Losing my cat of 17 years tomorrow

[Sequoia]

I've been crying for days at the drop of a hat. I cry at work, I cry when I drive, I cry when I walk down the sidewalk because my cat has had kidney failure and after the good adive from you guys here about injections we were able to prolong her life for a few months more. Now she hasn't been eating, she's skin and bones, her eyesight is going and she can hardly walk. We are taking her (well I am) to the vet at 8:00 am tomorrow and then in two weeks we'll get her back in a cedar box. I thought about burying her but we rent so when we leave she'll be left behind. I've had her for 17 years and it just breaks my heart to have to part with her. I've never had a pet this long and it's very upsetting. I know it's best for her so she won't suffer anymore and my little child doesn't understand why things have to die. She does, but why you know? I hate that it will be the first thing I do in the morning and we can't sit in the sun first. I hate tomorrow already.

[Lindacooks]

1. Oh, I'm so sorry

I don't know exactly how you feel, but I have had to bury four cats in 2-1/2 years, including two we had for 12 and 14 years, respectively. It is hard, but please let yourself grieve, and remember the good times too. It will get easier. I didn't believe that myself, but it does.

[flamingyouth]

2. Oh, I'm so sorry (((HUGS)))

I lost one of my cats four weeks ago tomorrow - I started to cry reading your post, thinking of what you're going through. I feel so bad for you, dear.

[nini]

3. I am soooo sorry..

I lost my cat about a month ago and I'm still hurting. It just doesn't seem fair we have to lose our innocent animals.

I will be sending good thoughts and strength your way.


:-(

[childslibrarian]

4. Our cat of 20 years died Monday

I really understand. You are doing the right thing.

[4dsc]

5. I feel your pain,

my girlfriend of 10 years had to put down two of her cats that she had over 20 years. I got very close to both of them and yes I cried like a little baby for days. It hurts alot and the pain is slow to go but just remember, its best for the animal not to suffer.

I hope that you do find in your heart to get another cat soon..

We have 5..

[Skittles]

6. *sniff*

this poem made me blubber but ultimately gave me comfort


Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you...
I loved you so -----
'twas Heaven here with you


Isla Paschal Richardson

[Hawkeye-X]

7. Here are two advices

1) Rainbow Bridge - www.rainbowbridge.com for your cat.

2) Cremate your cat, put it in a beautiful urn, and carry it with you always, so that way, your cat will always be with you.

Hawkeye-X

[SoCalDem]

8. That is so sad..

But remember that you gave her a good and very long life.. It's a cruel trick that our pets cannot live as long as we need for them to..

Your vet will make it easy for you, and for her too.. We have had to make that decision too, and it's never easy, but to keep them around when they are suffering would be selfish, and we make that unselfish choice FOR THEM..

It's harder when there are little kids involved, but one day in the not too far future, your little girl will bring home a bedraggled little kitten, and say.."Mom, can we keep him/her".. and you will say YES..

[geniph]

9. I am so sorry

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.
--Author unknown

I understand. I've been there, all too many times. It never gets any easier, but remember, some of us know what you're going through and how it feels to have that hole in your heart. May she live forever in your memories, always healthy and happy and forever young.

[jokerman93]

10. Your family is in my thoughts

Look in her eyes deeply before you say goodbye to her and remember the love she brought into your world.

I believe animals really do understand these things.

I have a cat friend named Jack and am certain I'll feel just as you do when his time comes.

Please be well.

[xchrom]

11. courage

it's so hard to part with our four-footed family members -- i lost a a yorkie to kidney failure as well. i am so sorry.

[Faygo Kid]

12. My Seb just died, at age 15? You gave yours a good life

I had a cat that showed up at my doorstep Thanksgiving weekend 1990. Just died, of feline leukemia, a couple of weeks ago. Not sure of her age, just guessing. All you can do is love them, and give them a good life. Death is part of loving a pet; I know it far too often. Think about rescuing another. You have a Good Heart; provide another with your love. (By the way, they are all Sebs to me - don't ask, they just are.}

[bbmykel]

13. I'm so sorry :-(

I lost my Jesse on July 1. She was my best buddy for 17 years also. My thoughts are with you and your furry friend.

