my cat died today...

[Johan]

my friend for almost 19 years (born in the spring of -92) was put to sleep after being ill and not eating for a week. My wife and I took him to the veterenary a few days ago, but in the end they coudnt help..He was too old and suffering from Anorexia due to a runnaway thyroid gland and the consequent kidney failure.
For as long as I remember we had a morning routine, where he woke me up, I made breakfast. we went out on the balcony of my apartment, had a hug then went back to bed for a few minutes cuddle.
the last week he just wanted to cuddle. no food, no balcony.  this morning he took me through the routine again allthough I could tell he wasnt eating and had allmost no strength...it was as he was saying, "one more time before I go"
He's been a constant throughout my whole adult life ( I'm 38 ) and has been the loyal compagnion through all the major events through half my life...I just want to scream...
..rest peacefully my friend...

 

[MagnetoSound]

So sorry. I would tell you how I lost my own cat, but it would be too much.

My only advice is, just to know he had a good life with you and that he was very lucky for that. 

 

[Ptownkid]

My regards my friend, pets are a wonderful thing, and it's always very sad to see them go. Magneto is very right though, take comfort knowing that you gave him a wonderful life!

 

[zayance]

Sorry for that  , i had two cats that i lost one year after the other 2 years ago, both very sick, very sad situation as always.

 

[sahib]

Very sorry to hear. Think of the happy days.
He had a great life with you.

 

[sodderboy]

I feel for you.  Better to have a long life with a pet.  I did not have a choice when I found our "Bootsie" on the road still warm.  Our pets are so sweet and so close to us.  Even a guinea pig is directly connected to humans and it communicates basic needs and shows love.  All animals bond to some level.
Human or animal, I say L'Chiam!
Mike

 

[rodabod]

Cats are awesome. I love them.

Sorry to hear about your loss, Johan. I had a pair of Tonkinese cats, one of which was knocked down a few years ago. It's (really) upsetting at the time, but that's life.

19 years? Hell yeah! That cat did alright by the sounds of things!

 

[MikoKensington]

I'm so sorry for your loss.  As a fellow cat lover, your story brought tears to my eyes.  I've had to give up a couple of my own cats, and know how overwhelming the pain is.  19 years is a long time.  You are very lucky in that regard.  Open your home to another, when you're ready.  It really warms up the home.

 

[tchgtr]

...been nursing my own 13 yo through the last week, and I'm still not sure if she's going to make it, though she started to eat on her own again this morning.
I'll just echo what other folks have said and remind you to concentrate on the good times.
Sounds like you had a good one there...

 

[Johan]

Thanks you all. ..I like to think that one of the reasons he got so old was that I talked to him, and played with him everyday and let him know he was important to me, that he made a difference. he had a porpose.
I will defenetly get a new cat when I'm ready. most likely an adult from the cat shelter. but not for some months now. I dont want one just to fill the empty space left by "Frasse", but someone who make their own life with me and my wife...it will be a while..

 

[zebra50]

My heart goes out to you. 19 is a good lifespan for a cat, but it's still a heartbreak. But it sound like he had a great life & was loved into his old age.

Our cat Doobie died last year, also at the age of 19 and from the same thing - kidney problems is really common in older cats, and we've lost a couple that way over the years.

After a few months we took a long holiday half way around the world. When we got back we adopted two young adult cats from the shelter - they needed a home and we had some space. In fact now they rule the house, and I hope they make it to 19 or something like that.

 

[Stagefright13]

I am so so sorry to hear that. We just lost our dog a short time ago. And knowing just how that feels my heart goes out to you.
Thinking of how happy our dog's life was helps me a bit thinking about it. Hopefully that can bring a little comfort to you also.
It's SO hard to lose a friend like that...

I have also had a Cat that was precious to me so I understand.

And that's a Beautiful kitty!

God Bless You.

 

[thermionic]

I just checked my credit card statement and got a horrible reminder that I lost Isabella exactly a month ago. I had no idea I'd be so gutted. I nursed her for 5 years with bad kidneys (it runs in her breed and I had to put her on a special diet). When she was adopted, I had no idea how attached I'd get. She used to follow me everywhere and always wanted to be on my lap. Even if the door was shut, she'd want to get in, and you'd see her nose in the gap under the door. I'm not sure if she was 14 or 15. I tell myself it was a good age. I still keep imagining she's suddenly going to jump up on me... I haven't been able to take her food to the rescue centre yet - it's locked away out of sight.

Losing your cat is a real bummer. I'm sorry to read of your loss, Johan - my thoughts are with you.

Justin

 

[amorris]

It's like losing a family member. we lost ours 2 years ago and now we have a new family member. I have actually taught her to come when called. we go out to the porch to have smokes and when we're done, I "meow", and she comes running. its certainly a sight to see!

 

[pstamler]

Johan, I'm really sorry. Cats are small creatures with sweet souls, and their lives with us are a gift.

Peace,
Paul

 

[skipwave]

Sorry to hear, I can relate having lost my childhood cat and dog. Now I have two cats that crowd the bed with my girlfriend and I.

You'll always have the memories of good times, and that's an invaluable gift. I share your sentiment about giving your pet purpose through an expressed place of importance in your life, and in return it can make you a better person.

 

[livingnote]

Same from me. Dusty died at 20, when I was 25 years old - what a cat, I cried a river. You know it ends, but when
it does it's always different.

 

[Johan]

again, thank you all for your support. a few days have come and gone and it does feel a little better..still empty in the morning thou...
.."small creatures with sweet souls"...that was a very good way of describing cats..  thank you
J

 

[Stagefright13]

What helped us a bit is our neighbor let us borrow their kitties any time we want. They wait at our door now to come in. Maybe you have a neighbor like that? I know is a poor substitute. But?

John

 

[Autophase]

really sorry to hear that man.
When you are ready to get a new friend, definately get a rescue cat, dont get a kitten from a friend.
We got one from the RSPCA over here in the UK, 2 days before she was due to be put down (they only keep them for 6 months) and I have to say she has been a daily source of entertainment, running into walls because she is unable to stop in time on the laminate floor.
Anyway, its a great feeling knowing she is here to keep us entertained because we saved her from death. very rewarding indeed.
I hope you are ready to get a new cat soon.