Cat lovers I feel your pain and it sucks big time.

[1969chargerrtse]

Butterscotch died on May 14th. He was the most loving cat ever.  We had him since he was a kitten 17 years ago. All he wanted 24/7 was to be near me or with the family.  Most times I pushed him away, but I knew one day I would feel the pain for that.  Today is that day.  I keep thinking I see him walking towards me?  But he's not here anymore, he's out back in the yard.  This really made me understand most of you cat, dog, animal lovers.  I feel your pain when a loved one passes.  Please share your story.
I miss you little guy.  Big time.  

[1969chargerrtse]

Always had to be near someone no matter what size.
My wife with him days before he passed.  Loving to the end.  She's broken hearted.

[ChgrSteve67]

Sorry to hear about your loss.

Its hard to loose a membr of the family even if they are not your blood.

I am the main care taker for the cats in the house, I get up every morning and feed them, give them thier medicine, clean up after them, take them to the vet for their shots and checkups. It will be a really sad day when one or both of them are not around anymore.

Remember the love.
-Steve

[1969chargerrtse]

Sorry to hear about your loss.

Its hard to loose a membr of the family even if they are not your blood.

I am the main care taker for the cats in the house, I get up every morning and feed them, give them thier medicine, clean up after them, take them to the vet for their shots and checkups. It will be a really sad day when one or both of them are not around anymore.

Remember the love.
-Steve

Thanks, to be fair I wasn't a big meanie all the time.  I did all the feeding and poop cleaning also.  He was just so in love with me all the time.  There were times I just needed the space, ya know?

[charge69]

Man, that is a hard thing to go thru as we have with our pets also. Being "cat-people" and spending the time it takes to care for and love a pet is so rewarding and losing one IS like losing one of the family.

He was a beautiful cat and i am sure he will always be remembered fondly in your family as one of them. Sorry for your loss.

[tan top]

awwwww nooooo sorry to hear this Rob  aww poor butterscotch  awww  so sad when you lose them ,  17 thats a good  age , sounds  like he had a good life with you all !!     

lost mitts (cat) she was born in my parents house  & she was almost 17  

[bull]

Sorry to hear it. It's good that you got to enjoy such a great pet for as long as you did though. 17 years is a long time for these little buddies. I know how you feel though. It really sucks.

[skip68]

Your cat had a good run. It's funny how these pets are more than pets to us. They're part of the family.  Sorry for the loss.

[RallyeMike]

Sorry to hear that. 17 years is a pretty good run.

I thought I would be a tough guy when my first cat "8-ball" was put down in my arms. Instead I cried like a baby and was completely depressed for a month. You can develop a pretty strong bond with your pets.

[jaak]

Sorry to hear about your loss.....it sucks big time. I had a dog I bottle raised from a puppy (mother dog abandoned it) We had her for a few years and one day she got ran over (never was the kind to play in the road, or chase cars) but the first time she wandered out there she got killed. We was really attached to her, still miss her 6 yrs. later, and haven't had another dog since.

Jason

[nvrbdn]

sorry to hear, they are family members.

[69bronzeT5]

I love cats.....my split family has 5 cats between us. I had one cat named Jackie, she was a complete sweetheart. I raised her from birth (she came from one of our other cats who is also gone now- got hit by a car over a year ago ). She followed me everywhere, slept with me every night and loved to lick people. She also LOVED hanging out while I was working on my cars. If I went for parts she would sit beside the car until I came back. The first 3 years of her life she grew up on the 2 acre property we lived on and enjoyed the quietness. When I moved to the city with my dad she didn't enjoy it as much that's for sure. Living on a city lot and living with my young step siblings, she didn't like it and disappeared one day. About 2 weeks later I saw her sitting on a neighbour's front porch. Apparently she decided to move in with them She came back to my house and stayed around for 4 months before disappearing again. She never went to the neighbour's house. She was gone for about month from the beginning of May until the beginning of June when she showed up on the back porch pretty skinny. She stayed around until July 11th when she disappeared for good. I haven't seen her since and it really hurts. I loved her with all my heart. It's been almost a year since she took off and to this day I still wonder where she went. I really think she's somewhere in the old neighbourhood (I've moved since she took off) living with somebody else. What really bugs me is when she took off for a month is when I went on vacation for a week and she happened to be sitting in the driveway when I left. When she took off on July 11th, I was going camping for the weekend and also said good bye to her as I was leaving the driveway too. It really makes me wonder if seeing me leave was the cause.


