old cats, part 2...

[dagus]

Get ready for the feels, if you're a cat person. You've been warned.

One of our two cats (13 year old siblings) passed back in May (and there's another "Old Cats" thread for Moony). Thanks for being there for me when we went through that with him.

It's weird... but get this... his sister Star always had a completely different personality. I'm told that male black cats are often like Moony was... more like a dog than a cat, really affectionate and attentive. Star was always a stereotypical cat... aloof, likes to hide... she's indoor-only but typically we wouldn't see her all day until she came out for dinner. She'd avoid being petted too much and would run away if you gave her too much attention (until late in the evening, and then it was like you flipped a switch and she doesn't leave me alone).

His last few days, Moony just laid in the same spot by the kitchen. Just before he died, maybe two days before, I saw Star come out and -- really cautiously -- sniff at him and then run away. She wouldn't come near him, at the end. It was weird because they were always really close, always near each other. I think she knew, and she hated it. It probably scared her.

Then he passed, and she's slept in the spot where he died ever since. She used to hate their cat carrier, and would never go in it, but she practically lives in it now, in the same spot.

Here's what I think is so interesting though. She's never been a talkative cat, but now she won't shut up. Chirps and meows and generally makes herself known all the time. She was always so quiet before... communicating with us was kind of her brother's job. I think she was so used to having him around, there was no need. Now she's so much more social and affectionate. She misses him, I think. Now that he's gone, it seems like she has a much bigger need to interact with her humans.

[69Falcon]

She may also be missing her interactions with him. Have you thought about getting another?

[Ziggy]

She may also be missing her interactions with him. Have you thought about getting another?

Good idea but I read an article in a cat magazine recently that getting another cat is for the human dealing with the loss of a cat and advised against.
Getting a new cat in the house would only traumatize the grieving cat further.
Enjoy her for what she is now.
Catnip and Catster are publications that are very informative and dedicated to the subject of caring for cats.

[dagus]

We're kind of enjoying this new side of her, to be honest. Ziggy makes a good point, though... it's the same reason we're not getting a dog right now, either... we don't want to stress her out. We both work from home now, so we're always around and we don't have to worry about her being alone much.

[6]

We're kind of enjoying this new side of her, to be honest. Ziggy makes a good point, though... it's the same reason we're not getting a dog right now, either... we don't want to stress her out. We both work from home now, so we're always around and we don't have to worry about her being alone much.

Getting the new puppy with Deets here was a mixed bag. He has definitely come to life a little more (he isn't old, only 4), he plays more and acts like a puppy more... That said it also fucked with his head.

He is used to having all the attention, not sharing, not worried about someone eating his food or taking his toys. But the big one is sneak attack playing by the puppy.

D has always been cautious. It's in his nature. It comes from his past. He got stung by a bee in the side yard two years ago, he still has not walked on that patch of grass since. He goes around on the driveway instead.

The puppy likes to come out of nowhere and jump him. He could be sleeping, sitting playing with a toy or walking past the bathroom and the puppy comes out of nowhere and jumps him. That has definitely not been good for him. Also the puppy may come out of nowhere at fulls speed and slam him broad side.

We are working HARD on correcting that behavior, but we don't want him to think he isn't allowed to play with D. The playing is a huge positive.. but teaching him to get D's attention first and make sure he wants to play, that's hard...

D's solution to this has to become even more by my side. He was already basically my third leg...

New animal in the house is a very hard one to predict the impact on the existing animal.

Crash just left with daisy to NH for the week.. D will be sad today, he will enjoy the 1-1 time all week, then be stocked when they are back (until the puppy steals his toy and makes a break for it.)

[riot]

I'm at the vet with the old cat right now. 2 years ago, at 16, I thought she was a goner, because she was losing weight and having kidney problems. Luckily the docs were able to stabilizer her (with freaking expensive food and medicine), but she has been wonderful to have through the pandemic.

