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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

First night in nearly 26 years without a cat...

38 replies

meikyo · 20/05/2017 20:56

We said goodbye to our gorgeous 18 year old tabby Zara this morning. She slipped peacefully away under the care of our local vet after the bad days outnumbered the good. She was much loved puss with a gentle, quiet nature. I got her when she was 10 weeks old.
She was my third cat in the last 26 years...never been without a cat in that time...we will miss her so much. Been a tough few days for our family.

OP posts:
TimeIhadaNameChange · 20/05/2017 20:58

So very sorry to hear this. Hope you can find comfort in your memories.

Could we, maybe, see a photo of her?

Amy106 · 20/05/2017 20:59

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It is so sad when they pass on. Flowers

caoraich · 20/05/2017 21:01

I'm so sorry for your loss Flowers she sounds like a lovely cat. It's so hard to lose them, they really are family aren't they

JennyOnAPlate · 20/05/2017 21:05

I'm so sorry for your loss Flowers

Vinorosso74 · 20/05/2017 21:13

I'm sorry your girl has gone. It sounds like she had a long and happy life with you but they do leave a big hole once they're gone. RIP Zara Flowers

Reow · 20/05/2017 21:15

RIP Zara Flowers

I often kiss the urn with the ashes of my old boy. They are awesome creatures.

Original poster
meikyo · 20/05/2017 21:19

Here she is...Thanks for your kind messages. it means a lot.

First night in nearly 26 years without a cat...
OP posts:
Lanaorana2 · 20/05/2017 21:22

RIP Beautiful kitty. What a lovely face.

Flowers
YesItsMeIDontCare · 20/05/2017 21:24

What a beautiful girl OP. It's so hard, but take comfort in the fact that she chose to share her life with you and you gave each other much joy and happiness.

Flowers
TroysMammy · 20/05/2017 22:25

Sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful puss. Flowers

Penfold007 · 20/05/2017 22:34

I'm so very sorry for your loss

ElizaDontlittle · 21/05/2017 07:10

What a beautiful cat. I'm so sorry, I do hope you've slept ok, and can find some comfort in the wonderful life she had with you right to its end. Flowers

RueDeDay · 21/05/2017 07:35

She was beautiful. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Original poster
meikyo · 21/05/2017 07:37

Thanks all. I slept a bit better last night. I made the vet appointment a week beforehand. Making the decision was so hard, as Zara still had some good moments. However, she had been slowly declining since last year, and this had accelerated since about March this year. This last week she spent her days on her favourite rug lying in the sun and being spoiled rotten with loads of cuddles.
My DD is 14 and has known Zara all her life. DD knew Zara was going downhill but has found it very difficult this week. DD and I were with Zara yesterday as she very gently passed on. DH loved her too having known her for the last 7 years. She had a wonderful life, having started life as a semi feral farm kitten, so we have lots of lovely memories to treasure.

OP posts:
GertyTheGert · 22/05/2017 18:58

So very, very sorry to hear and I send you lots of hugs. Am in nearly a similar position. My dearest cat is 19 yrs old and developed an abscess on his face 5 wks ago. The locum vet did not make it clear when he gave him an antibiotic jab that Sir P should be brought back in two more weeks for another antibiotic jab - all he said is watch out for the cat behaving differently/not eating/hiding away etc etc. None of this happened but the other day I realised Sir P wasn't 100% so took him back to the vet - this time the proper vet who has an interest in older cats. Turns out the abscess is worse and she is surprised Sir P is so tough that he is still managing to eat! BUT its nearly the end of the road as an op is out of the question. So I have to watch for ANY signs that all isnt well and bring him back to be PTS. I have cried each night since and know its for the best - but I love him to BITS - he saw me through dealing with my mother's dreadful drawn-out death. He and Zara may shortly meet over rainbow bridge (if it exists) ..............Sorry, I seem to have put rather a selfish post here. Sorry. x

Mermaidinthesea123 · 22/05/2017 19:00

Big hugs to you, sweet kitty, you must miss her terribly. She will always be with you.

Original poster
meikyo · 22/05/2017 20:15

Gerty, sorry to hear about your lovely boy. How awful for you. It is so hard when they reach the end of their little lives. I had Zara's friend Felix for 19 years...then her on her own for the next 7. Zara kept me going through miscarriage and IVF.. comforted by the thought of Uncle Felix being there for her now.

OP posts:
Want2beme · 22/05/2017 20:24

Sorry for the loss of your lovely Zara. Thinking of you and your family.

MudCity · 22/05/2017 20:35

What a beautiful girl.

The loss of a wonderful being who shared your life so intimately in many ways is dreadfully painful.

Take heart from the love you shared and will continue to share even though you are currently apart on this physical plane.

If you don't mind, I shall light a candle here for her...I do it for all my animals who have passed over and Zara can join them tonight.

Flowers
SnowBallsAreHere · 22/05/2017 20:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

forfuckssakenet · 22/05/2017 20:42
Flowers
exWifebeginsat40 · 22/05/2017 20:43

oh! she looks just like my Stella. i'm so sorry for your loss.

First night in nearly 26 years without a cat...
ifonly4 · 22/05/2017 21:37

So sorry to hear about your lovely little cat. I had to have my boy put to sleep three weeks ago. Making the decision was the hardest and I couldn't sleep for a couple of nights after. I'm not saying it's easy for you now, but hopefully in a few days you'll have the comfort of knowing it was the best thing to do for Zara and also will start to remember the happy times with fond memories. Hold onto the fact she had a great home with a family who loved her very much. RIP Zara.

bigtapdancingpimp · 22/05/2017 21:50

So sorry about your beautiful little girl, you must be heartbroken. What a life you gave her though, a happy, beloved pussy cat xx

GertyTheGert · 23/05/2017 11:36

Dear Meikyo - your post was very, very kind. I think Sir P may not be here much longer - he has suddenly taken to sleeping purely on the carpet, not in either of his two beds, nor with me. I gave him some prawns last night as a treat and suddenly heard loud clicking from his jaw as he "chewed" them. Today he looks sad. I wonder if its nearly pts time. May he meet up with Zara and compare "Mummies and families" whilst frolicking among the daisies - my heart goes out to you. xxxxx