RIP Pippin
We took our older cat, Pippin, to the vet for the last time today. He had just been on December 8 for a check up and all was well then. His kidney disease was under control with the prescription cat food we were feeding him.
About 2 weeks ago, he seemed bored with his food - he would eat a little then look at us like he wanted something else. We had a sample bag of another kidney food which we gave him then, and that seemed to satisfy him for a few days. Then he started eating less and less.
I think he stopped eating 2 days ago. Due to my work schedule with its 12-hour shifts, today was as early as we could take him in. Feeling his body, the vet found a huge mass in his abdomen. It was surely cancer so we said goodbye and stayed with him as the vet put him to sleep.
We've had him 16 years. He was part of a feral cat colony in nearby Campbell. He was trapped by the Humane Society, neutered, and his ear was notched, marking him for release back to the wild. For some reason, another group took him and we adopted him from them. He was our second feral. The first had tamed well after a few months - Seven was never friendly to other people, but he was affectionate and friendly with us. Not so Pippin. He never truly got comfortable around anyone. He did request petting, but only from me, and I had to sit in a particular place on the couch and pet him with one hand. Two hands scared him.
Maia, our 5-year-old cat, has been looking for him today and sniffing around his usual sleeping spots. We're going to see how she deals with his loss. If she seems too lonely, we'll get her a companion.
Farewell, beloved Pippin. You were born wild but you died loved.
About 2 weeks ago, he seemed bored with his food - he would eat a little then look at us like he wanted something else. We had a sample bag of another kidney food which we gave him then, and that seemed to satisfy him for a few days. Then he started eating less and less.
I think he stopped eating 2 days ago. Due to my work schedule with its 12-hour shifts, today was as early as we could take him in. Feeling his body, the vet found a huge mass in his abdomen. It was surely cancer so we said goodbye and stayed with him as the vet put him to sleep.
We've had him 16 years. He was part of a feral cat colony in nearby Campbell. He was trapped by the Humane Society, neutered, and his ear was notched, marking him for release back to the wild. For some reason, another group took him and we adopted him from them. He was our second feral. The first had tamed well after a few months - Seven was never friendly to other people, but he was affectionate and friendly with us. Not so Pippin. He never truly got comfortable around anyone. He did request petting, but only from me, and I had to sit in a particular place on the couch and pet him with one hand. Two hands scared him.
Maia, our 5-year-old cat, has been looking for him today and sniffing around his usual sleeping spots. We're going to see how she deals with his loss. If she seems too lonely, we'll get her a companion.
Farewell, beloved Pippin. You were born wild but you died loved.