Now her old hips are getting pretty weak, so she doesn't get around well - but every night after the kids go to bed, she waits for mom or dad to hit the couch so she can perch on our laps and Purr in exchange for pets.

It has been incredibly sweet and wonderful getting these extra years with her. It is sad that we're getting to the end, but I doubt i'll ever get a better animal friend than this old cat!

[riot]

Finally had to let our old kitty go yesterday. We were ready but it was still hard to finally let her go. I feel proud that we had the fortitude to have her taken before the pain was too bad for her, but it hurt us to do it. 19 years and a lot of life together, I doubt I'll ever have another pet that means more to me. In any case, I am grateful to have had her.

Our First day:

IMG_0096.jpg

Almost last day:
20220417_071205.jpg

[Ziggy]

riot Condolences on the loss of your cat.
Keep her memory close to your heart.

[Fastmongrel]

So sad to hear of your loss. It's hard to let go of a pet but we have to do one final thing for them let them go quietly when the time is right for the animal.

[dagus]

So sorry to hear of your loss, riot
She sounds like she was a very sweet cat. We're on borrowed time with our old girl, Star... she turned 14 this month and she's got intestinal inflammation we're hoping isn't lymphoma. She's on a couple meds now, and that crazy expensive prescription diet, too. Just doing what we can for her.

DM me anytime, brother.

[riot]

20220602_161243.jpg

New cats: Midnight and Dawn (as named by the children)

We got these two sisters a few weeks ago, and they have doubled in size since then.

Having 2 is definitely a different experience, as they spend alot of time in play battles, and snuggled together.
The most amazing thing is how sweet they are: Yes they have knives for hands , and have terrorized our furniture and obliterated toys, but they always accept a snuggle and have been ao careful with thier claws and teeth, even when the kids abuse them.

[6]

20220602_161243.jpg

New cats: Midnight and Dawn (as named by the children)

We got these two sisters a few weeks ago, and they have doubled in size since then.

Having 2 is definitely a different experience, as they spend alot of time in play battles, and snuggled together.
The most amazing thing is how sweet they are: Yes they have knives for hands , and have terrorized our furniture and obliterated toys, but they always accept a snuggle and have been ao careful with thier claws and teeth, even when the kids abuse them.

Nice.

Little apex predators right there.

Stone cold killers.

Love cats..

[harpo]

I'm told that male black cats are often like Moony was... more like a dog than a cat,

We have an all male black cat (think he may be a Bombay). When we go for a walk around the neighborhood, he follows us like a dog.

One time, when about a 1/4 mile from our house, another neighbor saw us with our cat and thought it was his black cat following us. He said their black cat also went for walks. So this may be a black cat thing?

[6]

We have an all male black cat (think he may be a Bombay). When we go for a walk around the neighborhood, he follows us like a dog.

One time, when about a 1/4 mile from our house, another neighbor saw us with our cat and thought it was his black cat following us. He said their black cat also went for walks. So this may be a black cat thing?

Inconsiderate.

You are just dishing out bad luck left and right allowing a black cat to be out on walks. Ever think of just how many paths he may cross?


Our white and gray (usually died green, purple, blue or pink) cat, Cat'n Crunch, will go on walks. Not too far from the house. He will follow down the road, onto the next road, but will always bail and go home before leaving the block. He doesn't like a road being between him and the house.

Camden my 11 year old is up my ass about a new cat now they we have a house that no one can tell us we can't have pets in.

I love cats. The house is on a main road, not great hunting grounds, and I'm scared it will start giving my 4.5 year old labradane trouble. He isn't one for surprises, play or mischief. I fear a kitten will age him faster.

[harpo]

Ever think of just how many paths he may cross?

Funny, I do think about others who are superstitious and what they think when our black cat is walking all over the place. I comfort myself by saying that in most other countries, black cats are good luck. We are lucky in that our neighborhood is tolerant of cats.

We adopted him when we learned that black cats are last to be picked up. His personality is cool too.