r/cats • u/FormalMango • May 31 '23
Said goodbye to this lady, my best friend for 21 years Mourning/Loss
285
u/oswaldgobbleballs May 31 '23
i am so very sorry for your loss, im sure he misses you as much as you miss him, i drew him for you, tomorrow will be a better day
91
30
11
u/MarcCouillard May 31 '23
hi, I was wondering if I mailed you a picture of my recently decreased baby, could you draw her for me also? I would love that
(I went to your profile to message you but there's no option to do so, so I'm asking here)
PM me please
→ More replies (1)13
u/oswaldgobbleballs May 31 '23
of course! i'll dm you right now, i have my dms turned off because i often have creeps messaging me
5
5
129
u/FormalMango May 31 '23
Thank you, everyone, for your kind thoughts ❤️
She was sweet. Kind hearted and patient. She’d let the bird literally walk all over her, and she was always gentle with our other animals - cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds.
There was a dark period of time in my life when she was the only friend I had - and knowing that she was waiting for me at home saved my life.
I’m taking some time to mourn.
But I’m also amazed that I had so long with her. She was a grand dame when she finally passed - she was at least 1, maybe 2 years old when I picked her up from the RSPCA on one random morning back in 2002.
So she was at least 22… maybe even 23 years old… and I’ll be forever grateful I had as much time with her as I did.
I always think of this quote by Sir Terry Pratchett when I think of loss and grief, and I think it’s highly appropriate right now:
No one is finally dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away, until the clock wound up winds down, until the wine she made has finished its ferment, until the crop they planted is harvested. The span of someone’s life is only the core of their actual existence.
8
7
u/Simple-Personality94 Jun 01 '23
I am so sorry for your loss. The oldest cat that I have ever known lived to be 17. It's truly amazing that she lived as long as she did because only a rare few cats ever live to be 20 years old. Not only did she achieve that milestone, but she surpassed it by quite a long time
You rescued her and changed her life. You were there for her, and in return, she was there for you. That kind of love goes both ways. She was there for you for all those years because you made her so happy. You rescued her and she rescued you right back.❤️→ More replies (1)5
u/persephone929 May 31 '23
Ahhh that Terry Pratchett quote tears me up.
What a beautiful, gentle soul she was 💕
54
34
u/xGothQueen May 31 '23
I know losing an animal is like losing a family member. I had to feed soaking wet food to our beagle, who contracted really bad Lyme's disease when I was 11.
Always remember that they loved you in their own way and that you gave them a happy, healthy life. Cherish those memories 💜
4
17
14
u/bumpyfarts May 31 '23
She is as beautiful as they come. I am so sorry for your loss, friend. Thank you for sharing her with us. I know she was given as full of a life and more love than her heart could ever imagine. Never forget all those amazing memories she gave to you, as you gave to her. Sending you all the hugs.
Rest easy, sweet girl. ❤️🔥
15
u/anxietybunnyhotdog May 31 '23
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope that you feel better soon. Don’t let anyone make you feel like this isn’t a big loss or you don’t deserve to mourn. Take care of yourself ❤️
3
u/FormalMango Jun 01 '23
I’m definitely taking some time out… thankfully, I’m surrounded by people who understand that pets are family.
→ More replies (1)
11
u/Concert-Turbulent May 31 '23
So sorry for your loss! 21 is a full life lived!!!
we got my childhood cat when I was 1 years old and we both got to live to have our first legal drink together 🤣
13
u/Tylervdub May 31 '23
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s such an ugly, raw pain when they leave us. My best cat Jersey left me two weeks ago and I’m just staring to heal a little bit. Yours was a beautiful girl.
5
u/FormalMango Jun 01 '23
You have my deepest condolences and sympathies ❤️🌈 the fact we miss them so much, just goes to show how loved and cared for they were…
11
u/beterthebeater May 31 '23
I'm so sorry. She'll have a great time with my little girl up there❤️
→ More replies (2)4
u/FormalMango Jun 01 '23
They’ll be having a great time together - the softest beds, and as many cardboard boxes as they want.
