We had two cats this morning. Now we have one.

[firecat]

We had to say goodbye to our cat Angus today.

We had to say goodbye to our cat Angus today.

His mobility has been declining over the past 18 months, to the point
where we sometimes had to bring him food, carry him to the litterbox,
and clean him after he used the box. But otherwise he seemed reasonably
content. This afternoon he was uninterested in food, which is very
unusual for him. But he asked to be lifted onto the couch to cuddle with
us.

A few hours later, he suddenly began open-mouthed panting. I took him to
the emergency vet. They put him in an oxygen cage for a while and gave
him meds to calm him. An X-ray showed that he probably had fluid in his
chest. I was kind of expecting that. They gave him some diuretics and he
was able to breathe room air, but his breathing was still labored.

I wasn't surprised about the fluid in his chest. But another X-ray also
showed a mass in his chest. The vet said that even if we took care of
the fluid, the mass was contributing to his breathing problems. She said
we could pursue further diagnosis and treatment, and laid out all our
options, but it was clear that further treatment would be stressful on
us and him.

We thought Angus would prefer not to be put through that. We didn't want
to bring him home because his breathing was still labored. We decided we
needed to put him to sleep.

---

I love and need cats, but I sure hate this part. There are going to be
so many Angus-shaped holes in my life now.

When I woke up in the morning, the first thing I did was bring him his
medicine (to treat his chronic constipation), which he actually liked.

He always had a huge appetite. At some point he learned to bang his food
bowl on the table when he was hungry.

After he ate his breakfast, he would nap next to the sunny window.

At night I often listen to an audiobook and play a computer game. Angus
would lie next to me and ask for belly rubs. He loved getting belly rubs
for hours.

Comments

[trouble]

I'm so sorry. <3

[firecat]

Thank you.

[meloukhia]

I'm so sorry.

Those tuxedo cats sure can be toublemakers. I love that story about him banging his food dish when it was meal time.

*loves*

[firecat]

Thank you. He definitely made his opinions known.

[submarine_bells]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

One of our most personality-endowed and engaging cats was a tuxedo cat. We were absolutely heartbroken when he died, and I still miss him, years later. I'd never want to live without cats around; but it's always so very hard when they die. *longhugs*

[firecat]

{hugsback} Thank you. He had scads of personality.

[auntie_m]

So sorry to hear this. He was definitely a handsome cat, and obviously a lovable trouble maker. *hugs* to his people.

[firecat]

{hugsback} Thank you. Would that all troublemakers were so lovable.

[serene]

Goodbye, sweet Angus! I'm so sorry.

[firecat]

Thank you for this and for your IMs.

[musyc]

Oh, I'm so sorry. I know how hard that decision is. :\

[wordweaverlynn]

I am so sorry. He sounds like a cat with an outstanding personality.

[firecat]

Thank you. His personality was as big as the rest of him.

[oursin]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[st_aurafina]

Oh, I'm so sorry! Poor old fellow - I'm glad he had people around him who loved and cared for him right to the end.

[firecat]

Thank you. We did our best.

[redbird]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[ironed_orchid]

I'm really sorry.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[amethystfirefly]

We're sorry for your loss. :( -hugs-

[firecat]

{hugsback} Thank you.

[datagoddess]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[cavlec]

Goodbye to a wonderful cat, and sympathies to you. A good tuxie is a work of art.

[firecat]

Thank you. He was a masterpiece all right.

[jazzfish]

:( I'm sorry to hear that.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[grammarwoman]

I am so sorry - losing a member of your family is really hard.

[firecat]

Thank you. It really is.

[evilawyer]

I'm sorry. He sounds like he was a good cat.

[firecat]

Thank you. He was wonderful.

[cereta]

I am so, so sorry.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[pulchritude]

My condolences for your loss.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[sauscony]

I'm so sorry.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[shanaqui]

*sends love*

[firecat]

Thank you. <3

[eggcrack]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[copperjet.myopenid.com]

I am so sorry to hear this. I didn't realize his health was challenged.
How are you all doing? I haven't heard how Biscuit is doing...?
Sorry if I have been out of touch.
*hugs*

[firecat]

Thank you. {hugsback} More on IM...

[betonica]

So very sorry for your loss. I lost a tuxedo cat I was very close to several years ago, and still miss him, although it's no longer so painful. I'd already gotten another cat (to be friends with him) and that cat is doing his best to make up the difference. I'm glad Angus had you!

[firecat]

Thank you. I got Angus to be a companion to Biscuit, who's still around, having outlived two companions now. Since Biscuit was diagnosed with cancer last month, I never expected to lose Angus first. She is a comfort.

[megwrites]

My sympathies, condolences, and hugs (if you want them). I'm so sorry for your loss. Angus sounds like a wonderful cat and terrific feline friend.

[firecat]

{hugsback} Thank you. He was a great companion.