After the long-awaited diagnosis of a food allergy, we thought all was well. Then Fatty started losing weight in the last year that couldn't be diagnosed despite multiple vet visits and blood tests. Overall, he was still himself but with a little less energy. But Thursday night, he began a swift decline in health. He would not eat and refused to drink any water. He was having trouble even standing. I took him into the vet first thing Friday morning to find out that he was in renal failure, his heart murmur had progressed, had an enlarged liver, and was anemic. The vet wasn't optimistic with treatment because of his severe weight loss.
The decision to put Fatty to sleep wasn't easy but I was completely at peace with it. It wasn't fair to make him suffer like he did Thursday night and Friday morning. It was horrible seeing him like that. Matt and I were with him until the end and I'm so very glad that I was. I was there to comfort him, tell him I loved him, and give him kisses.
But Fatty was more than this ball of medical problems. He was a sweetheart. Fatty would be at the door to greet me when I got home. He would follow me from room to room. Cry outside the bathroom door until I came out. Sleep on my lap while I was watching TV or on the laptop. He would sleep on me (under the covers) the entire night and only get up when my alarm clock went off. If he wasn't next to me, he was either eating or in his litter box. That was it. Fatty was a very vocal kitty. If you said something to him, he would answer back with a meow. It was never a quiet household. He was a source of constant amusement and Matt and I often made up Fatty responses...
Matt: Why is Fatty looking at me like that?
Me: He's imagining what you'd taste like with a little salt and pepper.
Even his name is a silly story. We adopted Fatty and Skinny when they were kittens. Those weren't their original names though. We couldn't really decide on names. Skinny was noted as underweight at his first vet visit. We referred to him as "the skinny one" and Fatty became "Fatty" by default. :) I had to put Skinny down about 5 years ago. Enough time to have distanced myself from the pain of losing a pet.
I think the worst part of it is adjusting to life at home without him. I never realized how much our lives really revolved around him. I don't hear the clickity-clack of his nails on the floor. I wait for him to jump up on the couch with me. I don't have him laying on my legs as I type this. He's not sprinting to the faucet as I turn on the water. He's not running into the bathtub as soon as I step out of the shower. My bed is very lonely.
But I was blessed with the best cat possible. The most affectionate cat ever and one that was FULL of personality. He will be missed greatly. Do me a favor and hug your pet extra tight tonight.
13 comments:
So sorry to hear about Fatty, Megs. He sounded like a wonderful cat and your stories and photos of him were touching. I still miss my first cat, Casper, who we put to sleep back in 2002. At the time, my godmother (the biggest cat person I've ever know) wrote me a letter that said "the unconditional love of a cat is one of the greatest things in the world and I'm grateful you experienced that."
We've got you in our thoughts!
-John
thisyounghouse.com
Aww, I'm so sorry. It looks like Fatty had a wonderful life with you. Good thoughts to you and Matt.
I'm so sorry! Nothing is harder than losing an animal!
I am so sorry to hear about Fatty. It's a sad day, but you have wonderful memories. Keep them alive in your heart!
I am so sorry for your loss. We endured very similiar events this past July with our pup Zoro. I am still hurting so bad, but I know he's in a better place and that brings great peace to my aching heart. Someone once told me, "You miss them more because they aren't physically here, but they are always with you, so start rejoicing in the time you did have with them. Say their names often because they like to hear it." I say Zoro's name often throughout the day and I know he hears me. I have learned alot about this mourning process in the past six months and if you ever need to talk just say the word. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you.
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is aching for you.
Oh Megs. My heart is literally aching for you. I know too well the pain. Fatty lived a fantastic life, full of love.
The times goes too slowly and too fast to heal. Miss those noises, those absences because before too long you'll have adjusted.
I am so sorry, Megs. Fatty was lucky to have parents who loved him so much that they helped him to move on past the pain and suffering. And you guys were very blessed to be a part of his life.
We look at our pooch and marvel how lucky we are that he "chose" us. He'll always be our "first kid".
Thinking of you.
Ouch. What a sweetheart! Beautiful story.
We lost "The Baby Girl" in December via the same route after 17+ years!
Ultimately, you chose love over your own grief. We're feeling for you. Gator and Rascal get extra hugs tonight from you. Be well.
Lurker here... So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved pet. Losing our furry friends is truly gut wrenching. May the memories of Fatty offer you solace and peace at this time until you're reunited.
Awww, I just ran across your blog and I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty.
I have two and I couldn't even imagine this happening to them. I'm so sorry.
I just happened upon your blog. I'm so sorry about losing your furbabe. I have lost 3 over the years and I still miss them terribly. I'm going to go give Bun (she's my calico) a hug right now.
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat! I am a cat lover and I remember how sad it was when my best and favorite cat ever died.
I found your blog via Better After, and I'm already addicted! I love what you've done with your house, and that you're doing it all on your own. You are really an inspiration to wannabe DIY-ers like myself!
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