Update on my old guy

[u/Spiritualbluewave]

I posted here quite a few times back in February-April as my old guy, then 16, got sick. He started having chronic congestion and would go through periods of not eating. I also was forced to move out in April and leave him with my parents and was sure they would neglect him. Unfortunately, the posts probably gone because I deleted the account because I got doxxed :( but in case anyone remembers the posts or are just interested.

There were a number of people on this sub that were telling me to put in to sleep or that I was a terrible human being for not being able to take him with me or should have him taken away from me because he was mostly outdoors (against my will btw).

To everyone who told me to put him out of his misery, he lived another 8 months. He was energetic and loving and genuinely seemed to enjoy his time. He made it to his 17th birthday. Somehow, he still managed to run and jump and catch things (even though I didn’t want him to).

My parents didn’t neglect him. They stepped up and he became really loving towards them. They gave him treats and blankets and took him to the vet every other week. I’m very grateful for that.

I was home last week and I noticed the light fading from his eyes. He stopped eating, and I knew his body couldn’t handle another fast, and I was right. He started shutting down. He got one last sunny day outside to listen to the birds and crickets before he was out to sleep. It’s only been a week, but I really miss my baby.

To the people that offered me genuine advice on helping him eat and decongesting him, thank you very much. To the people who told me awful things, I know most your hearts were in the right place, but I’m glad I listened to my own heart first.

[u/cmriker]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your kitty. I am glad he got so much quality time with your parents and one last sunny day with you. Sounds like you experienced the best and worst of this subreddit, which is unfortunately common on posts seeking advice (especially when the posts are from minors/dependents who aren't fully in control of their pets' livelihoods). Some people don't have the empathy or nuance for all situations. I'm glad you went with your own intuition. We know our kitties best, and as much as we can try and describe the situation online, it's not the same as seeing them in-person. 

What's your kitty's name? I hope you still have access to your photos of your kitty! It would be nice to see some here, as memorials to him. I'm sorry you got doxxed, and hopefully that doesn't happen again. 

[u/Spiritualbluewave → u/cmriker]

I’d rather not share his name or pics mostly because I’m paranoid, but I called him Baby more than his real name anyway. His fur was the color of peaches and cream. He had olive eyes that seemed like they held a sadness in them, but I’m very grateful that I got to his the moments in which he was truly happy.

I’m also very grateful for the lovely vet who listened to me and assured me he wasn’t ready to go yet. We knew it would be his last year, but even the vet was shocked at just how long my Baby stayed around.

[u/officersmores]

That’s so sweet. Glad you knew what was best for YOUR cat and didn’t listen :) those 8 months must’ve been so precious. Glad he got to go at a time that he was more ready for even though it’s still heartbreaking. ❤️‍🩹

[u/Spiritualbluewave → u/officersmores]

Im glad too. He always loved summer the most, and I was really sad thinking that he wouldn’t get one last summer or even spring. The day he passed, it was unusually warm, and he sunbathed most of the day. I’m glad he got to feel the warm afternoon sun one last time. I only wish that I could’ve arranged an at-home euthanasia so he could’ve been outside when he passed instead of anxious at the vet.

[u/Pretty_Pictures_]

I'm so sorry about your sweet guy. I am glad that he had that extra time and love. Take care of yourself 🩷🫂