Jules died this morning

Tybalt called me to come home from work at 5:15, that Jules was breathing very heavily and yowling. I made record time and got there in 20 minutes, he was waiting and we turned right around to head to the emergency vet. We made it about halfway down the mountain when Jules started convulsing in my arms. He died a minute or so later.

This is 5 cats we have lost since May 1st. I feel like I am losing my mind.

Jules was the friendliest, happiest cat I have ever met. He thought everyone was his friend, and had a way of wiggling his tail (we called it "happy tail") when he was excited. He was the oldest of his litter, Lilith's kits, and the first one out of the kitten cage when they were little. He was our explorer and goodwill ambassador, my little orange boy and sweetheart.

I feel so helpless. I can't understand why this is happening to us. I seriously feel like I am losing my mind. 5 in 4 weeks is more than anyone should be asked to bear.

I'm so sorry to hear of your recent losses.

It's never easy to love a beloved pet.

"There is an Indian legend which says when a human dies there is a bridge they must cross to enter into heaven. At the head of that bridge waits every animal that human encountered during their lifetime. The animals, based upon what they know of this person, decide which humans may cross the bridge.... and which are turned away..."
-- Unknown

I'm sure Jules and all your other boys and girls will be waiting there to guide you across. You gave him a wonderful life, and at least you got to be with him to say goodbye and that you loved him.

Oh, no! I am so sorry about Jules, and your others as well. That is more than one person should have to bear.

Sue,

I am so sorry to hear that you've had to deal with this again. I'm sending prayers that things will get better for you.

I am so sorry to hear about your cats. God has a reason for everything. Just keep that in mind, and trust me, by the looks of your list of babies, you will probably get many more!! {{{{hugs}}}}

Oh, honey, how absolutely awful. To lose 5 cats in one month is just horrid...I'm so very sorry. That breaks my heart to hear of your devastating loss.

Do you know the cause of death in your cats? Could it be some type of infectious disease that is passing through your colony? FIP? Ugh, it's just terrible.

Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family. May Jules join the rest of his clan happily over the Rainbow Bridge, so that he can frolic in tall grass and play again in peace.

I am so very sorry. RIP sweet Jules.

So sorry to hear this. Dont you have any idea what may be causing their deaths? I think you have def. had more than your share of sadness. ~RIP Jules~

I am very sorry Sue. Hugs to you and Ty.

I am so sorry about your losses! It is simply heartbreaking to lose so many so close together.

But when you do have an extra moment to look at your situation from the outside, I would encourage you to do so. In your home, I see a place crowded with cats. Not hoarder cats, uncared for and feral, but each precious life beloved and cherished. Each one known by name. Every member of the kitty clan known for their quirks and specialness. Each one loved, and if a kitty in need comes along, they are not turned away.

Isn't that a little like the heavenly place Jules has gone to? Although convulsions are simply horrible to witness, people who have them have no memory after. So all Jules knows is he wasn't feeling right, then Mommy was holding him...and suddenly, he was in a place that looked a LOT like his earthly home, except so much bigger! And so many more cats. All beloved like the cats of Bubastis, many purring as he walks in. And there, he finds his friends from home, and so many more. As he asks God, when will I see my Mommy again, God gently says, you can look down on her now. See her beginning to dry her tears on your brother's fur? One day she will come here to join us, but for now, she has many others to care for.

Bless you for caring for God's creatures until they are called home. I pray you will find peace, and that all your other babies stay safe and healthy.

P.S. I followed the link to your website and saw the cute pics of Jules! What a cutie!
http://www.meowornever.com/Jules.html

I'm so sorry to hear of your terrible loss

RIP Jules

I'm so sorry for your loss. RIP Jules.

It was so sad to wake up and see this, It's never easy. Bless you and Jules your in my Thoughts and Prayers

Im very sorry to hear about Jules. Maybe there is some disease going through, maybe feline leukemia?? I would get your other cats tested before you lose another.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish there was some explanation for you.

I am sorry for your loss. I wish there was a way to find out what could be causing this...

Sue, I'm so very sorry. What a horrible month for you! RIP sweet Jules

[Becky, that was lovely ]

We took him to the vet for a necropsy; we had to know what happened, in case there was a risk for the other cats. It looks like it was saddle thrombosis, a blood clot in the aorta blocking the flow of blood to the lower half of his body. http://www.petplace.com/cats/aortic-...ism/page1.aspx

It is treatable if caught in time, with surgery and medications. We just couldn't get him to the vet in enough time to save him. It could be congenital, so his siblings may be at risk, but there is no way to know unless this happens to them as well, or so it seems.

What truly devastates me reading about this is all the info seems to agree that there is tremendous pain with it. No cat deserves that, but it seems particularly cruel that it happened to him. He never, ever, not even once! picked a fight with another cat. He never growled that I ever heard, nor did I ever see him looking anything other than happy. He loved the other cats, he loved every person he met, he even met a dog at the vet's once and liked him! For him to have suffered so seems profoundly unfair.

Thanks for all the kind words and thoughts, they mean a lot to me. I don't know how to express how the last month has changed me. Part of me wants to rehome all the cats and never get another one, so I never have to deal with this kind of pain again. But I know I could never give up all my furkids. They truly are what make my life worth living. The pain of the last few weeks, though, has been undescribable.

Sue, I'm so incredibly sorry. This is more pain than anyone should ever have to withstand. You're in my prayers, may God give you strength and peace in your heart during this painful time.

Sue, I can identify with your pain. We have lost two recently. That is two too many. But when we choose to do what we do, there are consequences sometimes. God only makes us stronger through it all, and we go on. You are a special individual who goes over and beyond what others do when it comes to cats.

I am sorry for your losses my friend-