Goodbye Boris

I lost Boris, the cat I have had the longest, today.  Last night he had not eaten late supper (I'm a night time person,) but sometimes Boris did that.  I had a hard time finding him, and when I did he did not seem right.  Shortly thereafter he started breathing rapidly.  I took him to the emergency vets at 4:30 AM.  They rushed him into treatment as his breathing was so bad.  They said his temperature was 96, his heart was not beating strong and his breathing was at 150 per minute.  They said he had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.  His lungs had so much liquid they could not see his heart on the x-rays.  I left him with them.  I got a call at 8:00 AM from the vet.  She had not given me much hope earlier, and now she was recommending euthanasia.  I spoke to my regular vet who told me that even if he did pull out of the health crash, that he would probably not live six months and it would be difficult for him.

It all happened so quickly that I had trouble making the decision.  But at 3:30 PM Boris was euthanized.  He was just short of his fourth birthday, May 3.  

Boris was a Siberian, a very healthy, long lived breed.  I had expected to grow old with him, hoping to outlive him so he would not have to be rehomed after my death.  I bonded with him closely, expecting a long, wonderful friendship.  I am devastated.  

He was a very good looking cat, and unusual looking also with all the fur around his foot pads, tufts in his ears and a long fluffy tail.  Siberians have triple coats.  My vet said Boris was his favorite cat to pet because that triple coat felt so nice.  He was the belly rub king.  He liked to sleep on my lap.  He liked for me to position my arm so he could lay with my arm around him.  I enjoyed that so much.  He made the cutest noises.  Chirps, trills and quiet meows.  He was with me when I was getting over some health problems and I don't think things would have gone as well without his love and affection.  He had an attitude and you had to learn the "Boris Rules,"  but if you followed those rules he was great. 

I loved him so much.  I am missing him so much.  I won't get over this soon.  I'm getting snugs from my other cats.  I'm not sure how I would handle it without those sweet guys.

So sorry for your loss! I cannot even imagine how such a loss would feel. What a beautiful tribute to him.

Rest in Peace Boris. You will be missed.

I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss. Boris was too young and too special. It's not fair!      Your timeline of events that early morning were almost identical to what I went through with my 14/15-year-old Sebastian in March. Virtually the same symptoms, except Sebastian couldn't walk normally due to a clot, and his body temp was only 93. It's an awful thing to witness, and I too was (am) devastated.

Boris was absolutely stunning and sounds like he was the perfect companion. It will be difficult for you in the coming days and weeks ahead, but you'll get through it and with time things will get better as you begin replace the devastation and pain with acceptance and fond memories. We're all hear to support you. If it helps to talk (type) about it, please come back and let us know how you and the other kitties are doing.

 

My heart is crushed when I hear the incredible pain that comes with losing such a wanted, loved cat. Although his time came much too soon, the bond he formed with you in those short years was forged strong and for eternity. You could never have let him suffer, I know the decisions we have to make when we are under such devastating fear and concern can be examined later and gone over again and again, but to do so  doesn't change the outcome and you did all you could out of love and devotion.   Try to not dwell on the end, there was nothing you did that could change a condition that he was most likely born with, that he lived with such a condition for the years he did shows the care and loved he received. You gave him a wonderful home full of loving family and caring hearts, he could not have asked for more. He received a vets care at the end, you did all you could, now he as peace and his soul is filled with the knowledge that he will never be forgotten on this earth, and thanks to your beautiful tribute will be in the thoughts and prayers of many who care. I will pray for this beautiful boy, and for you to find happiness and peace again in your heart, it is as he would want for the one he loved so very much. Let your precious memories comfort you and let us share the burden of your grief, we know all too well how crushing it can be. Be gentle to yourself and cling to those sweet ones who remain in your care, they need you now as much as you need them to help you through this. It WILL get better, time will soften your pain, but time takes so long. We learn to go on with living, holding those who had to leave us so gently in our loving hearts. RIP sweet Boris, the world is definitely a little darker with your passing, but the light that you brought to your loving family will shine bright forever more in the heavens that tenderly embrace you now! 

