I wasn't going to post anything, but then I started feeling bad for passing him over. So....this is just for me and him.
One of the first things I remember when I was finally able to catch Old Tiger was how rough and worn the pads of his feet were. His ears were tattered and he looked like life had been a struggle. I had no personal experience of FIV when the bloodwork came back the day I had him neutered. I do remember that they requested I come pick him up early because he was *unruly*.
The technician gave me a talk about FIV and to this day I remember her saying, "You know, he's eventually going to get sick and die," like putting him down would be the wise decision.
Because he was usually confined away from the other kitties, I got him a harness and we would take walks in the yard when the weather allowed. Sometimes I think he actually feigned illness because he would get baby food or AD from a syringe. He actually liked that..the goof.
We had about four years together and he had numerous health issues along the way. Old Tiger eventually lost his teeth and was diagnosed with diabetes, which was controlled with oral medication. He bounced back so many times that the vet used to say that he would live forever, but he didn't. I'm not sure, but I sometimes think that they do know when you're helping them. He was certainly one of the kindest, most grateful cats I've ever known. He'd be in your lap before your butt hit the sofa, and he never failed to drool a wet spot on your pants.
This picture is of him taking in some sun in the yard the day before he died, May 25th, 2000. Rest in peace old friend.
One of the first things I remember when I was finally able to catch Old Tiger was how rough and worn the pads of his feet were. His ears were tattered and he looked like life had been a struggle. I had no personal experience of FIV when the bloodwork came back the day I had him neutered. I do remember that they requested I come pick him up early because he was *unruly*.
Because he was usually confined away from the other kitties, I got him a harness and we would take walks in the yard when the weather allowed. Sometimes I think he actually feigned illness because he would get baby food or AD from a syringe. He actually liked that..the goof.
We had about four years together and he had numerous health issues along the way. Old Tiger eventually lost his teeth and was diagnosed with diabetes, which was controlled with oral medication. He bounced back so many times that the vet used to say that he would live forever, but he didn't. I'm not sure, but I sometimes think that they do know when you're helping them. He was certainly one of the kindest, most grateful cats I've ever known. He'd be in your lap before your butt hit the sofa, and he never failed to drool a wet spot on your pants.
This picture is of him taking in some sun in the yard the day before he died, May 25th, 2000. Rest in peace old friend.
