Stripey. 1996-2013. A life well lived.

This Tuesday morning, my darling Stripey suddenly declined very fast. We rushed him to the vets but he was in acute kidney failure and was too far gone to do anything. We made the decision to put him to sleep based on his age and bleak prognosis. So about 9am, cuddled up in my arms he bowed out.

I've felt inconsolable since, cried until everything hurt and have been walking around feeling like someones ripped my heart out. Coming home is difficult at the moment, because he would always rush the front door when I came in and demand a fuss...

Today I've been feeling able to reflect more happily on his life. He was just shy of hitting his 17th birthday, and has had a wonderful healthy and fulfilled life. I think if cats have bucket lists, Stripey accomplished everything.

Stripey joined our family on my 6th birthday, I loved animals and my mum and nan had found this cheeky faced gorgeous smoky tabby kitten, he grew up into a gorgeous big cat and everyone who saw him thought he was just the most handsome chap, and boy did he know it.

He has been there through every high and low with me, with his uncanny ability to always know when I was sad and needed cheering up.

He had a wild sense of humor and was so playful even into his final days, he was a big foodie too, and developed an adorable middle aged pooch which even the vets found amusing (One actually noted it in a jokey way and Stripey retaliated, unimpressed

My condolences to you. He was a beautiful cat and was well loved.   Run free across the Bridge, Stripey

Beautiful Stripey

Thank you for sharing the story and photos of your wonderful Stripey. I'm so sorry for your loss. I think your bond is too strong to be broken and you will meet again.
~ Fly Free Stripey ~

Beautiful cat. Sorry for your loss. Lately there have been alot of cats on this site that have passed away. Truly sad. Cat,dog,birds,whatever they are our life family and we loved them alot.

dejolane

What a beautiful cat Stripey was! He was so loved by you and your family, he loved you back just as well. You will always have him in your heart, only time will bring you any relief from the pain. I know it's so hard to realize we'll never see them again, but we will in time, I know they are all waiting at the Rainbow Bridge. Please accept my condolences, let us all share in your grief, we have all lost a precious one and know how hard it is to go on. RIP beautiful Stripey, please give your mommy some kind of sign you are alright, and you will be waiting for her, as did my Chrissy when she sent the shooting star.

What a beautiful boy! It must be so difficult to have to say good-bye to a being that shared most of your life with you. RIP, Stripey.

I am so sorry for your loss of beautiful Stripey.  What a gorgeous kitty and that belly just begs to be rubbed.  RIP, sweet Stripey, you are dearly missed.

Hugs,

Amy

What a handsome little boy he is. I'm so sorry for your loss

What a wonderful tribute to Stripey. I'm so sorry for your loss. Our furry friends make a tremendous impression on our hearts and lives. May remembering him make you smile. He was a very handsome being!!

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. He was stunning! RIP Stripey.

I am so sorry for you loss. He was truly a magnificent cat, just beautiful. He looks so huggable in the pictures. One thing I did that really helped me when I lost my sour mate cat, Max, is I wrote his life story. I wrote everything I could think of about him. I furnished a copy to his vet and his previous owner. I never wanted to forget any little detail about him That was in 2005. Now I still read my booklet and cry. But I smile too remembering. Warmest hugs and peace. Rest in peace dear kitty. You are loved and missed.

I am so sorry for your loss.  Stripey was a beautiful cat.  17 is a good long time for a cat.  Unfortunately a good long time usually ends up with kidney failure.  Count those 17 years as a blessing.  Look at his pictures with love and rememberance.

Thank you all for the kind words. I have felt a bit... lighter I suppose after writing this, like I have some kind of closure.

Blueyedgirl5946 that is a great idea, I have started a scrap book of pictures and I think I will add all his best moments to it.

I am really grateful that he got to such a good age, and also that he had a fantastic life-He really was the most happy and vivacious cat right up until his last day.

I still miss him terribly though, I think I probably always will xx

I am so very sorry for your loss. I sincerely trust the wonder and joy he gave you can sustain you through this difficult time. And oh my, Stripey was indeed beautifully. (Btw, as a child we had a cat named Stripey -hopefully they will meet at the bridge while they wait for us) . Please take care of yourself! These traumas are very stressful so you need to give yourself time to heal!