Mike

[Sequoia]

15. Thanks invisible friends

I will bookmark this page. Loved the poems and advice and I can tell you've all been down this road. It helps to have a shoulder to cry on. My cat is black and with with big blue eyes. She was never lap friendly and was a little standoffish but when it was cold she snuggled with us under the blankets and purred away. These memories help and we are plannnig on getting some kittens for Christmas; I didn't want to get any other pets before she passed away. I know our little child will want every cat and kitten she sees. Thanks again to all. Peace.

[Mikimouse]

14. Your post and your love of your friend really touched me

where I live. I am not ashmaed to admit that I have tears on my cheeks while writing this. Two years ago, when we thought we were going to lose Putzin, my wife's cat of 13 years, neither of us could stop crying. I could not stop, even after she and Putzin went to Winnipeg, expecting her to return alone. The only positive thing tha we could think of was that her veterinarian in Winnipeg cremates the animals and gives you back their ashes. That is what we plan to do with all of our fur children. Maybe that would work for you? There really is a place for people with good hearts, and you will find your way there eventually, and will be reunited. Please accept my electronic hugs and heartfelt condolences. Give her a throat rub for me, and rest assured that love never dies, it lives on in your memories. She will always be there you, always just out of sight, checking out the path ahead; you won't see her, but she'll be there.:cry: :hug:

Edited for the usual stupid typos

[sistersofmercy]

16. So sorry.

It's hard, very, very hard! I've sadly been there with both my beloved cat and my beloved dog. Honestly, I don't mean to be more depressing but I have never fully recovered from either. I still miss them both. In both cases it was very similar to what you are going through. My deepest sympathies.

[blackcat77]

17. (Hugs) Sequoia

We've lost several beloved pets, so I can appreciate everything you're feeling. You've done all you could and God bless you for it.

[pansypoo53219]

18. i feel your pain

so sorry, i lost my dear Cosmo in April. only 10.
and right now there is a 2 month old kitten purring in lap. I now have 1 cat and 2 kittens. and i lost my 1st pair at 17 and 21.
be happy with the time you did have.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

19. My girl Lulu died at 14 1/2

I know what you're going through-the inevitability of kidney failure. You and your family are in my thoughts!

:hug:

[Kathy in Cambridge]

20. My girl Lulu died at 14 1/2

I know what you're going through-the inevitability of kidney failure. You and your family are in my thoughts!

:hug:

[mike_c]

21. sequoia, I'm so sorry....

I know what it's like-- over the last few years we've been through a generation turnover and buried three old cats who were our best friends for many years. It's so hard-- that last ride to the vet is the absolute worst thing I've ever had to do. I'd trade places with them if I could. The last time it happened, we called the vet in advance and she met us at the side door so we didn't have to weep and blubber though the waiting room. Hell, I'm crying thinking about it.

It's the last responsibility of a loving friend. It's the right thing to do. It's just so goddamned hard.

[UrbScotty]

22. Having lost a dog four months ago, I sympathize.

My childhood dog, whom I admired for ten years, had to be put to sleep on June 20. She was only about twelve human years old. So, you have been lucky to have had your cat for 17 years.

[elfwitch]

23. my deepest sympathy

I have a gray and white tuxedo cat that has been my baby for 10 years. I cannot imagine life without her.

My heart breaks for you as well. be stron and remember that all kitties go to heaven.

[mvd]

24. Very sorry

:-(

[SOteric]

25. I am so very sorry.

:hug:

[David Zephyr]

26. So Sorry, Sequoia.

You are doing the right thing, but having been there I know that knowing that doesn't help a bit.

I am so very sorry you have to face this tomorrow.

I love kitties and we miss ours still.