I'm really sorry to hear about the loss of your kitty Rob. Cats are such awesome creatures and really can hold special places in our hearts.

[1969chargerrtse]

Dang Cody you have things down to the date. What surprises me is I thought guys didn't care for cats, a tuff guy thing?  Boy was I wrong.  I was just telling my kid the other day how we as adults never stop growing and learning no matter how old we are.  I learned a lot from these stories.  Thanks for sharing.  I can't believe I'd like to have another cat?  Who would of thought?
Do you think are pets meet us on the other side?  Always wondered that?  And if they do, what about all animals?   

[TruckDriver]

I like all animals, but I have always liked cats a lot more then dogs. Of course, I been attacked by a few dogs, and never attacked by a cat. I have 4 cats now. And two of them are 13 years old. And one of the 13yo is not doing well. The vet isn't sure what is going on other then he has a hard time breathing, well more so then normal. And he has had it a long time. He also lost most of his teeth, so we have to feed him the moist cat food. It's hard watching him slowly slip away. But even the vet agrees he is still to healthy to put down, which that day is coming I think. 

But I do know the pain of your loss. 

[mpdlawdog]

sorry to hear that.....losing a friend is difficult thing to overcome....I had to put my partner of 9 1/2 years, Indi,down a few months ago....I had him in my life longer than anything (girlfriends...wifes...cars...)...he always had my back....just have to enjoy the time with them! sorry about your loss!

[twodko]

It is so hard to read posts like this. Please know we're thinking of you and your family. Your sweet cat lived a life many of never see. Butterscotch lived a life of love, pampering, guidance and attention to all its needs........sounds like a family member to me. The pain will subside but its slow. The smothering cloak of sorrow over any family lost is always suffocating and seemly unbearable. I believe its part of the human attachment we have with all of the animal kingdom. You all will see him again as if nothing had ever happened. I believe that too.
We lost our beloved Jessica after 24 years of unconditional love and cat antics. What a show and endless laughter. I will love her beyond my death. She was blind and deaf the last couple years of her life. I didn't see it, didn't notice, thought she was fine because there were no indications of illness just moving slower like we all do as we age. She struggled into our bedroom one afternoon. We were in the habit of watching for this so we could help her up onto the bed for her naps. That day her nap was forever, she got past the bedroom door, curled up on the carpet and passed on. I cupped her in my arms were she lay, balled my eyes out and held for the longest time. I couldn't bear Jessica absence so we had her cremated. She is still here (in myheart anyway) in a beautiful redwood box adorned with her picture a collar tag. Couple years later we adopted brothers from an animal rescue outfit. We love them so much. It'll get better but it won't happen anytime soon. I can't see to type anymore. 

[71ChallengeHer]

Sorry for your loss. Butterscotch was a beautiful cat.    :engel016:I have 5 cats. I don't know what I'll do when something happens to them.  I hope this helps a little  http://www.petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm

[ODZKing]

I'm so sorry.  We are cat folks and yes, they are family.  Our 14 year old (Spazzy) has had thyroid issues and some bladder issues and I know one day it will be his time.  He is a Maine Coon, and always greets us at the door, always at our side.
I do not look forward to the day.
God speed my friend.

[70charginglizard]

So Sorry to hear about your loss. I too bought a cat a few years back as a kitty. For my daughter. He's a butt head to everyone but her and me. I've really gotten quite close to him now. It's going to be a very sad day when we loose out cat as well. I keep hoping hell just keep throwing out one of those many 9 life cards I'm sure he has on him.

Ours even has his own facebook page....lol

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002103274588

Again...sorry about your loss.

[472 R/T SE]

We had to put down my wife's cat Hemi.   He had urinary problems, couldn't pee.  The first time the vet put him under to cathe him he almost didn't come back.  $1900 bill & it happened again.  My wife woke me up crying saying he was having problems again & she knew what would have to happen.

We learned from it.  Never let your 9 year old daughter watch the vet put the family cat to sleep.  They were both balling when they got home for a couple hours.

I got on the 'net that day looking for another one.


Sorry 'bout your fluff ball Rob, 17 yo, that was a full life.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Sorry to hear it Rob....we've had our cat Minnie for almost 20 years now and I feel her time is coming soon as well.  Shes been deaf for the past 4-5 years and is now starting to have trouble walking up stairs etc.  Gonna be tough for the whole family when she's gone.

