As my regular visitors know, this site is mostly about eBay and related subjects. But today I'm adding a personal note just because I need to. My [tag]cat[/tag] passed away this morning. I was the only person in the world who really liked her much. She wasn't very friendly to anyone but me, but my family put up with her for my sake.
Rescued from a dumpster
I found her through an ad in the Sacramento Bee when I lived in Citrus Heights, California in the early 90s. She had been one of a litter of eight kittens thrown in a dumpster, and then found by a kind lady who took the survivors home and nursed them to health. I sat on the lady's floor and watched the entire bunch of them interact. The one I chose was the scrappiest of the bunch and all her life had the same personality.
I took her home and brought her in the house inside my lunchbox to surprise my (former) wife. I never told many people, but [tag]Kitty[/tag] was named after a local celebrity. In Sacramento at that time there was a lady on the news named Kitty O'neal with red hair and I borrowed her name for my cat.
When she was younger she did the coolest tricks. She had these foam rubber balls she would fetch, just like a dog. She would also do complete back flips if you bounced one of the balls over her head.
Moving days
This cat has had lots of moving days. From Sacramento to Atascadero in 1994, Atascadero to San Jose in 2000, and cross-country by air in 2002 to Michigan. Then in 2005 it was back on a plane to Atascadero, California again where we are now. She was a great flyer.
Through the good times and bad...
She was with me when my first wife and I split up. I remember sitting up in bed one night, still extremely sad about the loss of my marriage and Kitty jumped up and sat in my lap. It was as if she knew I needed consolation. I'd never experienced that with a pet before. Another point I remember during that time was when my ex-wife came back for some things after a few months, Kitty seemed to have forgotten her. Almost as if she was taking sides with me. I know it was my imagination but it was an emotional time, and my cat was a great comfort.
I was single for five years and then married again. Kitty was a bit jealous, and let everyone know the marriage took place without her approval. When my son was learning animal sounds some years later, when asked "what sound does a cat make?" he would hissss. He eventually learned "meow" was a more normal response.
Our family eventually got two other cats, and she could never accept them as equals. She was Queen right up to the end. If she wanted to pass, the other cats would move aside, even though they were bigger and healthier. She would sit on the window sill in my office and make sure I was working, which I'll now miss terribly. During my 50 or so webinars for Doba that were presented with my friend Mikal Belicove, she was right there on the window sill. I'd occasionally flip the web cam around so Mikal could see the "boss" watching my every move.
The end
Her decline was quite rapid. Although she's 14 years old, she was pretty healthy and never needed medicine or vet visits. I fed her the best food, and kept her indoors mostly. About a month ago though, she began losing weight and acting feeble. She wouldn't eat dry cat food any more so I gave her canned food. It still didn't help much and she wound down more and more like a music box.
She has always followed me everywhere in the house, bedroom, office, living room, kitchen, even the bathroom. If I wandered too far from the desk, she would meow at me till I got back to work. She was worse than a boss that way. Lately though, she has been extremely vocal - more than ever - as if she was trying to tell me something. I think she was. I thought she wanted food, which by the end she could only keep down if given in very small portions. In the end though, it seems like she was trying to tell me something was dreadfully wrong. She wanted to be picked up and held.
Yesterday I made the incredibly difficult decision to take her to the vet and have her put to sleep. I sat with Kitty on my lap and my wife asked if she should make the call. I couldn't talk through the tears and nodded "yes." The appointment was set for 5 PM today. Last night I sat with Kitty in my lap for the last night. She was purring continually and rested her chin on my leg. She was so tired, and I felt so bad for her. But she was where she wanted to be. Before bed I said goodnight to her and gave her a comfortable towel to curl up in.
When I woke up this morning, she was pretty unresponsive and limp. She was alive, but slipping away. I made her as comfortable as possible, stroked her chin, and talked to her till she [tag]died[/tag]. I am going to miss her so much. I really loved that old cat.
I would appreciate any comments you may have to offer. [tags]pets,pet,death[/tags]
Popularity: 4% [?]