Your cat was lucky, very lucky to have had you as her dear friend for so many years.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

27. Been there (17 and a half years) know your pain

My guy got real bad (liver failure)- the final night of his life he had a seizure right in front of me because I had waited too long to put him down.
It was one of the worst nights of my life as I held him and tried to keep him comfortable even though I knew he was mentally half there.
He was just skin and bones- maybe 6 pounds.
I brought him to the vet next day and with my wife by me I held him in my lap one last time as his life expired after the final IV.
His little body went limp and felt relaxed for the first time in months.
I wish I had done it sooner- that seizure was so frightening to watch and totally unnecessary.

Peace to you and your cat. She lived a full life and now leaves you with wonderful memories.

[kwolf68]

28. Sorry..

17 years...That is 20% of the average life span of the human adult. I certainly can see how this impacts. You likely have pictures when she (and you) were much younger...The silly things she did, or the tender moments caught on film between a human and an animal. The bond is special. With animals, they come with no conditions....Take care of them and they will ask for nothing more.

Just know that unlike MILLIONS of cats who are left in the streets to fend for themselves befalled for a myriad of reasons, in many cases condemned to a life of fear, pain and inhumanity...You gave your cat 17 awesome years. Your cat got more of everything than most domestic cats we know.

She lived a great life and that should be the crowning achievement. Send her to the next stage knowing that she very well may miss your love and your compassion more than you'll miss hers. She likely has no concept of her demise, but there is no evidence to suggest that as her life fades away she is not constantly thinking about the special moments you gave her.

I wish I had the magic thing to make it go away because anyone who cares about animals of anykind is a friend of mine.

[grasswire]

29. Sequoia?

I'm assuming that the two weeks is the time it takes for ashes to be returned to you?

My dear 17-year-old tabby is facing this any day now. Arranging cremation isn't something I want to do, and yet I have had to leave another dear cat buried 3,000 miles away and don't want to do that with this fellow.

So I'm planning to bury him in a big whiskey barrel planter, and then plant a rose bush over. This is something I can take with me when I move, as I'll get one of those wheeled platforms to go underneath.

And the circle of life will be evident in the beautiful roses.

Also, I've clipped some of his tummy hair to save in a frame with his photo. I just can't bear not to have something of him.

[Rowdyboy]

30. I have no idea if its an option for you, but we had

our year old puppy creamated. He has an honored place on our mantle and someday, when we're ready, we'll give him up. Just not yet.

[Lindsey]

32. I'm so very sorry...

I lost my precious Haley on 1/11/01. She was only 6 1/2 years old. I came home from work one day and and she had passed away on her favorite place on the couch. We still don't know what happened. My best friend handled the cremation for me (her ashes are on my bookshelf surrounded by her pictures). Also, The Rainbow bridge web site was invaluable. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I so wish I could say something to help but I know there are simply no words.

[niyad]

31. ((((((((for you and your precious one))))))) may Lady Bast

take her gently in Her loving arms, and grant you ease of heart.

I lost one of my precious babies to kidney failure as well, and I remember how hard it was.

treat yourself with gentleness, and grieve for the loss of your dear companion. and know that we are all here for you...

[Myra]

33. I'm so sorry Sequoia

It's one of the hardest things in the world losing
a special pet. Esp one you've had that long.
Please talk with us whenever you feel the need.
This is a very tough time...

Black with blue eyes? My gawd, what a gem.

[area51]

34. loss

I'm so sorry for your loss, Sequoia. I lost my 15-year-old cat last year to cancer and we were inseparable. I think I know how you feel. {{{{{{healing vibes}}}}}}}

[Piperay]

35. So SORRY...

you will both be in my thoughts tomorrow.:hug:

[corarose]

36. God My heart goes out to you!

My Ramona is 17 years old and she weighs about 3 pounds now. She is almost to the point of putting her down.

I feel so bad for you and believe me I do know how it feels because I am going through the same thing.

Your little girl with be in Heaven and she will be out of pain.

God Bless!

Ask your vet to put her in a box when she is cremated so that you won't get a mixture of ashes from every pet that they cremate that day.