[kokxville]

Sorry for your loss.Good luck with everything.I know the feeling.

[69charger440]

Sorry for you lost!! I too extremely love cats, my wife called me about four weeks ago and said my cat (Mopar) hasnt been home for two weeks. So I have been in the dumps lately, but our Mopar cat returned today after almost 2 months. So excited!! Butterscotch was a gorgeous cat, glad to see you have some photos to keep his memories strong. He looked very loved, just remember that!! You gave him a great life and I am sure he was grateful!!

[69rtse4spd]

So sorry for your loss. .

[1969chargerrtse]

Thanks friends.  I'm O.K.  I just learned a lesson in my late life that pets are so important to their owners.  Didn't really feel it until Butterscotch passed.  Love all the stories.  Where's tuffcat?  He must have some input?

[Rolling_Thunder]

Sorry for your loss bro...   

No cats in my familia....   my father and I are allergic...       did have a dog -  Dalmation. "Sparky" - she lived 18 years with us...   I found her out back one day halfway out of her dog-loo all 'rigger' - -  had to go in and tell my mother - I put her out back under a blanket for the day - I had to get to work.

Got home from work and dog a hole for her in the back - let the rest of the family say goodbye and then I buried her.  I guess I was the only one that could handle it at the time...   

[TUFCAT]

Rob and fellow friends, sometimes I consider these situations to sad to comment because I've lost some wonderful cats and the pain was always terrible. I miss all my furry pals who are now in heaven. The ability of our pets to understand our needs and comfort us can only be described as unbelievable.

Unfortunately for us, pets don't live long enough. The only good thing is there's lots of lovable and deserving animals out there who need to be adopted into loving homes. Hopefully you'll find another one like Butterscotch.

You can't save a pet...they can only save you.

Meow.

[twodko]

You can't save a pet...they can only save you.

That's nice TC.

[71ChallengeHer]

Well.said Tuffy.    My Shadow wouldn't leave my side after my surgery. I love that little guy. 

[FlatbackFanatic]

Sorry for your loss,   We have two sister cats(12 yrs old) there alot of fun. I know we'll miss them when they pass. We had two cats that died when they were 17, a few years before we got these two.
You have your memories and pictures, enjoy them. Time heals, then get another one, and you can have new memories.

[TUFCAT]

Well.said Tuffy.    My Shadow wouldn't leave my side after my surgery. I love that little guy.  

A good cat always knows how you feel.  

[ChgrSteve67]

i gave both my cats a shower today.

I figured they would not come near me for a day or two but I think they understand and they are both laying on my lap taking a nap already.

[skip68]

"Cat's rule, and Dogs drool!!!"    Mrs.skip68.                       (Please don't tell our dog, Bodie,  I said that!)

[ODZKing]

Back in May 2011, 1969chargerrtse started this thread about loosing their family cat. In relaying condolences I also in the same post wrote about our cat.  It is hard to believe almost a year has passed but the day I feared came today.
I write here because I know if you're reading this now, that you understand. And he did say "share your story".
I apologize in advance if it gets long.
As I mentioned he had developed a thyroid problem complicated by kidney disease. He continued to loose weight, slowly. In an ultra sound we discovered one kidney had shriveled and the other was working over time to make up.
He was on medicine every day, twice a day for about a year now. 
He'd been finicky for a while too and since we couldn't get him to eat the "kidney friendly" food they basically said watch his diet but give him what he'll eat.  For a while he ate better than we did.  My wife would bring home sliced turkey daily from the deli and he'd gobble it down.  In addition to some canned foods, as I said he did fine for a while. But last weekend he took a turn.
He just seemed to be slowing down, and not himself.  We took him to the doctor and after blood tests they found his levels all over the place.  Basically his one kidney was not filtering properly.  So for one week he was on a barrage of medicine including an IV we gave him once a day because they said he was getting dehydrated. 
Now, as a side note, you'd never think he was because since he was a kitten, he always wanted to drink from a running faucet.  We used to leave the bathtub dribbling so he could drink. And we have one of those fountains that circulate water as well.  He loved water ... Maine Coon, what can I say.
So, then, this Saturday morning he just stopped eating and got really bad.
I had prayed that I would never have to make the decision, but that day came today.  He slept on our bed last night and could barely move today.  I took the day off to watch him all day and wait for my wife to get home from work so she could be there at the vet.  All I could do is make him comfortable and it broke my heart.  Lets just say this is one of the worst days I've ever spent, compounded by the hardest emotional thing I've ever had to do in my life.
My son, who brought him home as a kitten almost 15 years ago said goodbye and my wife and I said good-bye with a kiss as we watched him fade away.   
It's awful!
I can still see him sitting on the back of the couch and hear his rolling meow. I can still imagine him sitting next to me on the chair here, as I check my e-mail grabbing my arm with his paw so I could pet him.
I will miss him always meeting me at the door when I come home. I'll miss talking to him – I never knew exactly what he was saying but we had conversations ... and he got his point across. He showed us all unconditional love.
Today, I miss my friend and my heart is broken.

