Friday, October 15, 2010

Loss of a pet...


This week we lost one of our kitties. Sissy, the one on the right became very sick last Saturday. I noticed her hanging around in the bathroom of all places. She was laying in front of the toilet. As I got ready for church on Sunday morning she was still there in front of the toilet. I noticed a small puddle on the bare floor next to the rug. I cleaned it up and knew I had to take her to the vet. Only they were closed on Sunday and we were on our way to church. When we got back from church she was still there in the bathroom. She did move around a little and she was wobbly on her back legs. I thought maybe she had been injured somehow. I couldn't imagine how since she was an indoor cat and there wasn't much inside that could injure her. As the day went on I recalled how early Saturday morning I found a leaf on the floor that one of the cats had chewed from a Chrysanthemum plant that my brother in law purchased for me a few days before. I got to thinking, maybe the plant is poisonous to cats. I can never have fresh flowers in the house without having to place them somewhere high up that the cats won't get into them. These were not up high. In fact my sister in law placed them on the floor next to the television for a splash of color. They were so pretty and instantly made the room look like fall. As soon as I got home from church I looked on Google to see if it could be the plant. There it was, high toxicity to cats. Oh, no. Monday morning I picked her up and she felt cold so I placed her on my lap to warm her. She stayed there for a long time (not like her at all) The Vet's office opens at 8am so I called them as soon as I could and they said to bring her right in. I did, when they took her temperature it was below normal and they placed a hot water bottle next to her. The doctor came in and looked her over. I told her I suspected it was the plant and she wasn't entirely convinced that was the cause of her illness. She was 12 years old and that is pretty old for a cat I guess. I thought they lived to be 20 or so. Anyway, she said that they would keep her and hydrate her through an I.V. and do a blood test. I left and about an hour later the doctor called and said her kidneys had shut down which wasn't good. She said why not keep her on the fluids and see if the kidneys started to work again. I agreed. First thing Tuesday morning I got another call from the vet's office. They said she was no better and that in all honesty if she hasn't responded by now, she most likely wouldn't.
Well, this isn't how I expected my week to start. So sad. We all are missing her little face. Molly, our other cat keeps looking in closets and around doorways for her. But I think she has stopped now. She seems to know she is gone and isn't looking anymore. We aren't going to get another cat to replace her. Needless to say, the chrysanthemum is outside now where it isn't a temptation to our other cat Molly.

11 comments:

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I know you will miss your little kitty. But it's good you told us about what happened as a warning to others with cats. My cats used to love eating my house plants and I didn't keep any around when they were here. Sadly now they are all gone due to old age. The last were 16 and 18 years old so we did enjoy many happy days. (((Hugs))) to you today.

Libby said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I have 3 dogs and a cat and can't imagine losing any of them.

Take care of yourself.

pam said...

I am so sorry. Sending you lots of hugs.

Anonymous said...

I'm really sorry, it's so hard to lose a friend. Katherine?Apifera Farm

Sheila Y said...

So sorry for your loss. Some cats do live longer but it is usually an exception instead of the rule. We had an outside cat (daughter was allergic, but loves cats) who passed away shortly before we moved to NC. Most outside cats don't live more than 5 years, but she was almost ten. So I am glad she was around as long as she was.

Jody V said...

Kathy,

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how that feels. We have had and lost pets ourselves.

Hang in there and cherish her memory.

Jody

Dutch said...

I am so sorry for your loss Kathy. I know it is a very hard thing when we lose a pet. Hugs

Amanda Kiska said...

So sorry, Kathy.

Schnitzel and the Trout said...

Oh Kathy..so sorry. We lost our dog on Monday and now you. This has been a tough week. I know what you are going through. Good thoughts and prayers to you. Susan

Bookncoffee said...

Oh no. I am so sorry Kathy. I know this is heartbreaking... I'm sorry I am not reading much. I catch blogs here and there. I let facebook and Frontierville steal my time. Take care though and I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers as you miss your sweet cat. They are so special and I know you will hold on to the memories. Don't feel bad about that plant b/c no one knew.
Sonya

Judi said...

OH Kathy! My heart breaks for you! I am so sorry for your loss. What a terrible tragedy....!!! I am sure you are so sad. Losing a beloved family pet is so difficult.
God Bless you all and I pray that it was not the plant but that it was truly her time and that God called her home! But, just to be sure--happy to know that you aren't taking any chances and that you have removed it!
Thinking of you!
Onward!
Judi