[radfringe]

37. sorry to hear it

went through this last year - lost 2 cats within a month of each other

Ches was around 21-22 yrs old, a month later we lost Something to liver disease (she was only 8)

We knew Ches's time was near, and brought home a kitten a couple of months before - grey tux'ed little girl (Poohkah - she'll be 2 in April)

then around Christmas, a stray showed up at work, very friendly, neutered and declawed - I took him home (Gato - vet guessed he is 2-3 yrs old)

and we have two other cats - Kudra is around 15 and Dutchess is 13

Toss in 2 dogs Rhonda (14) and Dax (7) and we have a houseful

[jsw_81]

38. I'm so sorry

I went through the exact same thing last year when I found out that my beloved eight year-old cat had a large tumor. We had to put him to sleep the next day. I cried for weeks and still miss him a lot.

[VolcanoJen]

39. So very sorry, Sequoia.

Nothing else I can say. I've been there. It hurts. For a long, long time.

But, you will find kitty-love again... I promise.

:-( :-( :-(
Jennifer

[RebelOne]

40. So Sorry,

I know it is painful to lose a beloved fur child. But I am certain she had a very happy life with you. And 17 years old is a long, long life for a cat.

[kayleybeth]

41. So sorry for your loss

May good memories comfort you.

[joeybee12]

42. I'm so sorry

17 years is a long time--she was probably a happy cat, so I hope that's some consolation.

[Bertha Venation]

43. our family (((((((you and yours)))))))

especially your little one

[progressiverealist]

44. Peace to you and your sweet kitty

I'll be thinking of you both. It's so hard to go through this.

:hug: :loveya: O8)

[Mikimouse]

45. Sequoia? We're here!-'nuff said

n/t

[ronnykmarshall]

46. (((((((Sequoia)))))))))

I'm going through the same thing right now. But I don't know what the outcome is yet.

My prayers and thoughts are with you, sweetie.

[Darth_Kitten]

47. I'm so sorry for the pain you are going through....

:hug:

[Cheswick2.0]

48. I had to bury a cat I loved several years ago

She was hit by a car when she got of the house on halloween. She loved being outside and when the kids were coming in and out she got out the door. We found her on the road and I just cried and cried holding her in my arms sitting on the porch.

It is terrible to lose a pet that has given you nothing but unconditional love. I am so sorry.

[Myra]

49. Thinking about you Sequoia

Wondering how you're holding up...

[meow mix]

50. 9 months, death by mangling

im sorry for how bad u feel, it super-sucks. =(

just wanted to say.. be thankful for the time you had too!

one of my favorite kitty ever was fred the wondercat
had to ease him outta the womb, last one to come out and the momma just wasnt going to do it. the others where all kinda ugly brown/black but then fred came all white with blazing markings. very cool because he was the real spitfire too.
at about 3 months old he discovered the rats out in the woodpiles and began harassing them immediatly.
by 6 months old, he was dragging out the largest adults kicking and screaming.. which where bigger than the cat! it looked like a tiger taking down a damn buffalo. (fred still had a lot of growing to do)

well, i was highly impressed because i hate the damn rats.
so fred was a hero and a star in my eyes lol.
loved him!

one morning i walked outside and he was just sittin there.
took me a moment to realize he was hurt real bad, looked like a broken leg. scooped him into a box and off to the vet where i found out every bone in his body was smashed and he had bad internal bleeding.

no saving kitty.

first time i ever cried where people might actually see me.
since i was in the vets office there wasnt really any way to avoid that grrr.

i had tried to figure out what happened..
there was no blood outside. so it wasnt a dog that got hold of im.
and there wasnt any oil on roadburns that would suggest a car ran im over.
the only scenario that i could put together in my head which would have cuased it, is people. a person...whoever...
but someone mangled my cat to death. and i never even got to have im around for even a year!! geesh wtf

[UrbScotty]

51. Oh, jeez.

That is VERY sad, indeed.

That makes me thankful for the ten years I had with Bonnie.

[Myra]

52. You ok Sequoia?

EOM