They’ll be waiting for us when it’s our time to meet them again ❤️
11
u/fraisechocolat Persian (traditional) May 31 '23
Heartbreaking. One day you'll see each other again, I'm sure.
10
9
9
u/worthyl2000 Jun 01 '23
Oh man - I had one get to 21 years of age. Even though you are thankful for each day - it is still so hard to lose such a friend. She looks like she was the best. Many hugs for you.
8
u/tllallyrfrnds May 31 '23
I am going through losing kitty friend too right now, it is so, so hard. She was beautiful🤍
7
u/pottymouthgrl May 31 '23
I’m sorry. I just lost my girl yesterday to a sudden cancer that took her in a week. She would have turned 10 in July.
And I lost my 20 year old girl 3 weeks ago. They both hit hard. Different, but hard. Losing a cat that is 20+ years old is so painful but you have the solace of knowing they had a long full life. So much time is a blessing! My 20 year old was with me for half my life!
Edit to add my 9 year old Lily
8
u/pottymouthgrl May 31 '23
5
u/FormalMango Jun 01 '23
Lily and Ruby were so beautiful ❤️
It’s such a difficult thing to go through… but you’re right, it’s a solace knowing that she lived a long and happy life.
7
u/jansterd Jun 01 '23
Gosh, to lose both kitties within 3 weeks must be so difficult. I’m so sorry…
→ More replies (1)
6
7
u/ArtistExcellent869 Jun 01 '23
Gosh, I am so very sorry. She looks like such a sweetheart. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.
6
6
5
u/BeginningAwareness74 May 31 '23
I am terebely sorry for your lost. I have lost my good boy of 17 years last week, and as crushing as it be we must push foward even if it hurt just thinking about it.
5
5
5
u/Survive1014 May 31 '23
My heart aches for you. I hope you are doing ok.
I am not ready to post my own loss post yet here, but we put my elder cat down on Saturday. I am broken. I am 45 year old man in a "macho" office and I have been in tears every day since. It sucks so much when they let us know its time to say goodbye.
3
u/FormalMango Jun 01 '23
❤️ I’m sorry for your loss, as well. It’s a difficult time, you’re entitled to your grief and your tears.
5
5
5
6
u/rizzle443 Jun 01 '23
From one internet stranger to another, I truly do offer my deepest condolences... No matter how strong the sorrow may seem, the good that she brought to your life will always outshine it.
5
4
3
4
u/sumadviceplz May 31 '23
I'm sorry for your loss. I hope we all see our furry friends again one day.
3
4
u/terf-genocide May 31 '23
She's got a very sweet face. You must have cared for her well for her to have come this far. 🖤
4
u/papi_zombie May 31 '23
Eyes bright,. claws sharp,. tail held high. Go keenly into the mist, old warrior. Valhalla waits for you
My sincerest condolences 🙏
5
u/HairFullOfDaisies2 May 31 '23
I’m so sorry!! That’s such a huge loss! We never fully recover from things like this, but I take comfort in knowing I will see my furry friends again one day!
4
3
5
3
3
5
4
3
5
4
3
4
u/lamsar503 May 31 '23
So sorry for your loss. I hope your dear one only knew peace in their last moments, and that you too will find peace of your own after your bereavement.
4
u/plantsinspaceastro May 31 '23
Wow 21 years! How many memories you must have. How big the gap in your heart must be. I recently heard that grief is the price of love. I hope the memories you shared with your kitty give you comfort
5
u/persephone929 May 31 '23
I’m so sorry. What a beautiful girl she was. Sending you so much love and many hugs 🫂
3
u/AdAdventurous8225 May 31 '23
My 💔 is broken for you. I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. My sweet Kiisu met her for you. I lost her almost 15 months ago.
