There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats. ~Albert Schweitzer
My cat died today. On Sunday I picked him up and he felt like a feather. I tried to remember the last time I picked him up and I couldn't. He always snuggled on the couch with me, I rarely held him. So on Monday I called and made an appointment for him on Thursday (today). Monday and Tuesday I noticed how lethargic he was and got worried. I tried to give him a treat yesterday morning and he refused to eat it. As long as I have known Cat, he has never refused a handout, so I knew something was wrong. I called the vet to see if I could get him in. I didn't think he could wait until Thursday. I took him yesterday on my lunch break and they said he was extremely dehydrated. We knew he had kidney disease that was diagnosed in October, but we hoped to be able to control it with his diet. They asked to keep him at the hospital on fluids, then I went back and picked him up last evening after work so he could spend the night at home. I had a feeling this would be his last night.
I took him back to the hospital this morning so he could get back on the IV fluids and wait for the results of the blood work. His vet called me early and said his blood work looked really bad. She said she was surprised he was still alive and we should probably let him go. So we euthanized him today at about 1:20pm.
I have such mixed emotions about this. Death is so much a part of life. I once gave CPR to a man who ended up dying. We revived him for just a second or two, he sat up, then collapsed again. After he collapsed that second time, I knew he was gone. Cat had a smell to him that reminded me of that man...as though death was surrounding him. Death is such a certainty in life, but yet people are so afraid of it. I was not afraid to face this with Cat, and I feel very fortunate to have been able to hold him on my chest while they injected him and he took his last breath. I cry for him, because I miss him, but it was a beautiful part of his life that I am so happy I had the opportunity to share with him. He looked so calm and peaceful. So much more than he has been for the last week or so.
My mind is full of happy memories of a wonderful life spent with what could have easily been the coolest, most laid back, easy-going, best furry friend a girl could have. Rest in peace buddy-Cat, I will see you again one day, I am sure of it.
I know he looks
scary in this picture, but look at his cool hemp collar!
Can you even see him in this one? He and Lady were best friends.
He always tried to eat my cigarettes.
I triple-dog dare you Cat, Lady will bite your head off!
He always wanted to be an outdoor cat, but I denied him of that. Our screened in back porch at our new house was one of his favorite places.
He lived in the hotel with me after college when my parent's house was hit by a tornado.
Snuggling up with Nikki & Kayla
Gazing outside with his brother, Bill.
They were pretty good friends...it only took about 2 years!
I love this one.
Sticking close to BBZ.
Snuggle brothers
What a peaceful place he is in. Much like now, I think.
This car seat was one of his favorite places to sleep. I guess BBZ kept it warm for him.
I set this up for BBZ's Christmas photo, but Cat couldn't let a good photo opportunity pass him by. He always wanted to be right in the middle of whatever I was doing. I love you kitty-Cat.
