| Author | Message | ||
     Jaimec |
Okay, I know cats aren't the most "manly" of pets but I had to post this. I had a cat for 18 years; she was a "rescue" kitten that a friend found but couldn't keep. She's been a part of my family since (I even referred to her as my "daughter"). Yesterday, I had to have her euthanized. Her kidneys were failing, her liver was failing, she'd stopped eating and could barely walk. I couldn't stand to see her like that. Today was the first morning I didn't wake up to her cuddled up next to me and purring in what seems like "forever." You'd think that after all of these years, five dogs and four cats, I'd be used to this now. The last time I swore I was going to get a parrot because it would outlive me. At least at my current age, there is a 50/50 chance that if I get another cat, it'll outlive me and I won't have to deal with this again.  Rest in peace, Sweetie. | ||
| Oldog |
Whats wrong with cats? to me they are the ultimate man pet quiet clean low maintenance, My mom is keeping my Cat now he is a rescue, he is a great companion, Sorry to hear about your loss. | ||
| Jramsey |
RIP Sweetie. Buried my shop cat "Screwy" last Wednesday morning. Cytauxzoonosis got him, felt so sorry for the little guy, he was only 1 year old. Wednesday night I declared war on Bobcats. | ||
| Drkside79 |
I had to euthanize our 14 year old cat buster for the same reasons. It's truly a sad thing but theirs always a cat that needs a loving home so i say get another as soon as you are ready. As for Cats not being manly. F that. All i know is lb for lb cats are the fiercest most efficient predator on land. People always tell me dogs are tougher. Complete bullsh*t. They are always comparing their 100lb Shepherds to my 15 lb cat. Imagine What a Hundred lb cat would do to a hundred lb dog. | ||
| Boliver |
Jaimec, God Bless you. I will say a little prayer for your heartache. I know it must have been hard on you but it was a very nice thing you did. Instead of having her suffer to the very end you sent her on home to Heaven. I truly believe all of Gods creatures go to Heaven. Thanks for sharing. | ||
| Prowler |
We've had two cats prior to the one we've got now. Sam and Scooter, Sam was the runt of a litter that nobody wanted, lived 18 years and was an awesome family member. Scooter was found in a bag on the side of the road as a kitten, lived 16 years and was a little "different", but a good cat. Our current cat also named Sweetie, was found under our shed abandoned by her mom in a snow storm. Cats are great. Can leave them alone for days and they don't usually mind too much, but are still there for you when you can use some company.... | ||
| Crusty |
I was always a "Dog person"; I never really cared that much for cats until we got Spaz. He taught me how much joy a cat can bring into a life. I doubt I'll ever have another pet that can get that close to me. He truly was one in a million.  | ||
| Oldog |
They are always comparing their 100lb Shepherds to my 15 lb cat. Imagine What a Hundred lb cat would do to a hundred lb dog. ref Puma / Cougar } | ||
| Bikerjim99 |
I had to have my cat put to sleep a few months ago. Had my cat for over 16 years, and I can tell you that cat was my friend. I feel the loss every day, not sure I can take the loss again to get another cat. Maybe someday. | ||
| Fahren |
Catz Rulez! We have 2 rescue cats (litter-mates/brothers) since right after Tootser, my son's first cat, got run over (tough for a 7 year-old to take the loss). Hope Sweetie meets up with Tootser on that higher feline astral plane. | ||
| Jaimec |
Thanks everyone. "Sweetie" was just one of her MANY nicknames. Her real name was "Rumour," however since that was my BadWeb password I didn't want to reveal it till I changed it. Yeah, yeah... I know all about the security concerns of using pet names for passwords... My brother and my mother referred me to this little story: http://www.petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm. I guess I'll get MOBBED on the other side... (Message edited by jaimec on May 03, 2011) | ||
| Xl1200r |
Dogs pee on things because they're stupid, excited or scared. Cats pee on things because they hate you. In all seriousness, I used to be a big cat person, at least in the sense that I didn't mind them and wouldn't mind having one. My ex had two cats, and unfortunately they have ruined cats for me for the time being. These were the worst behaved and most annoying animals I've ever dealt with, and I'm more mad at myself for not getting rid of them (the cats and the girl, lol) sooner than I did. The number of things the one cat peed on was mind blowing (and yes, he was taken to a vet to check for UI infection, everything was fine except his brain). The current girl wants a cat... I've agreed but I'm very timid about it. Sorry for your loss, losing a pet is never an easy thing. | ||
| Jaimec |
Unaltered male cats pee on things to mark them as "mine." So if a male cat "marks" you, it's a GOOD thing. But unless you're a breeder, I can't see why ANYONE would want an unneutered cat. The males mark everything, and the females yowl all night long when they're in heat. | ||
| Xl1200r |
He was altered - I concluded he just suffered from a raging case of b!tch syndrome, lol. | ||
| Jaimec |
Crusty: Spaz looks so much like another cat we lost many years back. His name was "Garfield" and he was another big mush of a cat (and I do mean BIG). Garfield was a kitten born to a homeless cat taken in by a friend of my mother's. We think the father must've been a Maine Coon or some other large breed, because Garfield weighed 18.5 pounds (and he was NOT a fat cat... just HUGE). He was every bit as gentle as he was big, though. He suffered a stroke at 16 years and had to be euthanized. At least he didn't "linger" and waste away slowly like Rumour. I figured as long as she had a healthy appetite, she had the will to live. Once she stopped eating altogether, I figured it was time.  | ||
