My cat died tonight

Mellotron Storm wrote: Sorry to read this and you have my sympathies David. Our cat which is a Siamese/Burmese cross is really getting up there. We think he's about 15 years old and believe he either had a stroke or was poisoned several years ago as his one eye is different looking from the other one plus his whole personality changed after that. He's actually really affectionate now and very friendly.

How anyone might poison a cat (if that's what happened) is beyond me.   Even if one doesn't like cats, I'd think the benefits of their rodenting would be enough to allow them to simply live their quiet lives.

Sorry to hear the news, it is always heart wrenching to go through that.  We have been through 5 or so of those events over the years with cats we have had.  Each one had their own personality.  Shoot, I thought more of those beasts than the majority of my "human" family....

Not sure how I missed this one....   

David, please let me express my belated sympathy here; I can understand how deeply upsetting this must be.

Since we last spoke together often, I have changed my job from Youth Hostel Manager to Residential House Manager, in a 55 flat complex for elderly people. A couple of the ladies have, and are very attached to their pussy-cats. About 6 months ago, Kalyani's beloved Joshua (an elderly cat who rarely ventured out much) got run down just outside the complex, and poor Kaly was distraught.

A few months ago, she was able to adopt a tortoiseshell rescue cat, which had been quite badly treated by it's previous owner and was very nervous indeed. She has spent a lot of time, energy and love on 'Magnificat' (don't ask!) who now seems much much happier in her new environs and doesn't run away when I enter the room!

So, something good did come out of a tragic incident, and I'm quite sure there's a lucky cat out there just looking for you to befriend them...

ClemofNazareth wrote: Sorry for your loss.  Cats are wonderful creatures that grow more interesting as they age.  Our brother and sister cats are pushing 13 years and we'll miss them terribly when they're gone.  Good to see so many folks here can truly empathize with what you're feeling.

Yes, and as much as I adore kittens, I've always preferred when they mature into adults.

Sorry to read about your loss. Cats are part of the family, it is said. I feel the same way with our Ernie, who is 6 years old now. I hope he will be with us for a large number of years yet.

Sorry for your loss.  Cats are wonderful creatures that grow more interesting as they age.  Our brother and sister cats are pushing 13 years and we'll miss them terribly when they're gone.  Good to see so many folks here can truly empathize with what you're feeling.

Cats and dogs are part of the family always. Now we have a big dog, age 3 and a "feline", age 6. Our old dog passed last year with 14 and we still remember him with saudade.

Fully agree with all these sentiments - my wife & I have had many cats over the years (currently being owned by 2...) & yes, they are part of the family.

When the time comes, it's hard, but its the last kindness to allow them to leave you to hunt in the clouds.

best wishes

^ It is.   Cats live such wonderful and strange lives.   So short but filled with such vitality.

^ Many thanks.

Greg W wrote: From one cat lover to another, I'm sorry for your loss. Once you feel ready, get yourself a kitten or perhaps even two to bring joy back in your life.

I think you're right, but I have mixed feelings about it.   The thing is, my last two cats came to me on their own, so I didn't have much say in the matter  .   Getting another cat or kitten, the continuous worry one has with outdoor cats (I never kept an indoor), where they are, are they okay, the fighting (especially males), the injuries and diseases.   It's a rollercoaster which I will not miss.

What I will miss is having a beastie who needs me to come home to feed it and love it every day.