Kitty, 1995 - 2012

I now completely understand what a couple of Forum members went through a few months back.
My cat passed away this morning around 11:37AM.
The recent vet visits and today's ultrasound scan revealed "masses" in his lungs and intestines, with one taking up 80% of the bladder. So I made the difficult decision.
The doctor was very gentle, Kitty appeared calm (I had my hand on his shoulders), and it seemed that he just went to sleep. It was over in about 45 seconds.
(sigh)
I will miss him very much.
My cat passed away this morning around 11:37AM.
The recent vet visits and today's ultrasound scan revealed "masses" in his lungs and intestines, with one taking up 80% of the bladder. So I made the difficult decision.
The doctor was very gentle, Kitty appeared calm (I had my hand on his shoulders), and it seemed that he just went to sleep. It was over in about 45 seconds.
(sigh)
I will miss him very much.
Comments
Kitty looked like he was a very nice cat.
We did that this spring for our dog. It's a tough but good decision in the long run. Having a vet that cares makes a world of difference.
I still get sad after all these months.
Kitty is now at peace and you have 17 years of good times and memories.
God bless, Kitty, you and your family!
My sympathy for your loss, man. The animals we share our lives with are very important, and the bonds we form with them can be extremely close. It sounds like Kitty was very lucky to have adopted you. Relish the memory of those 16-17 years you had with him.
-Phil (and Browser)
Anyone here believe in reincatenation?
We lost our 2 cats in the last few years. They were 17 and 19 years old. I can still catch myself looking for them when I see a shadow from the corner of my eye.
So sorry for your loss.
Al
OBC
My father had to do the same thing to his cat.
Sorry for your loss. Kitty was lucky to have an owner that stayed with him through the end.
Chris Wardell
I'm really sorry. You gave him a good, full life, and he died in your arms. Neither of you could ask for anything more. It's still incredibly difficult. I'm not yet over losing Sylvie last October, and I don't want to be.
I'm sorry to hear of your loss...
Jim...
I'm sorry to hear about your loss! I've had cats most of my life and everytime I get a kitten I promise myself I wouldn't get hopelessly attached to them. Of course I always do and it crushes me when the pass.
But know that you gave him a fantastic life, and that you saved him from much pain and suffering.
My mom believes, too, that anytime you think you see a pet out of the corner of your eye, that's their way of telling you they're OK. Truth or not, it's still a nice thought. :]
Very sorry for your loss. I had a dog that got hit by a car 5 years ago and died in my arms, and still think about him till this day.
Sometimes pets make a bigger impression on us humans than humans do.
Jim
You have my deepest sympathy.
Dave
Sincerely, Ken Gracey
I took a day's hiatus and didn't participate in any discussions.
Thank you very much for the honest and heartfelt responses.
Maybe I'll be like a woman right after childbirth when they say "never again", and then sometime later start to want another child.
Maybe...
Thanks again; very, very much.
I have to echo this statement. The most loving cats I've ever had were strays or came from pet rescue. You'll know when the time is right.
Jim...
Same here. When Browser entered my life, I had never owned a cat and wasn't sure I even wanted one. Now, sixteen years later, it hurts me even to anticipate losing him, although I know that day will surely come. I'm convinced that pets make us better people. It's not just from the care we learn to lavish on them, the worry when they're sick or missing, or the heightened sense of empathy that permeates our outlook as a result, but also from the lesson of unconditional love we get in return.
Dave, I'm sure that Kitty has touched your life in the same way; and, whether or not you ever get another cat, that will be his lasting legacy.
-Phil
After a couple of weeks, I started lurking at the Humane Society. I needed a cat fix, desperately. The first two times I went, there were cats there who I would have loved. I was a little concerned that I was just falling for any cat, but then I went a few times and didn't see any that caught my fancy. I've been several times since, and sometimes there are cats I think I'd fall for, and sometimes there aren't. I also realize that it's FAR too soon. Any cat I brought home would have to live up to Sylvie, and that's not going to happen. It just wouldn't be fair to the new cat. I'd love to have one here waiting for me, but I'm not nearly ready.
But like Rick said, at some point there's going to be another cat who will choose me, and I'll know it.
Al
We had a bad year in 2011 -- we unexpectedly lost our 10-year-old cat (along with other loses off-topic for this thread), and we still miss her, even after adopting a new fluff-ball. But if you are open to it, you will be adopted by a new furry friend...
Tom