JCC [Trbute thread] Cat Companion: We had 18 great years

In the midst of the terrible tragedies facing so many, not just Sandy, which is but the most recent, there are also personal tragedies that hit closer to home.

18 years ago, the day before Thanksgiving, I brought home Sam, a medium-long haired part Siamese . We both were nervous, I think: we simultaneously headed to our respective litter boxes and stared at each other. Well, if you're going to bond, that's as good a way as any.

Sam wasn't a lap sitter, he could be an aggressive boy, but he was also the most affectionate cat I've had the pleasure of sharing my life with. He was always talking to me about whatever he thought I should be doing for him - or not, as it may sometimes be. Not quite two years ago he was diagnosed with kidney failure - 10% function. He did well on a prescription diet.

He started to feel a bit bloated a couple of weeks ago: vet had him on antibiotics which seemed to help. Kidneys were no worse; white blood cell count was quite high with no clear reason why. Then he faltered; we started a second round of antibiotics and tried upping his laxatives (possible constipation issues). Late the day before he died, his rear legs were too weak to support him which is a possible side effect of cat constipation and the pumpkin was supposed to take about 48 hours to act. My plan was to take him to the vet the day after if he had no relief.

Being unemployed, we cuddled most of the day (he was too weak to protest). He died that evening.

I occupied myself with "doing" - washing kitty beds, throwing out litter, returning cat food. Right now there is little visible sign of his presence in my condo but he is present in memories and photos. In his honor, in tribute, I will eventually adopt another cat when the right one chooses me.

This is Sam at various times in his life. RIP, Sammy boy, you may have earned the nickname "Monster Cat" in your youth, but the great times far outnumbered the others.



Sleep well, my and say "hi" to "Daffy" for me. Thanks, my big boy, for those wonderful 18 years of love and the occasional nips.

 

My condolences on your loss.

 

rip sam.

 

Oh, what a cutie. Sending you lots of because I know how ridiculously, unexpectedly hard it is to lose a pet. I lost my cat last year, and I still miss him.

 

I'm really sorry. I'm a cat person and know how upsetting this can be.

 

Yeah, losing a cat you grow close to is like losing a family member.

 

I'm really sorry. He was adorable!

 

Ok this made me teary eyed, what a wonderful eulogy. My condolences and may Sam R.I.P.

 

One of my greatest fears is going to my parents' house some day to find that one of my cats has died and is no longer there, so I know how hard it is to go through this. Just be glad you had so many great years with him. My sincerest condolences.

 

=/

 

I am so sorry. RIP Sam.

 

I'm so sorry for your loss

 

RIP

 

Thank you everyone. As pet people know, a pet is a member of your family as much as any human. I knew Sam would tell me to remember how we were able to share his last days and he would want me to move on...so with heavy heart and yet a bit of hope, I decided to look at cats and see if I was ready.

(As yet unnamed) became my newest family member late today: she's 1-1/2, affectionate and inquisitive. She's napped on me after a few hours of exploration and has a soft meow and gentle paws. I'm going to start a "come up with names for her" thread separately.

Just as blue-eyed as Sam, it's nearly impossible NOT to get a red-eyed cat in photos.



She's only 7 pounds with the silkiest, softest short fur.

 

Erm wow you moved on fast...

 

I made my peace with Sam's ill health during the last few months. Please don't think this means I am forgetting Sam or not mourning him. I mourn him with every bone in my body, but mourning won't bring him back.

Sharing my heart with another (homeless) cat who chose me honors what I shared with Sam. I would not have taken "just any cat" only the one who was meant for me and vice versa.

Hearts are large enough to mourn and celebrate both.

 

I have that philosophy with romantic relationships.

 

you have a thing for homeless guys?

 

Just found this too...loved all the pics of Sam...he was a beauty! And you already have my posts on the other board about your new cat...who is also a beauty.

 

RIP, Sam.

 

I'm sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful cat.

Wish you many years of happiness with your new kitty.

 

It is possible to color correct red eye you know. It's a pretty easy process.

Glad to see you're doing well, and I hope and trust that this new cat will be a great friend for years to come.