Dying 25 year old cat

Thank you so much for the reply.

I grabbed a blanket and will sleep (or not) tonight on the tile floor next to her. I've certainly slept in worse places. But tonight I worry about a life other than my own. That is new to me.

I just finished reading all 16 pages of the thread of that pretty little girl who brought her new friend "reeves" back to life and again, my faith in the goodness of people has been bolstered.

This place is awesome

I just came across this thread and as I am reading, the tears are streaming down my face. I truly feel for you. I know your heart is breaking right now. It is obvious how much your kitty is loved and she surely loves you in return.25 years is an amazing life, though it just makes this harder. Your kitty has been with you through so much, 25 years of life with you. Of course, you are heart broken. She is your family! Believe me, I get it. Everyone on this site gets it.
I don't really believe that your kitty is in any pain. She is just tired and wants to rest. Her poor body can't go on any longer. If she could stay for you, just know that she would. It is not her call, though. She must leave, but she will remain in your heart forever.
Just stay with her. Talk to her, comfort and love her. I truly hope she just passes in her sleep naturally.
If she must go, that would be the perfect ending to her life.
I don't feel that she is in any pain, so I don't think you must rush into anything.
I wish I had some magic words to say.
I do know the pain of losing a precious kitty. My Mickey was only 13 years old when she passed of cancer.
My heart is truly aching for you.
I am so so sorry!
What is your sweet kitty's name?
I know you referred to her as a she, but don't remember seeing her name.
Sorry if I just missed it.
Please hug your kitty for me!
She is a beautiful girl and so lucky to have someone who loves her so much.
Oh, I am crying again !!
This is so so sad!

Thank you kindly for the reply.

Her name is Kicia, pronounced "key-cha" the Polish diminutive of cat. It's the equivalent of "kitty". Not very creative, I know.

I just read through this whole thread and tears are streaming down my face. I definitely understand the pain of losing a pet (well, I say pet, but we all know pets are more like family). I lost my cat Snuffy (I know, weird name, give me a break, I was 5 when I named him) to cancer 4 years ago (he was 11 and I was 16, he was the first pet I ever had). I miss him soooo much, but I know that he was in pain and it was his time to go, but still. My chest still aches every time I think about him. I don't think that that pain will ever go away. I still dream about him from time to time. A couple times the dreams seemed so real that I was extremely sad when I woke up and he wasn't there.


25 years is a very long life for a cat, and as others have said, she's clearly had a long and happy life, but she just can't continue any longer. Losing her is going to be hard on you, being that she was such a huge part of your life. You had such an amazing bond with her and There is absolutely nothing wrong about you grieving for her. so just know that we will be here for you, and you can also call one of the phone numbers other users have suggested. There is absolutely no shame in grieving for a loved one, four-legged or not. She's a huge part of your life, and anyone who has a heart will understand why you are in pain.

sadDad said:

Thank you kindly for the reply.

Her name is Kicia, pronounced "key-cha" the Polish diminutive of cat. It's the equivalent of "kitty". Not very creative, I know.

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I had a high school friend from Poland who would always pet my cats' heads in his hand and say "kiciu!" I think that is like a... it's too early to think of the term I want to use, but like saying "kitty" instead of "cat". I think Kicia is a beautiful name

And you are among kindred folks here. People who put their cats above themselves in many cases. Some of us have put our lives on hold to care for sick or dying kitties. And we don't feel bad about it either because we love them *that* much. No one here will think that you are weird or abnormal for feeling the way you do because we are, or have been, in the same boat. Maybe a different size or color boat, but similar in nature.

Thinking about you and Kicia this morning.

Raina21 said:

(I know, weird name, give me a break, I was 5 when I named him)

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I've come to the conclusion there's no such thing as a weird name for a cat. There's a reason for each and every one, and we love them just the same.

You have already given her what she wants the most in this life, your love and a home. As she prepares to depart, your love and concern is surrounding and comforting her. I can guarantee she does not want you to be so sad on her departure, she wants only happiness and sunshine for you, and for you to go forward knowing she will always be with you, the bond you have forged for 25 years will endure for the rest of your life. Although the shell that houses the 'essence' of her is declining, she will continue to live on in your heart  through 25 years of precious memories. They all live on through the legacies of love they entrust to us, and nothing would make them happier then to know they made a difference in our lives and brought us happiness and love. My heart goes out to you, I know how difficult this is. Just lightly stroke her and tell her how much you love her and that you will hold her forever in your heart, she will be comforted to know she is loved so very much. I will pray for you both and cry for your pain, you will surely be blessed for hurting so bad from loving so much. Please know we care and will help in any way we can, try to surround yourself with people who understand and will support you in your time of sadness. Take care........please kiss sweet Kicia for me and accept my sincere acknowledgement of your pain from so far away, I wish I could take it away, I would if I could.    

