r/cats • u/jzilla11 • May 25 '23
Jimmy 15 passed away on Saturday. My first cat, my first pet as an adult, and the first one I was there for at the end. Mourning/Loss
I became his third owner in 2016 when he was 8. He developed cancer in fall 2019 and I made the call for him to lose a leg. He stayed with me through covid, breakups, the end of a career, and moving home to Texas. I really don’t know how to live without him, but I want to keep on living like he did.
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u/iwetmyplants24 May 25 '23
You gave him the best possible life at the end, and he’s forever grateful for that. He will see you again on the rainbow bridge one day 💛
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u/jzilla11 May 25 '23
I hope so. Then again, I’m Catholic, will take some luck to get into Asgard
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u/rrsullivan3rd May 25 '23
I believe this is the “rainbow bridge” they were referring to:
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u/Wlm3lm May 26 '23
Thank you for this I'm tearing from happiness Im going to meet tass and fizzy again someday.
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May 25 '23
Sorry for your loss… rest easy sweet kitty.. our 15 yr old cat passed away 3 months ago.. we miss her..our cat came into our lives for a reason and so did yours🤗
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u/jzilla11 May 25 '23
Sorry for your loss. I think i’m doing ok most of the day, but it’s those quiet moments and the night that get to me.
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u/bennydasjet May 25 '23
The quiet moments alone in the afternoon always get me, but it does get easier. I lost a cat and a dog in the last three months, and was with the dog when she passed. One of the hardest things my partner and I have ever had to do.
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u/DrNugs-AttorneyAtLaw May 25 '23
Really sorry about your boy Jimmy, there isn't a more somber feeling than that of a dead house. Every small noise you hear from the next room, maybe a balled up shirt on the floor catches the corner of your eye, or a shadow of a tree branch or bird passes in the bar of sunlight shining through a window...you turn around and expect them to still be there.
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u/jzilla11 May 25 '23
Truth. The fact my dad passed away in November soon after I moved back is also layered into my feelings this week.
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u/Green_Message_6376 May 25 '23
sorry for the huge loss. Thanks for being there at the end with Jimmy. I failed to do this for my first adult pet cat that passed, I was too distraught. It is one of my biggest regrets. It will never happen again. RIP Jimmy.
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u/Obvious-Band-1149 May 25 '23
Jimmy looks like he was a lion among kitties. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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u/jzilla11 May 25 '23
He was never larger than 12 pounds, but his yells could startle men bigger than I and fill my parents’ house.
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u/Hannah_Hold_On May 25 '23
So sorry for your loss of Jimmy. It hurts so bad. I know because I’ve been there. That just shows how much you two loved each other. Hugs.
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u/jzilla11 May 25 '23
I hope so, thanks
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u/Green_Message_6376 May 25 '23
some quote that I sometimes agree with and sometimes makes me angry 'The pains of love are greater far, than all life's other pleasures are'.
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u/Either_Marsupial_123 Siberian May 25 '23
As someone here once told me when I lost my treasured old man a few months ago, "Your atoms will meet again when it is time." :8097:
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u/Hali-Gani May 25 '23
And Jimmy will be the first cat to greet you on the other side of the Rainbow 🌈 Bridge 💕 It’s a lot to look forward to, but you will be happy again 😻
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u/jzilla11 May 25 '23
I assume he told all the dogs I had growing up that he’s in charge till I get there
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u/Ally2472 May 25 '23
Sorry for your loss they are members of our family. Always think of the good times and the loving home you gave him and the unconditional love you both received from each other. Big hugs.
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u/Lincoln_Elisheba May 25 '23
I am so sorry for your loss, it is never easy to lose such an unconditionally loving friend and family member like a kitty. Thank you for adopting him as an older guy, he got to live out his adult years with so much love and admiration.
I remember seeing Jimmy a couple of years ago (shortly after his amputation) and he always stood out, not just for his three legs but just something about him. I am sad as I'm sure many others are, to hear of his passing. Rest in peace, sweet boy Jimmy.
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u/Psych_ologym May 25 '23
I felt the same . It's a real pain . You were a good parent
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u/jzilla11 May 25 '23
Thanks. I had a couple breakdowns over the last few days fueled by self doubt. I know I was good for him.
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u/Psych_ologym May 25 '23
I am an atheist but still believe taking care of another being is a gift . And I am sure as much as you loved you cat, it was the same for him. But part of true love about someone or something is you will always ready to say goodbye. Part of journey is the end for best or worst
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u/Cognitive_Skyy May 25 '23
Happy trails, Jimmy. Rest peacefully old friend. I always respect a survivor. You fought well.