My condolences to you. So sorry to hear about your Boris.

“Where you used to be, there is a hole in the world, which I find myself constantly
walking around in the daytime, and falling in at night. I miss you like hell.”
― Edna St. Vincent Millay​

Click to expand...

I loved this picture of Boris you posted recently:
http://www.thecatsite.com/t/314458/cats-up-close-february-2016-picture-of-the-month/60#post_3941916

Oh, no. I'm so sorry you've lost Boris to HCM, especially at just 4. It must have been an incredible shock. RIP, you beautiful boy.

He was such a beautiful boy, it is crushing to lose a loved companion. I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Boris

I'm so sorry about Boris. He was such a beautiful cat, inside and out.

I'm very sorry for your loss of beautiful Boris. So sad he was taken so soon. RIP Boris.

My heart sank when I saw this post.  What a terrible shock for you.  I am so sorry for your loss.  Handsome Boris, you will be forever loved and cherished.  

I went through this from 2008-2010 with Flash.  He too had HCM but we caught the first bout probably within minutes of the clot lodging in a vessel.  He spent five days in the hospital.  Here is the thing:  HCM is progressive and incurable.  With drugs maybe you get six months, maybe you get a year and six months, but nothing will stop it.  In the meantime, even though life is prolonged, there will be emergency visits if you catch them in time -- and if you don't your friend will still die.  Toward the last few weeks of Flash's life he even threw microclots that went into his brains causing seizures.  We had to euthanize him eventually, but sadly we should have done it 24 hours earlier than we did -- and I know he was suffering as I was with him while we waited for the vet to come over.

You loved Boris and he loved you.  You didn't cause his HCM in any way -- it is purely genetic.  Moreover, given the amount of fluid he had built up, treatment would not necessarily have saved him in the first place.  The location of the clot determines how quickly fluid builds up in the heart and also the kind of damage that is taking place as blood flow internally is compromised.  Flash's clot was just above his right, front paw, probably the "best" place for it to go, and he had to have a portion of it amputated due to necrosis as it wasn't getting any blood supply.  Imagine the more common location where the artery splits into the two hind legs -- that's a very difficult cure especially if it has been there a while.

I am sorry about what happened to Borris but take solace that you were not responsible for his illness.

Thank-you for all your kind words.  It is helpful in getting through this most difficult time.  

I'm trying not to feel responsible.  Since he depended on me so much, it is difficult not to.  I find myself reading about HCM, trying to establish or disprove my guilt.  I suspect it is just one of those terrible thing that happens, and perhaps I will accept that before long.  

I never knew something could hit me this hard.  But I never dreamed I could lose Boris like this.

He was usually nearby.  He often would lie on my desk, in the chair next to me, on the floor three feet from me or in my lap.  When he wasn't in one of those places, he was on the big cushion in the back room.  It is about four feet above the ground and the perfect spot for belly rubs.  When he would see me coming he would roll over and present his belly.  Those belly rubbing sessions were such a great break from my daily routine.   He had many favorite spots to sleep in the bedroom while I slept.  When I was outside, he would often be in the window watching me.

When I was sad or upset, he would stand up with his paws on my leg and look me in the face as if to say, "What's wrong, Jim?"  I would smile and pet him.  As soon as he saw me smile, he would take off, job done. 

I miss my boss.

Diamond and Sammy, are confused.  Other wise they seem OK.  I think my grief may be affecting them more than anything else.  They are eating fine.  These were three competitive males.  Diamond and Sammy may miss Boris, but they may also be pleased at not having as much competition.  I suspect they'll be OK, but I am watching them.  It does seems eerily quiet around here.  Their affection really helps.

The breeder has offered me another kitten at no charge.  Siberians can be long lived, 20 years plus, and at this point I think I am a little old for a kitten.  Even 3 years, nine months ago when I got Boris, I thought I was taking a chance, though I am reasonable healthy.  I would hate for a cat to have to be rehomed if my circumstances were to change.  I'm pretty sure I'll get another cat, but it will be a little while and it probably won't be a kitten.