In Loving Memory
Spazzy
May 1997 – February 27, 2012

[nvrbdn]

condolences 

[ChgrSteve67]

Sorry to hear about your loss Bob (and Martha too)
Our pets all become family and there is nothing easy about having to make the big decision.

-Steve

[Fred]

I'm sorry for your loss. It's always very sad losing a pet.  My wife and I have been there ourselves several times and it takes months to get over it and there are plenty of tears on my wife's part too. One of our previous dogs lost his life to ostio sarcoma at only 3 1/2 years of age (way to young) a few years back and even though we knew it was going to happen and were preparing and getting ready for it, when the time came we weren't ready at all and it was very upsetting (he was so beautiful, a real smooch). It's hard enough when they've lived a full life but when they're taken at a young age, well, it's all just too sad.
Once again, our hearts go out to you.

[Fred]

p/s
After the initial sadness of the loss of a much loved pet comes the joy of bringing home the new addition to the family and the endless pleasure of getting to know what they're are all about. 

[tan top]

Back in May 2011, 1969chargerrtse started this thread about loosing their family cat. In relaying condolences I also in the same post wrote about our cat.  It is hard to believe almost a year has passed but the day I feared came today.
I write here because I know if you're reading this now, that you understand. And he did say "share your story".
I apologize in advance if it gets long.
As I mentioned he had developed a thyroid problem complicated by kidney disease. He continued to loose weight, slowly. In an ultra sound we discovered one kidney had shriveled and the other was working over time to make up.
He was on medicine every day, twice a day for about a year now. 
He'd been finicky for a while too and since we couldn't get him to eat the "kidney friendly" food they basically said watch his diet but give him what he'll eat.  For a while he ate better than we did.  My wife would bring home sliced turkey daily from the deli and he'd gobble it down.  In addition to some canned foods, as I said he did fine for a while. But last weekend he took a turn.
He just seemed to be slowing down, and not himself.  We took him to the doctor and after blood tests they found his levels all over the place.  Basically his one kidney was not filtering properly.  So for one week he was on a barrage of medicine including an IV we gave him once a day because they said he was getting dehydrated. 
Now, as a side note, you'd never think he was because since he was a kitten, he always wanted to drink from a running faucet.  We used to leave the bathtub dribbling so he could drink. And we have one of those fountains that circulate water as well.  He loved water ... Maine Coon, what can I say.
So, then, this Saturday morning he just stopped eating and got really bad.
I had prayed that I would never have to make the decision, but that day came today.  He slept on our bed last night and could barely move today.  I took the day off to watch him all day and wait for my wife to get home from work so she could be there at the vet.  All I could do is make him comfortable and it broke my heart.  Lets just say this is one of the worst days I've ever spent, compounded by the hardest emotional thing I've ever had to do in my life.
My son, who brought him home as a kitten almost 15 years ago said goodbye and my wife and I said good-bye with a kiss as we watched him fade away.   
It's awful!
I can still see him sitting on the back of the couch and hear his rolling meow. I can still imagine him sitting next to me on the chair here, as I check my e-mail grabbing my arm with his paw so I could pet him.
I will miss him always meeting me at the door when I come home. I'll miss talking to him – I never knew exactly what he was saying but we had conversations ... and he got his point across. He showed us all unconditional love.
Today, I miss my friend and my heart is broken.

