To those of you with elderly cats...

[Shanndee]

My elderly female cat passed away last week. My slightly less elderly male cat seems to really miss her. I am watching him look for her under the couch right now.

We have been giving him lots of attention and treats that he couldn't have due to her special needs diet. I am going to buy him some new toys this weekend.

Any other suggestions?

(Sorry, I'm just feeling a little sad right now...

 

[TerokNor]

Sorry for your loss.

Hmm, maybe getting him a new companion? Depending, if you want to continue to have cats.

TerokNor

 

[RoJoHen]

This story makes me want to cry. It's so sad when things like this happen because the animals don't have a good grasp of what's going on.

 

[Gaseous Anomaly]

So sorry for your loss, unfortunately I've been down this path too many times myself.

You seem to be on the right track, just keep giving him attention and spoil him. As TerokNor said maybe think of getting him a new companion.

 

[pigletsgiblets]

I'm sorry for your loss.

Give him all the love and attention you can give him.

 

[Tora Ziyal]

I'm so sorry, Shanndee. Just keep on doing what you're doing -- giving him lots of extra attention. Your companionship will probably be more helpful than treats and toys.

 

[TheSeeker]

^Good advice.

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope your remaining kitty feels better soon.

I dread the day when my cats get to that age.

 

[Vulcan Princess]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

My cat used to be friends with my roommate's guinea pig. They absolutely loved each other. When my roommate moved out, my cat sat by where the guinea pig's cage used to be and moped for a week or so. After some time passed, she went back to her normal self.

 

[Shanndee]

Thank you all so much for your kind words and support. It really helps to know that so many of you understand (I have had people say "it was only a cat, I could understand if it was a dog"...some people just don't get it at all).

Its good to know that we are on the right track. I would like to be able to get Jack a new friend, but we will be moving in about 6 months and it is so much easier to find an apartment that will take 1 cat. Maybe we'll revisit this option in about 7 months. Or maybe Jack will realize that he likes to be the centre of attention and all will be well.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Amaris]

Aw. My condolences, Shanndee. It's hard to lose any pet. They're family in so many ways.

I hope your other kitty cat feels better soon.

 

[Tora Ziyal]

(I have had people say "it was only a cat, I could understand if it was a dog"...some people just don't get it at all).

That's horrible!

 

[Shanndee]

Yes, it is horrible. I didn't even know how to respond when it happened. So I really have to say another heart felt thank you to all of you.

Thank you all!

 

[RoJoHen]

We are definitely a cat-loving message board.

 

[Miss Chicken]

Sorry to hear about your loss.

The real Miss Chicken is now 13 years old and I don't really want to think about what life will be like without her. I know I will grieve greatly when she passes. I cannot see why anyone would think that the passing of a cat is less painful than the passing of a dog.

I don't think that the boy cats will miss her that much, she has always been a bit aloof from my other cats.

 

[GNDN]

I'm sorry for you and your other elder cat.

This is very sad for all of you, I know. I lost my only middle-aged cat just before the New Year. I can only offer you my sympathy and the condolence that it will hopefully get easier for all of you in time.

I still come home and half expect my Molly to be lurking somewhere or sitting on her chair.

 

[Tiberius]

I've lost some cats, and I was very upset!

One of the cats I had when I was younger had to stay at the vet's overnight, and our other cat looked all over the house for her. I remember her coming into my room, looking behind the door, then going out again.

 

[MHT1138]

I am so sorry about your cat dying. Love and attention are the best things you do for your cat. He'll eventually adjust.

 

[OmahaStar]

So sorry for your loss. My own kitty, Kira, is just a few weeks shy of turning 19. She's old, she's set in her ways, and I can't imaging what my life will be someday without her.

 

[Mary Ann]

I'm so sorry for your loss. As others have said, extra love and cuddles is the best thing for your cat right now IMO.

Whether you get a new companion for your cat should depend on your cat's personality. We adopted two cats who were half-sisters (same mother but different litters), and the older girl had to be put to sleep two years ago due to kidney failure when she was just 10. Our remaining cat mourned but cannot stand other cats, so we never got her a companion. Instead we give her extra fusses, and she's content with that.

 

[Shanndee]

Thanks everyone, I really feel better reading your responses!

I think Jack is beginning to adjust. He still looks for his friend, but he really likes being the centre of attention. He's also enjoying staking claim to the territory that was exclusively hers (that includes my husband, who was 100% Patti's property!)

We will re-visit getting him a friend once we move and find out what the new rules are. But for now I think he will be fine.

Thanks!