My beloved Mishi cat died unexpectedly on Monday night. He was nine years old.
After bloodwork, x-rays, and an ultrasound this summer, he was diagnosed with probable low-grade lymphoma -- so I knew his decline was inevitable. What I didn't expect was for his passing to be so sudden.
I came home and found him lifeless on the floor. Panic gave way to shock, and then to immense grief and pain.
The guilt has been overwhelming. I had researched options for in-home euthanasia, wanting to give him a peaceful end to his life. I'd carefully tracked his symptoms, making note of the good days and the bad days. I had a sense that a decision was imminent, but he died before I could make that choice for him.
He brought so much joy and comfort to my life. He was an affectionate, quirky, vocal cat, who loved every single human he met. And everyone who met him loved him right back.
Sometimes I wondered if he was a dog trapped in a cat's body -- I trained him to walk on a leash, and when I'd pick it up, he'd rush for the front door, ready to venture outside. His big, clumsy personality meant that he was always the star of the show.
We also were a bit of an odd couple: I am unbelievably allergic to cats, but was lucky enough to find Mishi (who was a stray but must be part Siberian breed) to be hypoallergenic! Mishi himself suffered from asthma, so maybe he was allergic to humans? (Luckily an inhaler kept him healthy.)
We spent the past few months living it up. Wet food every day, lots of trips outside on the leash, tons of cuddles. I'm devastated that ultimately his decline was so sudden -- just that afternoon he had met me at the door asking to go outside.
I have come to this website quite a few times over the last year to read about cat health and try to glean knowledge from others experiences. Whether they know it or not, the folks on this website helped me and Mishi through a challenging time. So I wanted to make this post to honor his life and extend my thanks to all of you.
Mishi, please know that I did my best to honor your last days on earth. I am grateful that we had nearly five wonderful years together. I miss you desperately.
(P.S. A short video with photos of my beloved Mishi here.)
After bloodwork, x-rays, and an ultrasound this summer, he was diagnosed with probable low-grade lymphoma -- so I knew his decline was inevitable. What I didn't expect was for his passing to be so sudden.
I came home and found him lifeless on the floor. Panic gave way to shock, and then to immense grief and pain.
The guilt has been overwhelming. I had researched options for in-home euthanasia, wanting to give him a peaceful end to his life. I'd carefully tracked his symptoms, making note of the good days and the bad days. I had a sense that a decision was imminent, but he died before I could make that choice for him.
He brought so much joy and comfort to my life. He was an affectionate, quirky, vocal cat, who loved every single human he met. And everyone who met him loved him right back.
Sometimes I wondered if he was a dog trapped in a cat's body -- I trained him to walk on a leash, and when I'd pick it up, he'd rush for the front door, ready to venture outside. His big, clumsy personality meant that he was always the star of the show.
We also were a bit of an odd couple: I am unbelievably allergic to cats, but was lucky enough to find Mishi (who was a stray but must be part Siberian breed) to be hypoallergenic! Mishi himself suffered from asthma, so maybe he was allergic to humans?
(Luckily an inhaler kept him healthy.)We spent the past few months living it up. Wet food every day, lots of trips outside on the leash, tons of cuddles. I'm devastated that ultimately his decline was so sudden -- just that afternoon he had met me at the door asking to go outside.
I have come to this website quite a few times over the last year to read about cat health and try to glean knowledge from others experiences. Whether they know it or not, the folks on this website helped me and Mishi through a challenging time. So I wanted to make this post to honor his life and extend my thanks to all of you.
Mishi, please know that I did my best to honor your last days on earth. I am grateful that we had nearly five wonderful years together. I miss you desperately.
(P.S. A short video with photos of my beloved Mishi here.)