4
u/FormalMango Jun 01 '23
I’m sure they’re friends already, keeping each other company until we meet them again ❤️
4
5
u/lightweight1979 May 31 '23
I am so so sorry for your loss. My girl will be 22 this summer and I am trying to enjoy every moment while dreading what I know will come 💔
5
4
u/Fatchface Jun 01 '23
What a sweet little lady! We feel her loss with you. She will always be in your heart ❤️
4
4
u/beely Jun 01 '23
Ohhh, my - 21 years together is so wonderful! I’m so sorry for your loss - she was really beautiful and precious.
4
u/Steely56973 Jun 01 '23
Sorry for your loss she was gorgeous and seemed very nice being that she didn’t go after the bird
5
u/FormalMango Jun 01 '23
She had a lot of patience for the bird, and the bird had a lot of self-confidence.
5
4
4
u/CarolAnne100 Jun 01 '23
I’m so very sorry for your loss. You gave her a lovely long life. May your many memories sustain you.
3
Jun 01 '23
[removed] — view removed comment
3
u/FormalMango Jun 01 '23
She did.
It was very peaceful, in the end.
The vet was lovely and kind, and I held her while she passed away.
Then we took her home, and she’s been buried under a tree in the garden.
5
u/Joelsax47 Jun 01 '23
She looks like my Little Bo who we had to put down two years ago. My sympathies.
4
u/hailhalehail Jun 01 '23
Went through this on May 5th. Lost our girl of 17 years. You have my deepest sympathies. I’m still waiting for it to get easier…
4
3
4
u/teddybear41 Jun 01 '23
Hi there, I know what it’s like to lose a friend, believe me, I know what it is like, I had a beautiful calico kitten for 18 of its years, we affectionately called her baby Dolly, and she lived to be 18 of cat years, but in human years, she was 60+ and she was very good to us although she was felt like she was spoiled so losing her. It was a very difficult time. We lost her at the height of the Covid pandemic. I couldn’t even go in to say goodbye to her. It was very very difficult, and still is to this day.
4
4
5
3
4
4
u/Optimal_Stress_1044 Jun 01 '23
She's beautiful. I'm so so sorry for your loss 🥺sending tons of hugs to you ❤️
5
u/Right_Visual_8522 Jun 01 '23
21 years is really saying something about the love & care you gave her. You will be together again someday at the Rainbow Bridge 🌈💔🐾🙏🏻
3
3
3
3
3
u/soumik777xxx May 31 '23
I'm really sorry for your baby kitty RIP at least you both made everlasting memories together ❤️❤️
3
3
3
u/shmoopieboopie May 31 '23
What a wonderful age. So many beautiful memories. My heart goes out to you ❤️🐈
3
3
3
3
3
u/Timaxza May 31 '23
My cat passed away last week she was only 6 years old. It’s so hard after all These years.
3
3
u/CatKungFu May 31 '23
So sorry your beautiful girl has passed on. She had a wonderful life because she was with you, and you were both very fortunate to have shared all that time together.
3
3
3
3
u/Still_Resolution_456 May 31 '23
I'm so very sorry for your loss; it's a pain I wouldn't wish on anyone. Keeping you in my thoughts *hugs*
3
3
3
u/Mia_iscas May 31 '23
I'm so sorry 😔 she was beautiful, and I'm sure she had an wonderful life with you.
3
u/Zorinhou May 31 '23
She's gorgeous, and while it's a tragedy indeed, it's also kind of wholesome that she kade it to 21. Stay strong!
3
u/CollegeMiddle6841 May 31 '23
Awwww.....what a great, long life. We are here for you if you want or need to chat. Our cats are approaching that age and they have never had any health issues. They are tuxedo cats, so I hear they are long-lived. Congrats on nourishing your kitty to that age, that is admirable.
3
u/FormalMango Jun 01 '23
Our tuxedo cat, who passed away about 15 years ago, lived to be 20.
I’ve always got a soft spot for tuxedo cats… our 3 year old is a tuxedo Maine Coon.
May you have many more happy years with yours ❤️
→ More replies (2)
3
u/Nicky2512 Jun 01 '23
So special , so many fond memories . She will never really leave you. Condolences.