Once again, thank you all for your kindness.

I'm very, very sorry. I went through a similar thing with the Rogue, who didn't reach his third birthday. I also have no idea how people can handle this without having other cats around. Thank you for considering taking in another cat in the future.

Jim, it is a normal part of the grieving process to have these feelings of guilt and should haves and what ifs. I did. And as I replayed the situation in my mind and thought about all the scenarios, I eventually came to the realization that I did nothing wrong and there's nothing else I could have done. I know it's easier said than done, but I have to say it because it's the truth: Please don't blame yourself. This is not your fault.

Boris was so lucky to have someone like you to love him. 

I'm glad that Diamond and Sammy seem okay and that you are keeping an eye on them. I'm still trying to help my Caesar get through his grief, and it's been rough. It's like lemon juice on a papercut, and I don't wish it upon anybody. It's bad enough to be grieving yourself, but to have a severely grieving cat just makes it so much more intense.

And, yes, how thoughtful of you to consider another kitty in the future. I tend to adopt cats over 8 years old. Sebastian was estimated to be 8 when I adopted him, and he turned out to be my "soulcat"!

It was a shock to see this thread, and I'm so sorry you know your sweet Boris. It's especially hard since he was so young and this came out of the blue. He was such a handsome boy and I always loved seeing his photos in the picture threads.

RIP big Boris.

I'm glad you have your other kitties to help you through. Take care.

Things are getting better.  Sunday was bad.  Yesterday was better.  Today would have been Boris's birthday, so I am having a tough day.  Missing him so much.

The breeder has offered me a retired breeder instead of a kitten, if that's what I would like.  I have looked at her web page with pictures and descriptions.  They are some beautiful kitties.  She choose them for their great personalities also.  They are raised in her home, underfoot as it were, and they are well socialized.  I'm not ready yet and it will probably be a while before I get another kitty.  

Those kind of anniversaries are a kick in the stomach. I am so sorry 

Sorry for your loss. He knows he was loved. RIP Boris

Jim, I am so sorry to hear this news. You couldn't have known, so please try not to feel guilty about anything. As tough as it is, it does get easier with time. There will always be "those moments" that will still get you, but it does get better.
Thursday will just be 3 months ago that I lost Angel.
I never saw it coming either. I never expected him to get lymphoma.
As much as it still hurts, I know I did everythig I could, trying to give him a fighging chance with chemo.
It was just too strong & took over before even getting half way through it.

I will pray for you as you go through this. I'm glad you at least have the other kitties there for you.
That's something I don't have. Angel was my one & only, & my Soul kitty too.

It makes me sad to think that we have lost so many of our special TCS kitties in the past few months.
Too many.

RIP sweet boy!

Boris Diamond said:

 
Things are getting better.  Sunday was bad.  Yesterday was better.  Today would have been Boris's birthday, so I am having a tough day.  Missing him so much.

The breeder has offered me a retired breeder instead of a kitten, if that's what I would like.  I have looked at her web page with pictures and descriptions.  They are some beautiful kitties.  She choose them for their great personalities also.  They are raised in her home, underfoot as it were, and they are well socialized.  I'm not ready yet and it will probably be a while before I get another kitty.  

Click to expand...

I know you miss him.     With Sunday being the very next day, I can understand that. The third day was my worst day, and it was also a Sunday (Sebastian passed on Thursday night).

Take as much time as you need on getting another cat and allow your heart to be fully open and ready. I have looked online at the listing of cats at the local shelters out of curiosity, but I am not yet ready either. Not only that, but me and my s/o were waiting for our herd to thin, so to speak, before getting any more.  

Angels mommy said:

It makes me sad to think that we have lost so many of our special TCS kitties in the past few months.
Too many.

Click to expand...

Me too!     And I'd like to comment on this a little more over on Sebastian's thread........