Expecting The Worse

catz5 · 12-09-2006

One of my beloved cats, Smokey, is almost 15 years old......I know in my heart that she is going to leave us, and the waiting is horrible! I come home everyday from work thankful that she made it another day!...I simply do not know how I will cope when the day does finally arrive! She gives us little signs frequently that perhaps her time is near...She's lived a good life and memories, I guess, will have to sustain us. I live in a cold climate (in the winter) and my biggest fear is that she will pass IN the winter, and how will I bury her?! I certainly feel for all those who have lost a cat (or dog for that matter!), but this will be a first for us......she has been our baby for all these years, and altho I have other cats, it will never be the same around here! She will leave a huge void in our lives!

Arubalisa · 12-10-2006

catz5, so sorry, there are no words to give you comfort. Please take solace in the fact that Smokey has hand a wonderful life with you and will be moving on to an even more beautiful place. You will always have the support of those around you including your friends here at the forum.

Our 13 yo was diagnosed a year ago with CRF and it is just a waiting game. I just try to appreciate every additional day I share with my baby.

mccats9876 · 12-12-2006

Dear Catz5,

Have you taken Smokey to a veterinarian? This is very important. If you have not done so, (and your post does not mention it) please do so, as soon as is possible.

Dear, 15 years old is not the end of a cat's lifespan. There have been cats who have lived to be 34 years old! I had a very dear cat, who lived to be 22 years old, and I presently have a cat who is 19, and still very active.

It will give you peace of mind, if you have a veterinarian examine Smokey. Who knows? Maybe Smokey has a lot of good years ahead. I hope so.
If not, I suggest you ask the veterinarian if Smokey is, or will be in pain. You do not want your pet to suffer, but to be comfortable for as long as they have. If Smokey does not have much time left, I suggest you indulge her with all her favorite treats on a regular basis, (fo course consulting with your vet.)

Enjoy your wonderful pet for as long as you have together, with the knowledge that you have been given a special gift- the gift of love, from a beloved pet.

God bless you both.

mccats9876

stormy · 12-27-2006

You are so lucky to have Smokey for 15 years..she will ALWAYS be with you. No matter how many cats have come, and gone..I remember every single one of them (even the mean ones!) I HATE when they depart!! But I will never forget the times shared with them. Like I say...Just because you can't see me, doesn't mean I'm not here...(you know how those cats are!!)

wittykitty · 12-29-2006

Hi catz5.
What a lovely story about your cat, full of love. I am so sorry you are having a hard time. My suggestion is to bring a kitten into the home. I have done this before when my cats aged. It helped ease the transition for the family and believe it or not I have seen it make things easier for the older cat in certain ways. There might be a little rivalry or jealousy or impatience. However, once they get over that, the baby can be a comfort to the elder cat, and also help the elder cat to be comforted that you won't be left all alone.

I hope you don't think this is insensitive. I have actually experienced it in my life and home. Big hugs to you and your family, cats and people.

wendywenpet · 12-29-2006

{{{{ Hugs }}}} Catz5,

As mentioned by Arubaliza, no words can do justice right now with your baby!!! I do agree with other posts and have Smokey looked at by a vet. And ask the vet's opinion if Smokey is in pain.

I have other cats live to be in their 20's. But genetics may be a play here.

And no matter what happens... Smokey had a good life with you and you brought her joy and she to you as well. She will be waiting for you!!

And it brings a tear to my eye (off topic) my little ratties only live to be about 3 yrs. Just when we have developed a bonding... they are gone. If they live to be 3 yrs.. they are equivalent to 85 - 90 yrs our age. God bless them.

outdoorcat · 12-30-2006

Let my add my prayers of peace and love for you, dear. I know from my own experience how hard this is. You should not worry about the dear cat passing in the winter and being unable to bury her. Remember that the vet and the animal shelter are your allies in this. Both places can give you suggestions on how to handle that final step in saying goodbye to your dearest of friends. Please don't be afraid to ask them, I am sure they can help, whether it is by offering a way to cremate or maybe to store the body in a refrigerator for you so it can be buried in spring. I don't know what is available to you so I am just saying some suggestions. I am sure they will be able to give you the best options that suit you.

aja3171 · 12-31-2006

I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. I have lost a cat too, the only difference is he left while he was ailing. I still don't know what happened to him. And what's happening to you right now hurts because you see what's happening to her everyday. Maybe you could also try mccat's suggestion about taking her to the vet.

catatonic · 01-08-2007

I know how you feel Catz5. My Lucy was 15 last October. She still seems healthy and is playful enough but I know the time will come when I have to say goodbye.

I was always a dog person growing up. My parents owned and bred dogs and that was what I was used to. Then one day I just decided it was time for a change. So, 15 years ago I got Lucy. She was a little spitfire from the start but could melt your heart in a heart beat.

I've had a few cats and kittens since but she is my first and I know I will be heart broken when her time comes.

blueberrycheesecake · 01-13-2007

hmmm, well the least you could do is to always show her that you are there for her most of the times. And give her all her basic needs.