GameBanshee Forums

At 11 AM eastern seaboard time yesterday, on my cats was put to sleep. Katie the oldest of our cats, ever, was estimated to be closing on 18 years old, and was found to be suffering from kidney failure.

I watched her suffer and degenerate over the past few months. Despite an end that brought some respite for her and us humans in the house (myself especially), I am still somewhat saddened by the loss.

I also noticed that my mom & my grandma weren't the only ones affected by the loss. My other cats seem to have been direly affected. I swear they act as if they wonder where she is, my old buddy Barney especially.

Well at least now I can rest a little easier at night, knowing that I won't have to deal with sudden messes being made as much. As of today, much of the houses grief seems to have passed, but the shadow of yesterday's event still remains.

Four cats left now. We definitely want no more than 3 when the time comes, but it makes you wonder what loss amongst your four-legged friends would be the worst to bear.

It's always difficult when pets are sick or they die... They become such a huge part of your life.

I'm sure the other cats do notice the loss. Our two are very closely bonded, and when our little tortie was ill and then in hospital, it was obvious her "brother" was worried and missed her. When she was ill, every so often he'd approach her and very gently touch her nose with his own, and when she was in hospital he wandered about the house as if completely lost. Every so often he'd walk to where she'd been lying, look up at me and mieow plaintively. Then.. when she came back home, the first thing she did was run up to our male and rub against him.
It was very touching to see..

So yes... I'm totally convinced cats sense things such as this.

My condolences Galuf,

Eighteen years is a wonderful long life for a cat, but I can only imagine how much of an empty spot she leaves.

I too mirror DW's thoughts on mourning and empathy by other animals. I have seen similar expressions by pets of some of our friends and also by the 3 cats we have. They are all boys, and just like brothers they pester each other at times. The youngest (who is 7) has a sensitive stomach and one time had a rough couple of days. I think he ate an insect of some kind. The oldest, (and the one who was most frequently pestered by the young one I might add) would regularly check on the "baby". Many times he would go over and lick the top of the little one's head.

But again my condolences and well wishes for you and "all" your family.

I'm sorry, it really is like losing a family member...

My cats were fifteen or sixteen when they died. We experienced the same thing when the first went... the remaining cat always seemed to be looking around the house for his 'brother.'

Again, I'm sorry.

Condolences, I was in a terrible state for a month or two after my two cats died in the same month. They'd had a good run and all but it doesn't help those of us left behind.
It's when my dog goes that I'm really gonna crash and burn though, losing her is going to hurt.