15 comments ↓
This is very sad, and we indeed “feel your pain,” but not at all in a flip way. Our cat (well she was actually really a person in a cat suit–she didn’t have much use for other feline-types) dies in July, and it was by far the most traumatic experience my wife and I have ever experienced. She was there for us always–when we were sick, sad, tired…it was always Jade with her motorboat purr and big eyes to remind us of what was important in life. We spent the last 48 hours of her life with her every minute, and she died on her favorite patch of grass with us holding her. The joy she brought us has not ended though, as she is with us everyday…I hope you feel the same comfort (and it’s bull-ka-ka that they say dogs are a man’s best friend)! Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
I am sorry to hear about your cat. It is amazing how much a part of your life you pets can become. I remember having a really hard time when my both of my dogs had to be put to sleep a year apart. You feel things that are hard to describe. My thoughts are with you Steve!
Hey Steve:
My heart goes out to you over the loss of your friend. If there’s anything you need, just let me know. Secretly though, I think the reason why I do not have a cat or two of my own is because of the fear I have of losing them (either to natural causes or something worse). I am the kind of person who feels compassion for both the homeless guy and his dog, but truth be told, a lot more for the dog.
Hang in there.
Mikal
I’ve had to go through putting about a half dozen of my beloved cats to sleep due to various health problems. One of the hardest, though, was a mean old (and big) L.A. street cat named Tom.
If he wanted attention and you didn’t give it to him, he’d claw you to pieces. If a dog, no matter the size, wandered into our yard he’d chase it off.
He was about 17 when his health began to fade. He musta been mean to death even, which is why he staved it off for so long.
I feel for you bro. Many will say a cat is just a cat. But after so many years, they are so much more.
Steve,
I know exactly how you feel. A pet is always someone who can get you through the hard times and will celebrate with you through the good times. Growing up, we had a family dog that became our closest friend. Her health deteriorated much like kitty and had to be put down. It was a sad day for us as a family. Although new pets may come, there is always a special feeling for the pets that we have loved and in turn received love back.
Thanks for sharing your Kitty’s history with us. I wish you the best!
Steve I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. It is surprising how much little creatures can wind their way into our hearts. She was a loyal companion.
Hi Steve,
I was so touched by your note! I am so, so sorry you lost your dear little friend Kitty. Your blog post explained so well how much she meant to you. I DO understand…I have four cats right now, all indoors, and they are part of the family. My understanding husband even lets them all sleep with us. They are my precious little buddies so I deeply sympathize with you on your loss. It’s amazing how these dear little creatures can become so much a part of our lives and how much of a bond is created.
Please know I am thinking of you and yours.
Oh, I know of one other cat who was named after me, and I am so honored!
All my best to you,
Kitty O’Neal
KFBK News Anchor
Sorry to hear about your kitty, Steve.
Ina
Steve, so sorry to hear about your beloved “pud”. We had some good times
together. You were a great dad and she had a good life. We will all miss
her. I will especially miss the way she blew me off when she entered the
room. She was a Pud with personality! Love, B. Shirl
Dear Steve,
I heard your name mentioned on the radio (Kitty O’Neal’s show) while driving home from work today. So sorry to hear about your Kitty cat. Pets touch our hearts in very special ways. May all the memories of her live on.
Best,
Nancy Garafano
The Chase Group
Hi Steve,
I am sorry for your loss. I’ve had several cats while growing up, and they were all great hunters.
It sounds like you and Kitty had a great life together, and I’m sure her spirit lives on.
Peace & blessings.
Hi Steve,
I’m so sorry about our poor cranky little Kitty! I always loved her even though I was scared to death of her. I have pictures of her from when we were visiting you the first time you lived in Atascadero. She was sitting on the back of the couch looking at David when he was one year old. It was an expression that said, “Who are you and why are getting MY Steve’s attention.”
I know she was your baby and I know you must be sooo sad.
I’m at work crying like a baby reading about her.
I love you and hope you feel better soon.
I remember my nephew’s imitation of a cat sound and that did show her personality to the rest of us, however, it was prrrrr for you.
I love you Stevie.
Your Little Sister,
Lori : )
hi steve,
i’m terribly sorry to hear about kitty. the passing of a beloved pet is never easy. it sounds like you were a great friend to her throughout her life and you had many adventures together. i hope those memories are able to comfort you.
–ashley
I’m sorry to hear about your cat. I hope your memories and cherished moments bring you some comfort.
Steve, I’m so sorry to hear about your Kitty. Mark called me and told me I had to read your story and warned me…
be prepared to cry. That I did! I’ve never had that type of connection with a pet which is so special but I am beginning to understand more
and more why Jehovah God gave us all these beautiful animals to love. Mark and I send our love.
Leave a Comment