It breaks my heart to have to write this. I often come to Crossing the Bridge to try and give some comfort to others who have lost their beloved kitties and much loved friends always knowing that one day I too would reach out for that solace. Well today it that day. My beloved little Tulip passed away on Sunday from kidney failure. What makes it sadder is that I was not with her. I was away on holiday with my sister and my brother in law on the other side of the world. She was in a very good cattery together with Mischa, Katy and Dirt. I could not have wished for a better cattery but it was still not home. I take comfort in the fact that she was probably ' out of it' by this time and the cattery owner Sue gave her a cuddle towards the end. A short while ago I had taken Tulip to the vet because she was getting thinner and frailer. They had diagnosed hyperthyroid problems and she was on medication. However the vet warned me that if this may mask problems with her kidneys. This appeared to be the case. She stopped eating and drinking on Friday and could not be tempted with chicken, turkey,minced beef,pilchards or any regular cat food. The cattery became concerned and took her to the vet where he diagnosed acute kidney failure. My mother was contacted and had the dreadful decision on Tulips life. The vet could have prolonged Tulips life for perhaps a day, perhaps a week with intravenous feeding and pain killers. Why? Just for selfish reasons on my behalf. I think she had been ill for some time but she was just so good at masking any problems and it was not in her nature to give in to anything. My wonderful, feisty, spiteful, spoiled little bully of 18 years went to the Rainbow Bridge and is now bullying those that went before her - Harry Flashman, Effie and Annie who she knew from kittenhood. Albie and Pushka - 2 strays that she pushed around despite being more than half their size. I try not to feel guilty as Tulip had a very long and happy life full of everything she wanted - she was warm, never hungry and much loved.
Jump high Tulip - I miss you.
For Tulip- jumping over the stars
Jump high Tulip - I miss you.