3
u/ElenaBueno Jun 01 '23
I am so sorry for your loss 😢. She was a gorgeous little old lady. Loosing a beloved pet is so devastating....completely shatters our hearts and souls. But I try to console myself thinking about the amazing life we gave them. If she reached 21 years.... that's a long plentiful happy life by your side ☺️. Hope this thoughts ease your pain a tiny bit too. Best wishes and love 💕
6
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/Mattdehaven May 31 '23
Sorry for your loss :(
21 years is a really long, full life but it will never feel like enough time when they mean that much to you :(
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/AdRepulsive7699 Jun 01 '23
That is the absolute hardest thing to do, the worst feeling on the planet. I’m sorry.
2
2
u/silkstockings77 Jun 01 '23
I also called my baby “my lady”. Gosh, I miss her so much, even 3 years later.
2
2
u/Pipe-Comprehensive Jun 01 '23
I am sorry for your loss but you will meet her again one day. Until then may she rest in peace.
2
2
2
2
2
u/67Leobaby1 Jun 01 '23
So sorry.. I recently did the same… I know your pain. She was lovely.. blessings.🙏🏼🙏🏼
2
2
2
u/Impossible-Fun3076 Jun 01 '23
May you get the strength to deal with this loss. Stay strong . She will always watch over you.
2
2
u/smbcmee2023 Jun 01 '23
I know the feeling. My absolute best friend passed earlier in the year. I know you meant just as much to that beautiful creature as they mean to you ♥️
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/Majestydavid Jun 01 '23
My deepest sympathies. I understand what a person goes through. It’s very personal and very deep.
I am sure you gave her a great life and treasure the many years you had together.
2
2
2
u/ausofbounds Jun 01 '23
So sorry OP. This is heartbreaking but I know you two had so great times together. Hugs ❤️
2
2
u/Kotorra Jun 01 '23
Sorry for your loss, she had a lovely and long life by your side! Sending you love and good energy! ✨
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/KatLadyZan Jun 01 '23
I gave you the hearts kitty cat award, because it’s what I could spare. I know this would utterly destroy me and I’m thinking of you during this time. They take a little bit of our hearts with them when they go, as they should, as that age is a huge part of your life! And I’m heartbroken for you to lose her. RIP to your baby, I’m sure she had the best life, being loved by you. Look after yourself. ❤️
→ More replies (1)
2
u/Arlenemusume Slave of a 3 years old Brown Tabby Girl Nekochan Jun 01 '23
So sorry for your loss. I have a 10 year old tabby and I really hope I can get 10 years more with her. Your baby live a happy life thanks to you. In so Happy for that. The time with our babies always will give us happy memories. This angels are only borrowed, to make our life happier. Hugs for you
2
2
2
u/Substantial_Price_59 Jun 01 '23
My St. Frances of Assisi bring your friend safely home and bring you peace. Amen.
2
2
u/Claudiapoi Jun 01 '23
She looks like she had a great life with you..21 years! It is so hard to lose a best friend. My 20 yo Skittle died a month ago..💔.He and I got old together…😢 Grief is so hard. ♥️
2
u/Ok-Street9628 Jun 01 '23
I am so sorry, I am sure you had the most amazing 221 years together - and I bet she will make her way back to you. Thank you for shareing her sweet pictures and a little of your story, it's a beautiful way to honor and keep her close to you.
Those who love us never really leave us. If love could have made her infinity, I'm sure it would.
Remember the good times, the company, the love you shared.
2
2
2
2
u/Moon_Child720 Jun 01 '23
Beautiful quote - she lives on through you and is your angel now. My condolences.
2
u/Wild_Operation_3441 Jun 01 '23
I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful little girl. Sending you warm hugs and wishes for healing.💔
2
•
u/AutoModerator May 31 '23
Hello, and welcome to r/cats!
To view our rules, simply comment "!rules" anywhere in the comment section, or check here:
http://www.reddit.com/r/cats/about/rules
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.