Cats still catting. What's your DCat up to today? Pt 3

[caoraich]

I have taken the liberty of making a new thread! Maisie and Freya are relaxing in a patch of sun

We had to make the most awful decision last night and say goodbye to our beautiful, beautiful, boy. We are heartbroken.

Yesterday morning we were concerned about his wound ( it was massive and like a road map). The vet we saw said it was breaking down and they would have to get on top of the infection before attempting to re do the operation. He was booked in for Monday with the hope the wound would hold until then.

It didnt last the day. Back at vets last night and the look on his face was enough. I asked him to be completely honest and he was. It wasn't just the wound but other areas of skin were dying. I couldn't put Ken through it, I just couldn't stand him suffering.

DS ( he's 21) is distraught. Anyone who knows Orientals/Siamese knows how strong the person bond can be. They adored each other. DS called him his child.

This is so hard to write, by doing so I'm admitting he's gone. He was only 18 months old. We'd waited 14 years to get him as I'd lost my Siamese and I wasn't ready.

I take comfort from the fact he only ever knew an existence filled with love. If only love was enough.

Apologies for the long post.

Godspeed Kenneth I'm so sorry

I'm crying reading that. Much love to you all xx

Oh no . I am so, so sorry Maiden. Night night, sleep tight gorgeous Kenneth .

Maiden I'm so sorry. Cats really do get into your heart don't they? I have really vivid memories of my childminder's Siamese who literally used to follow her everywhere. Sleep tight Kenneth

Oh Maiden, I'm so so sorry to hear that.

Take comfort in the fact that he made it home and knew he was totally adored.

maiden
Beautiful Kenneth now resting on the rainbow bridge

So sorry Maiden

Oh Maiden I'm so sorry. Pets really are little furry family members. He made it home to your DS and knew he was loved - it doesn't feel like much but at least he was able to go peacefully and not alone.
Love to all of you

Thank you so much for your kind words. I knew you would all understand.

Freyja came for her cuddle this morning as per but gently touched my face and then went and got in her basket. She's still there. She's sad too. Helga has been very clingy to DP but he's gone to work so she's a bit lost.

The house is full of him if YKWIM. He had special toys ( well remains of toys) that DS had sewn back together many times and Ken would always be carrying one around. I see them everywhere now.

Aw, Maiden.

I feel so sad for you all Maiden . The whole thing is very traumatic. Give yourselves time and space to grieve - the same way you would with a 'human' loss. I know there are threads on MN where that would be laughed at. But we all know how you are feeling here .

Your vet practice sounds heroic. They must have hoped very much to sort him. Sometimes, with the best will in the world, though, all your skill and love just isn't enough.

Aw poor Kenneth and your poor DS and poor you.

Sending hugs. X

You are all such lovely, understanding people. It helps truly.

DS is so upset. He has lost his father, grandfather and grandmother in the last two years and has just said Kenneth was the glue that held him together.

I know how he feels. Poor lads.

Do you have any nearby rescues that he might volunteer at? (I have a feeling that that might have helped me when, for example, I lost Darling Twoago, who was my closest boy. As it was, I just had to grit my teeth and cry for a week - at least. Not necessarily a good idea for everyone.)

Oh your poor DS . Give him a big squeezy hug from me. You know, my darling Leo cat died suddenly a several months after my Mum died. I was devastated when my Mum died but when I found Leo dead I completely and utterly lost it. In hindsight I found it was a more immediate release for ongoing grief. Does that make sense?

That's such a good idea Cosie but I don't think that would help DS. He treated Kenneth like he was his child. It often made me smile listening to him talk to him, explaining things to him such as why Ken wasn't allowed to scratch at the stair carpet or piddle in the sock basket just because Helga had pooped in his litter tray.

He's grieving and knows it'll not necessarily get easier in time but that you become used to the pain.

If I thought it'd help in time I'd get him another Oriental, not to replace Kenneth as he's irreplaceable but to love but I really don't think he could face it.

HemanOrSheRa I totally understand. It was years before I cried about losing my dad as a teenager, but a couple of years later I lost a beloved cat in a tragic accident and completely lost it too. I even had to take time off work

Another cat is probably inevitable, though. They just leave such a huge hole in your life when they go.

Maybe a rescue Orinental would be good for both him, you all and the cat? You could all recover together.

That's very sad, MMC. He was with his people at the end, that in itself would have been a comfort for him.

That's a lovely photograph of him with DS. Maybe when the time's right, put it in a beautiful frame for him.

If the time comes when we feel ready I will look into giving a rescue Oriental a forever home.

Thank you Cosie and everyone who has left such caring posts.

I had to laugh a little when you talked about the sewn-together toys. My Darling Seniorboy - who was in effect a rescue because he came to me at 14 when my mother died - had this appalling brown and white small dog thing with floppy ears. When I decided, after many years and a multitude of washes, that its time had come, I first tried to source another. Typically, it turned out to be American and I had to buy in a ruddy sack of similar things.

Did he appreciate the hard work and relegate Brown Dog to the bin? He did not. Towards the end, Brown Dog had ears that were reminiscent of fine lace - and a body that was more cotton thread than material.

And I still have a sack of ruddy floppy eared toys in the basement!