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u/AlexMohr-237 May 25 '23
What a beautiful boy and a beautiful soul. RIP Jimmy and I am so sorry for your loss. It isn't easy for him to not be here physically but he will always be with you in your thoughts and in your heart. You can do this, he would want you to keep on living. And if it's at all possible you can get a tattoo in memory of him
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u/Kdropp May 25 '23
Saying goodbye is the hardest
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u/fluffypinktoebeans May 25 '23
I am so sorry for your loss... that must be so difficult for you. They are really there for us through everything, aren't they? With unconditional love. I hope you can find peace through the wonderful memories you have of him. ❤️
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u/Allie614032 Korat May 25 '23
I am sure Jimmy appreciated you so much. You gave his not even his second chance, but his third, and the medical care he needed. Loss sucks.
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u/AromaticIncome3487 May 25 '23
Rock and stone buddy , rock and stone
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u/AuDHDiego May 25 '23
Oh no I'm so sorry that Jimmy passed away, I'm so glad he had your love for all those years!
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u/TossThisWayUpHigh May 25 '23
Jimmy looked like a beautiful cat. I’m sure you loved him and gave him the best life ever.
Know he’s eternally thankful to you.
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u/JCrockON May 25 '23
I like the picture where he’s in the bag looking at you. This is also my biggest fear that my cat will leave me one day
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u/bbateman2011 May 25 '23
I’m very sorry for your loss. Aliana passed away in January. We miss her so much.
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u/LesPantalonesFancy May 25 '23
Sorry for your loss. Jimmy looked like a happy, beloved cat. Much love
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u/Alarmed_Material_481 May 25 '23
RIP sweet Jimmy, I'm so sorry for your loss OP. He's a lovely soul. 💔
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u/kasbury_ May 25 '23
So sorry for your loss :( this made me sad as my 19 year old baby’s name is Jimmy
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u/SwitcherooU May 25 '23
I love his serious little face!
He got to live half his life with you in a safe, loving environment—that’s what he was thinking about in his last moments. He got to live like a king, and that’s all that matters.
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u/BackyardBOI May 25 '23
I think that with 15 years is a good age to to say goodbye. Thats ~90 human-years! I'm sure you will meet him again in Vinland.
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u/CBowdidge May 25 '23
It's so sorry. Tomorrow will be seven weeks since I lost Merlin. They take a piece of you.
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u/msutyler2 May 25 '23
I know the feeling of losing a pet, and it hurts specially since you have been with him or her for a long time. It's hard to move on when you lost a pet and a bestfriend. Condolences to you.
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u/PortaSponge May 25 '23
Condolences buddy. Losing a cat is basically losing a family member. It hurts like hell. But worry not because jimmy feels pain no longer.
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u/baristakitten May 25 '23
Tripod kitties are the best. Ours also lived to be around 14. She was a tripod from the time she was a kitten and lived her life fully as ever. He looks so special; thank you for giving him a comfortable place to spend his twilight years.
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u/montrasaur009 May 25 '23
Rest in Peace Jimmy. He looks like he has lived a long and rough life, and your story confirms he has seen a lot. I am sure he is ready for his rest, but I have no doubt Jimmy has nothing but love and gratitude for you. He knew a good life, and love, and kindness, and companionship because of you. You did a wonderful thing for Jimmy, and the pain you are feeling now just means he did a wonderful thing for you.
I promise you that neither you or Jimmy are alone in this. I know your pain all too well. I'll ask my Luna to look out for him on the other side.
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u/Jean19812 May 25 '23
I'm sorry for your loss. The loss hurts bad for a while, but it does lessen eventually.
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u/HedgehogNarrow4544 May 25 '23
He wants to let YOU know, "Thanks for everything", And I'll keep my eye out for you..when, you get to the bridge
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u/Lori612 May 25 '23
You had him for close to half of his life. You sounded like a great owner to Jimmy. I’m sure he was comforted having you there in the end. I’m sorry for your loss, he will live on in your memories friend.
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u/xLaylaMillsx May 25 '23
I’m so sorry! Losing a pet is one of the worst things. Sending good vibes your way :)
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u/Windevor May 25 '23
You gave him your all…you are lucky to have found each other. It’s miserable when they leave us
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u/Due_Butterscotch1614 May 25 '23
Anytime I see a post abt a cat passing it makes me sad bc my old girl is getting slower bc she is gettin older :(
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u/jzilla11 May 26 '23
Cherish everyday. Take pics, do every favorite thing she likes to do, give her the treats even the ones she isn’t supposed to have. Jimmy got to enjoy human cooked chicken and a lil butter as a treat before the end.
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u/Wlm3lm May 26 '23
My cat fizban died at 17 or 18 from a stroke. He too had three legs but it was his back..uh..I sadly forgot but it was his right I believe...ya and he was special he drank out of our water cups and liked to scream. He was very nice and was a great cat.
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