Friends, it is with regret that I announce the passing of one of my feline friends: Stripe.
I first introduced Stripe to the SDMB in The Kitten in our Yard thread. I updated the news about him in the Update on our feral kitty thread, somewhat later; and still later in the Update on Stripe, the now pretty much ex-feral kitty thread. In short, Stripe shed his fears of humans and became part of the family, to the point where I reported his attempt to post on the SDMB: I think my cat is a wannabe Doper. Of course, there were many other times when I posted about him, but those, I think, are the standouts.
So you can imagine my shock when I got home after work today, and found Stripe sacked out on the floor. That was nothing unusual; he would often just flop over and doze off. “Come on, big boy, you want a treat?” I asked, petting him. But he felt wrong somehow. Cold. Then I noticed that he wasn’t breathing. And there was a wet spot by his butt, and another one at his mouth.
I grabbed the phone, and called the vet clinic. They were closed, but their service offered an emergency number. Not much good at this point, so I called John, my neighbour, who also happens to be a veterinarian. John knows Stripe quite well, as he looks after my cats when I am out of town.
John came in minutes, and pronounced Stripe dead. His exam indicated that it was most likely a massive heart attack. Given Stripe’s position (looking like he was asleep), John estimated that it happened when Stripe was asleep, and he likely didn’t feel a thing. Further, he estimated the time of death at about three or four hours before I got home–meaning I was at work, had no knowledge of what was happening, and thus could not have done a damn thing to help my little pal. Cold comfort, but comfort nonetheless.
I’m okay, I guess. I’m definitely shaken. Stripe was only seven years old; and while I understand that heart attacks can happen to anybody (or any cat) at any age, I did not expect such to happen to Stripe.
Still, Stripe had a happy life. Certainly a longer one than if he had remained feral. He enjoyed sitting on the windowsill and watching the birds, and he was first in line for kitty treats. He could always find a pool of sunshine for a nap; and in winter when it always seems dark outside, he would substitute the fireplace, and lie in front of the fire. Me in my favourite armchair was always an easy target, and he would climb up and settle onto my lap for a nap. At such times, skritches would eventually produce a ragged purr, almost as if he was reluctant to do so, but couldn’t resist. He was a good cat, and a good friend, and I am going to miss him.
I know that photos are de rigeur on SDMB cat threads. This is one from a few years ago, and this is another. I’m sure I have more recent ones somewhere; I just have to find them.
Friends, please spare a kind thought for Stripe, and if you have cats of your own, make sure that they get their favourite treats and plenty of skritches in his memory.
It’s never easy, but I know it’s harder when they go before their time.
