Panther - February 11, 2016

Panther was an adult (5 - 6-year-old) stray turned into the shelter a year ago. It very quickly became apparent that he had behavioral problems, so there was some suspicion that he was a surrender rather than an actual stray. He was completely unpredictable and attacked people without provocation, sending some shelter workers, vet's staff and a visitor to the ER or doctor's office. He was forever on the go, pacing in his cat room like a panther in a cage, and overgroomed, licking his belly and legs bare. It became very common to hear, "Don't go in there, Panther bites!" or "What are we going to do with Panther?" He became so risky to deal with that he was moved into the shelter's feral enclosure back in the spring. He had a lot of room there and calmed down considerably. We were so pleased to see the hair growing back on his stomach and legs and were able to let down our guard quite a bit around him.

Panther was a real beauty who impressed everyone who saw him. He was smart and funny, an escape artist with a comical squawk who amused himself in endearing ways. One of his favorite pastimes was knocking over pitchers of water, but he wanted the big pitcher, not the small one. :lol3:

Just before Christmas Panther became ill and was diagnosed with giardia and E coli. He was moved back inside and treated, and we figured he could soon go back into the feral enclosure. It wasn't to be. The last few weeks saw a real change in behavior, with Panther showing his caretakers lots of affection. He didn't seem to be in pain and was still a clown, but he had trouble keeping his food down. Yesterday he was diagnosed with advanced cancer and put to sleep.

One of the most apt descriptions of Panther came from a shelter worker: "Panther wants to be loved, but he just doesn't know how to behave." We saw the affectionate side to him those last few weeks, and returned the love. He was a "problem child", but he was our "problem child".

You won't be forgotten, pretty Panther. Rest in peace.

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Thank you to yourself and the shelter staff for taking such great care of Panther.  He was well loved and will take that love with him to the rainbow bridge.  I am sure Panther has taken a piece of everyone's heart that was involved in taking care of him.  I am very sorry for your loss and hugs to all of you during this difficult time. 

Rest in peace Panther!

I'm so sorry to see this, Tricia.  He was a real character--I know you'll miss him.  Rest in peace, little Panther.  

Pretty Panther.  I'm glad he found a good and loving home with you folks at the shelter.  I'm so sorry for your loss.

He was so lucky to have found a place in this world that understood him and loved him despite his 'catitudes' He was a part of your cat family and will be sorely missed, I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

He is at peace now, you spared him the pain and suffering he surely would have went through, and I'm sure it comforted him at the end to have those he loved so dearly nearby. His pranks were to gain attention, attention he wasn't sure how to handle. Thank you for loving this boy and showing him that the world can be a place of love and security. My heart cries for each and every little one that passes from this earth, but especially for those who never know what a true family can be like. Take care....... RIP sweet Panther, I pray your journey to the Rainbow Bridge will be swift and that you may find the family of cats there welcoming and full of love. You have left your mark on this world, and will never be forgotten!

I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and the staff.

RIP sweet Panther

What a beautiful boy, I am glad that he was loved. RIP Panther

So sorry about Panther. But he had love and affection from you and the staff. May he be healthy and happy at Rainbow Bridge. Maybe he will make friends with my Tony! Tony loved everybody.

What a terrific photo of Panther!  His impish personality is just shining through.  I'm so sorry he has left you.  He sounds like he was a very special little guy who broke a lot of hearts when he passed.  Rogues do have such a way of winning our affections!   I'm glad he was able to get the love he wanted and needed at the end.    

RIP dear Panther!      

RIP Panther. He sounds like a special boy.

I can't say anything better than waht everyone has already said. Thank you & the rest of the shelter staff for caring for him, dispite his issues. I'm sure he was grateful for your care. R.I.P Panther. 

RIP Panther. Your family at the shelter will never forget you. i'm sure that there are plenty of kitties that greeted him as he crossed the bridge. He was a very handsome boy. He looked a lot like my Henry. Here's his shelter pic and bio

Poor panther. He got love and now he's at peace.

So very sorry for your loss, jcat . These black and white tuxes just steal my heart. He was a blessed cat to have a home at the shelter and people who loved him in spite of himself. It is a shame that sometimes the things these fur babies go through are part of their development into adult cats. The result is not always good. But I am sure this boy knew that he had love in this world. They always tear our hearts apart when they leave us. Rest in peace, beautiful Panther. :kitty2: