning how to give her subcutaneous fluids, she is listless, not eating well, and not chatting much. So, I have a final appointment with the vet today to take away my dishrag’s suffering. Farewell, Pepper-corn. I’m glad that I was able to provide you a loving home for the past three years, and I will miss you greatly. Bud ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/2 "2006-09-16T12:56:40Z")
I’m so sorry for your loss. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/3 "2006-09-16T13:44:30Z")
I’m so sorry, it’s one of the hardest things a person can do. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/4 "2006-09-16T13:57:05Z")
I’m terribly sorry to hear of your pain. I salute you for having the strength to relieve your kitty’s suffering. ---
**Author:** ![Surly\_Chick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Surly\_Chick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surly_Chick)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/5 "2006-09-16T15:01:21Z")
I’m sorry, I know how that feels. And remember gave her three wonderful years that she might not have had otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![Surly\_Chick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Surly\_Chick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surly_Chick)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/6 "2006-09-16T15:02:58Z")
that would be “remember **that you** gave her…” :smack: ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Hanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b3f665/32.png) [@Hanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hanna)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/7 "2006-09-16T15:04:29Z")
I’m sorry. May she rest in peace, with no more pain. ---
**Author:** ![Lissa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/8 "2006-09-16T15:09:20Z")
I’m so sorry for your loss. May comfort find you. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/9 "2006-09-16T16:50:07Z")
Losing a beloved pet is a deep sadness. Sending supporting thoughts your way. ---
**Author:** ![Tikki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/5daacb/32.png) [@Tikki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tikki)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/10 "2006-09-16T17:00:55Z")
My condolences to you. And thank you for the three years of love and companionship you gave her. ---
**Author:** ![2lazy2pee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/4bbf92/32.png) [@2lazy2pee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2lazy2pee)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/11 "2006-09-16T17:39:46Z")
I’m crying for you. I’ve never had cats, but I’ve had to do this gentle act for my Puppygods a few times. I can appreciate the place she had in your heart. It’s never easy, but take comfort that you will be easing her suffering. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/12 "2006-09-16T18:14:43Z")
**sniff** hugs ---
**Author:** ![Caprese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9a28c/32.png) [@Caprese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caprese)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/13 "2006-09-16T18:19:21Z")
It’s so hard. I am so sorry. ---
**Author:** ![Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cab0a1/32.png) [@Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Man_With_a_Cat)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/14 "2006-09-16T19:47:59Z")
I’m so sorry for you. I firmly believe that cats know how much they are loved and cared about and for. I have Scarlett on the couch with me right now, and I’m trying not to think about when her time or any of my kid’s time comes. She’s getting extra tummy rubs right now. ---
**Author:** ![Fetchund](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b2d939/32.png) [@Fetchund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fetchund)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/15 "2006-09-16T22:12:41Z")
Goodnight, Pepper. Rest comfortably, and be at peace. I am sorry for your loss, I know how it feels. Know that you did the right thing. ---
**Author:** ![Archergal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c89c15/32.png) [@Archergal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Archergal)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/16 "2006-09-16T22:15:52Z")
I’m so sorry for your loss. One of my sister’s cats had that fibrosarcoma you mention. Her cat had a happier outcome, though. Best wishes. ---
**Author:** ![ILovCoffee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e99b99/32.png) [@ILovCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ILovCoffee)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2006, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/17 "2006-09-16T22:31:18Z")
{{{hug}}} ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2006, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/18 "2006-09-17T03:49:52Z")
She looks just like my current kitty. I’m sorry that you have to have her put down, but at least she will be going quietly and peacefully. Dogs are swell animals, but they’re _always_ dogs. Cats, on the other hand, can be a myriad of things. Some of them are cats, others are dogs, some are their own unique creations, and a very few, like my last cat, are people in cat fur. It’s the last kind that are so difficult to lose. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slip\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f475e1/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slip\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slip_1)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2006, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-a-kitty-friend-today/372947/19 "2006-09-17T14:01:40Z")
Thank you for all your support guys - I really appreciate it. The actual “going to sleep” process was very quick, so she didn’t suffer at all. She really did just go to sleep. My vet was very supportive - she’s the one that had worked on Pepper most of the time, so she knew what all we had been through. I was glad that I had thought about what to do with her remains beforehand; otherwise, it would have been a really tough question at a tough moment. So, the other Kitty Overlords are being quiet, but I catch them looking for her. My [big boy](http://www.theimageplace.net/webpage/628c9147b4.php) is walking around - every time I see him rounding a corner, I think it’s Pepper until I see white fur. It’s a little unnerving. And Tucker, I agree - she was the “people with cat fur” kinda kitty. Although, I think she saw me as the big hairless cat with opposable thumbs and a comfy shoulder 🙂 Thanks again, guys … Bud