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

[nanila]

Oh, I'm so sorry. My condolences. Good night, Angus.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[eeyore_grrl]

I'm very sorry to hear that. The loss of loved family pet/member is not easy.

(hugs)

[firecat]

{hugsback} Thank you. It's so hard.

[centuryplant]

I'm so sorry. What a fine tuxedo cat he was.

[firecat]

Thank you. The finest.

[twisted_times]

Sorry to hear you've lost a furry loved one; I'm a big cat fan (and a fan of big cats) and have seen some of my own come and go. *sends lots of hugs if you want them*

[firecat]

{hugsback} Big cats are the best.

[bcholmes]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[merielle]

Very sorry for your loss.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[elainegrey]

With warmth and love from our household of felines and their people, and our condolences, to your and yours.

[firecat]

Thank you to people and felines.

[jae]

So sorry, Stef. And yeah, this part sucks.

-J

[firecat]

Thanks. It really does.

[striped]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[mixofsun]

I'm so very sorry for your loss.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[zillah975]

Oh, no. I'm so, so sorry.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[necturus]

Ouch.

Hugs.

[firecat]

{hugsback} Yeah.

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

*big hugs* oh I've been there. That's a great picture of him. I'm still very glad I have pics of Shroom.

[firecat]

{hugsback} The pictures bring comfort after the pain has faded.

[bibliofile.livejournal.com]

Aw, what a handsome creature! I'm so sorry for your loss. Belly rub cats are the best.

[firecat]

Thanks. They are!

[eveningstartwo.livejournal.com]

**hugs**

[firecat]

{hugsback} Are those your kitties? They're beautiful.

[gconnor.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Those are some great memories. *hug* Take care...

[firecat]

Thank you. {hugback}

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

Oh, darlin', I'm so sorry... hugs and comfort offered.

[firecat]

Thank you. {hugsback}

[loracs.livejournal.com]

Yes, this is the hardest part of having pets. It never gets easier. The only thing that makes this part bearable is the years of love they give us. Condolences and hugs to everyone who loved Angus.

[firecat]

It sure doesn't get easier, does it? {hugsback} and thanks.

[pachamama.livejournal.com]

So sorry for your loss.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[fimbrethil.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[firecat]

Thank you. That's a great icon.

[liveavatar.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear this -- he was a beautiful cat, clearly much loved and happy.

[firecat]

Thank you. All he needed to be happy was a full food bowl and lots of belly rubs.

[nitoda]

So sorry you had to make that hard decision, but I'm sure it was the right one and if he could thank you for it, he would. I sometimes wish we had that option with our beloved humans. ::hugs::

[firecat]

{hugsback} Thank you. I sure as heck wish we had that option with humans too.

[graymalkin13.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry. I will be thinking of you and Angus.

[firecat]

I hope he's frolicking with your kitties somewhere.

[yarram.livejournal.com]

My condolences.

[firecat]

Thank you.

[janetmiles.livejournal.com]

I am sorry for your loss. May time diminish the pain and let the bright memories shine.

[firecat]

Thank you. It's pretty neat that time is able to do that.