| Reepicheep |
Bad cats can be pretty bad (I had one), but good cats are pretty amazing (I've had two). Smart, entertaining, and full of attitude. Always sad when one of the good ones has to go. | ||
| Slaughter |
Our cat, Rossi (yes, I know...) - has kidney failure and we're doing subcutaneous saline injections twice a day and whatever else is needed. Cats DO become a part of you - as do most pets. He has taught US to play fetch with elastic hair bands. Gotta keep him around. Had to put down another cat 3 years ago with organ failure. It is an impossibly difficult thing to imagine doing... | ||
| Jumbo_petite |
I have been fortunate enough to have had 3 long term cats enter my life. The first lived til about 15 before cancer took him from mr, the second abouts 13 years and the third thankfully is still around. The same big goofball that he was as a kitten, greets me at the door when I come home and will follow me through the house whenever I change rooms. Just good company. | ||
| Jaimec |
Slaughter: Rumour also had kidney failure, and had to get the saline treatment but she only required it three times a week. Guess that part wasn't so far gone, but with her liver failing, complete lack of appetite and inability to walk, it was just time... | ||
| Svh |
I feel your pain Jaime. Had this cat for 5 years before cancer got him. Punk was the best cat ever I am sure.  He was 22lbs and not fat. Stood about 16in from floor to back. Big cat and that helped speed along his problems s what the vet said. We all miss him dearly and had to put him down a year ago yesterday. Still brings a tear to my eye to think of him being gone. I prefer dogs and vowed to never get another cat because none could hold a candle to my buddy Punk. Parents split last fall and I "inherited" a different cat. Should have said no but I don't have the heart to send to the shelter.  | ||
| Drkside79 |
The Dog's Diary 8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing! 9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing! 9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing! 10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing! 12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing! 1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing! 3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing! 5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing! 7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing! 8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing! 11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing! The Cat's Diary Day 983 of My Captivity My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ... | ||
| Jaimec |
Dogs have owners. Cats have "staff." | ||
| Birdy |
Sorry you lost your buddy. I had a cat, Moon, for 21 years still miss her at times. I did get parrots and they are a hoot to have around, and yes the bigger one can old live a person even the small one will out live a dog or cat but years and years. | ||
| Glitch |
It's not that I'm not a dog person, it's just that cats are more like I am. Besides, they're great at getting rid of the Squirrel Ninja Invaders.  Sorry to hear about your cat Jaime. Don't matter if it's a cat or dog or whatever, a loss is a loss, and a family loss is the biggest loss ever. | ||
| Kenm123t |
My ex had cats 35 5 in the house 30 out side ask your self why is this woman a exwife? | ||
| Jaimec |
I love both dogs and cats. It's just that with the crazy hours I work, I wouldn't be able to give a dog the attention they need. Cats are wonderfully "low maintenance" in that regard and they can be every bit as affectionate as a dog. They just show it differently, that's all. As I explain to my friends: Dogs love you no matter what. You have to EARN a cat's affection. But seriously, your best bet is to start with a really young kitten. Handle it CONSTANTLY. Let it get to know you, your smell, your presence. Spend as much time "bonding" with that kitten while it is still young and impressionable and it'll always be an affectionate, attentive pet. If you start with an older cat, you often don't know how they were raised. If they don't get that constant attention when they're kittens, they grow up to be aloof and stand-offish adults. But maybe some people would prefer that over a "clingy" kind of cat that wants to follow you everywhere. My cats (with the exception of two we rescued as adults) were of that kind and I have to admit, I enjoyed having a softly purring cat on my lap or cuddling up next to me when I was lying down in bed. Rumour even greeted me at the door when I came home. My girlfriend said she learned the sounds of my two motorcycles and always seemed to know when I was coming home. I can only hope I'll be nearly so lucky with my next cat. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Jamie, Sorry to hear about your cat. 18 years is a long time. Our Buster is that age now. He's getting pretty frail. Still hanging in there though. I'm really not looking forward to THAT day. I've been through it with 2 other special cats, it's tough. Cats ARE cool! Brad | ||
| Strato9r |
Hey, I've always had cats, and dogs, and love em all. Nearly all of them have been rescue animals. Our sink dweller, Leo, was the only survivor of a litter of kittens that was abandoned in a field near our shop. We also have a brother/sister pair that could not have more differing personalities; jet black, 22 pound Miles is as affectionate and sensitive as any dog I've ever had, where his skinny blonde sister, Lydia is a bit of a loner, but sudden and instantaneous death to vermin. Everyone knows going in that they won't live forever, but it is important to be reminded that nothing does. | ||
| Jaimec |
I know, and I'm getting better. I can look at photos of her now and (most of the time) not feel tears welling up... | ||
| Fahren |
Real men wear kilts and cry over their cats. Good on ya. |