Thinking of you and Kicia.
Thank-You for letting us know her name.
I love the name Kicia, sounds truly elegant, just like your Kicia is and always will be.
Let us know how you are.
I know how difficult this all is and the pain you are experiencing.
It is all so sad!
Oh, tears again!

Will be thinking about you and Kicia today. Hugs!

Yes, please keep us posted.

Thank you so much for the replies, for the kind words, but mostly thank you all for caring.

I spent the night on the floor next to her in a coat, I didn't want to take the chance of accidentally disturbing her in my sleep with a blanket.

I got up to do some things, and when I lay back down she slowly pulled herself with her front legs to be closer to me. It broke my heart.

I have to put my game face back on and go to work now. It kills me that she might die alone, while I am gone.

Again, thank you all so much for sharing the burden of this with me. You are kind people.

sadDad said:

Thank you kindly for the reply.

Her name is Kicia, pronounced "key-cha" the Polish diminutive of cat. It's the equivalent of "kitty". Not very creative, I know.

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I just wanted to let you know that I am still thinking of you and of sweet Kicia.  Thank you for telling us her name. I think it's a beautiful name. One of my cats is Sophie. My DD started calling her Sophiesaurus which was shortened to Saurus. How about that one. 

Please keep us posted. We are here for both of you. Please give Kicia a cuddle for me. I don't think that anyone here will ever forget her either.  

@sadDad , you are an amazing person. Please believe that what you are feeling is exactly how any caring person would feel in this situation. Brings tears to my eyes hearing of your experience. I strongly believe that Kicia knows you are near and is comforted some by your presence. The world is a better place with folks like you in it.

I can't tell you what to do, but I called out to be with Gracie and I don't regret it one bit. She's my family.
Don't tell them why. Just say it's an emergency.

Just read through your thread about your sweet kitty. I second about calling out. She would want you with her. Whatever needs to be done can get done tomorrow. I would if I was you, stay home with your girl. you can tell them its a family emergency. They don't need to know the details. And maybe just stay by her side. 25 years wow! What a treasure! She is beautiful and I am so sorry for what will be coming. And thank you for trusting us for a safe place to talk about whats going through your head. She loves you. will always love you.

Ginny said:

I can't tell you what to do, but I called out to be with Gracie and I don't regret it one bit. She's my family.
Don't tell them why. Just say it's an emergency.

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I agree with this 100%. If they would not be sympathetic, then there is no reason to tell them anything more than "it's a family emergency". Kicia is your family and you are hers. 

No, we cannot tell you what to do but we support you regardless. 

When Kicia crosses the bridge, she will do so 100% confident that she was, is and always will be dearly loved and she will always feel the same for you @sadDad  

Still thinking of you and Kicia.
My heart is truly breaking for you.
If you did go to work, I hope she hangs on until you return. Some kitties do, as they wish to pass with their loved one present. Yes, it would be a shame if she passed alone. Just continue to love her and comfort her. I am praying that she just passes peacefully and naturally with you by her side. I think she can, as I don't believe she is in pain. She just looks so tired, but still so beautiful! I still wish this wasn't happening to you. I wouldn't wish this pain on anyone. It is truly heartbreaking.
Let us know how you and Kicia are doing.
Thinking of you both!!

sadDad said:

Again, thank you all so much for sharing the burden of this with me. You are kind people.

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The first thing I did when I got to my computer today was come to this thread and check in, see how you and your Kicia are doing.

I wish you could have taken a couple days off, but sure if you could have you would have, I can only imagine how hard it is for you.

It is 2:30 now here in California, so I know right now wherever you are time-wise, there's a good chance you are going through a very rough time right now.

Many of us here have you in our thoughts today, just know that and hope you can take some amt of comfort in this.

I take what Kicia did, scooting closer to you, in a few ways. Showing her love for you, her way of thanking you, drawing comfort in that you are right there by her side, but also, she was comforting you. 

I wonder if our pets know that we are crying for them. I say this because of the way they view their death, the acceptance. They don't think of how they won't see us anymore like we do. That our hearts are crushed and remain bruised and tender for such a long time, endless it feels. I know how in tune my girls are to my emotions, so surely it effects them when we cry for them before letting go.

Literally impossible not to, so in my mind, I hope that they are so preoccupied with their own transition that it doesn't affect them as it normally does.

You and your lovely Kicia are in my thoughts and heart today.

Come when you can, when you are ready, and we will be here waiting to support you.

Oh no no no no no

She tried to jump on the bed, I don't know why she got her claws caught in the blanket and then struggled to death. I found her hanging there.

Oh my god no no no no

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