In Loving Memory
Spazzy
May 1997 – February 27, 2012

sorry to hear this    awww  poor Spazzy

[charge69]

I had a feeling someone else was going to post bad news about their beloved pet when I saw this old thread. I am soooooo sorry for your loss of Spazzy, ODZKing, and I hope you find a way to lessen the pain you and your family must be feeling right now. Pets definitely become part of the family and we miss them so very much when they are gone. It is as if a part of you dies with them and there might be more truth in this than we like to admit.

He looks like he was a wonderful companion and I know his memory will always be with you and your family!  Again, so very sorry for your loss and I hope that as time passes, you will find peace and comfort in knowing him and that he was so much a part of your family.

[skip68]

So sorry.      We're going to be there with our cat I'm afraid sooner instead of later.  I have to check with Lisa but I think Chilly (our cat) is 17'ish.  He still hunts baby rabbits and plays with his toys but he's having trouble keeping down any kind of treats.    Time will tell I guess.    When that day comes it will be hard on us all x10. 

[TruckDriver]

  

[RIDELIKEHELL]

Hard to read this kind of stuff isn't it Sorry for your loss We had to put our first cat and dog down last spring within a month of each other. There isn't a day that goes by without us looking at their pictures that we have on the fridge. My wife even though we have a new dog Marlee, still misses Murphee everyday. We also have 2 cats and the 3 of them have a riot together. Pets are so much a part of a family but some people don't feel that way..sorry but I do

[404NOTFOUND]

Sad to here about your loss as well. Sounds like you had the perfect cat and that's what makes it hard. I've got a good cat, the one in my avatar but, he can never replace the perfect one I had for 18 years that is now in my yard. If only they could live a lot longer.

[1969chargerrtse]

Sorry for your loss.  I feel your pain. This much I can tell you.  We tried to be nice people and went on the net and got 2 sister kittens from a lady that tries to help save out door cats and kittens.  She told us they were litter trained and no fleas.  One of the kittens always peed and pooped on the floor, I finally had to take her back after we put over 150.00 in her.  They both had real bad fleas and the other one is with us now and still has fleas and we spent a fortune on her also.  She also is not loving like Butterscotch was, at all.  What a mistake.  After having the perfect cat I would never just take someones cat or kitten unless I knew they were clean and loving like what we had.  We tried to do the right thing and we have a flea bag cat that is cold and not very loving.  Regret.  When your pain passes and your looking for another cat or kitten, choose well.

[Fred]

You probably won't believe this but outdoor kittens are pretty much feral. They're born to cat's that haven't had much if any human contact and all their wild instincts resurface. My wife and her friend found two newborn kittens in an alley at the back of the building they worked in and thought they'd save the kittens from a pretty awful life so as we already had two cats, the girlfriend said she'd take them in. Well even as she tried to pick these little things up for the first time (and they were only about 5-weeks old) they were already snarling at her (nothing tame about them). Andshe could never house train them. They'd never use the kitty litter tray no matter how hard she tried to teach them (just peed and pooed everywhere) and were never affectionate, didn't want to be handled or sit on your lap. The wildness is already bred into them and you really can't change it.


Also, there will never be another Butterscotch. No two animals are ever the same so you mustn't look for those qualities in the new kitten. The next cat's personality can be so different but that can also be a good thing as long as you don't compare.

[A383Wing]

Sorry Bob...our thoughts are with you & Martha

Bryan

[F8-4life]

Funny this thread should come back considering just a couple nights ago, my cat literally jumped onto my face while I was sleeping. Fell asleep on the living room couch, the cat climbed up on the window sill above me while I slepped and then proceeded to jump off the sill and onto my face (and gouge the hell out of the cofee table). Woke up to a blur of cat ontop of me, cut my lip open and got a bunch of hair in my eyes, not too mention scare the shit ot of me. Not much of a point to this except I suppose to even out this thread a bit haha. And just a freindly tip, always try to fall asleep safe in your bedroom with the door closed.

[TUFCAT]

Such a wonderful story of a beautiful and loving cat.  I'm sure he's telling stories in heaven about how much he was loved by his human family.  

[nvrbdn]

 

[Musicman]

Hey Bob

Sorry to hear about Spazzy... I only met him once, but he was a good kitty!
I hope you and Martha are doing better today.
Our thoughts are with you...
Mike & Joan

[69rtse4spd]

Sorry for your loss, all they ever seam to want is loving 24/7, dog or cat. Got three dogs & that's all they want but I only have two hands & never enough time. Get home tonight from work think I will love on them a little bit.