If you’re here for the Farmhouse Friday Link Party, I’m skipping it this week because one of our cats passed and my heart just isn’t into hosting the party. Farmhouse Friday will return next Friday, February 1st.
This week I had to say goodbye to one of the best friends I ever had. If there is such a thing as a pet soulmate, it was her.
She succumbed to an injection site carcinoma that she fought for over a year caused from a vaccine shot. It only happens to every one in 15,000 cats (lucky us). But we are lucky to have awesome veterinarians that through surgery and herbal supplements were able to give her great quality of life for over another year after diagnosis whereas most cats succumb to it after 3 months.
Her name was Thing. Yes, it’s a strange name for a cat, but she didn’t start out with that name.
Back in fall of 2008 my parents went on vacation and left me in charge of watching their place and taking care of their animals. They lived right around the corner from us so I would walk across our almond orchard every day to take care of things while they were gone. (My dad has since passed; my mom still lives there.)
My parent’s neighbors from across the street had moved a few months prior and left behind a feral cat colony that had taken residence in the old barn and outbuildings on the property. My dad felt sorry for the cats and would go over to feed them regularly.
On one of his feeding visits, my dad noticed one of the feral cats was pregnant. A couple of months prior to them leaving for vacation, he noticed that she was no longer big and figured she had given birth. He looked for her kittens, but the momma cat had hid them well and my dad couldn’t find them.
A few days before they left for vacation, the momma cat was hit and killed on the road. My dad doubled his efforts to find her kittens now that they no longer had a mother, but he still couldn’t find them.
A couple of days before my parents left for vacation, they started hearing a kitten meowing in the bushes around their house. They figured it must be one of the kittens from across the street looking for its mother. They put food out for it and tried to find it in the bushes, but every time they got close it would stop meowing and hide.
The day my parents were supposed to leave for vacation rolled around and they still hadn’t found the kitten. I promised them that I would put food out and look for it while they were gone.
The second morning after my parents left for vacation, I walked over to their place to take care of their animals, which included Cisco, my dad’s chocolate lab. As I neared their place, I heard Cisco whining like he was trying to get someone’s attention. Concerned there was something wrong with him, I ran over the rest of the way and entered the outer gate of my parent’s back yard leading to Cisco’s kennel. Cisco was at the chain link door of the kennel looking up at me, then bending down to lick a small gray furball that had wedged itself between the gate and the rest of the kennel. As I got closer, I realized it was a tiny kitten. Cisco kept looking up at me and whining and then bending down to lick the kitten, as if wanting me to help it.
Now, I was shocked at what I saw because Cisco was a 100+ pound hunting dog, and most hunting dogs I’ve known in my life wouldn’t think twice about chomping down any little furry creature they came across. But here was the biggest hunting dog my dad ever owned whining and licking this tiny little kitten who probably only weighed a few ounces at best. After I got over the shock of what was happening before me, I bent down, grabbed the kitten and started running back home with her in my arms.
In retrospect it was pretty stupid of me to pick up the kitten bare-handed. I had no idea if she was sick, and since she was feral there was a good chance she could have bit me. But she never tried – she didn’t even try to struggle to get away from me. At this point she was hungry, sick, and probably frozen in fear. She had a horrible upper respiratory virus and both her eyes were stuck shut. If she was desperate enough to come to a giant dog for help, she was in pretty bad shape and any fight she might have had before was long gone.
I got her home and gently washed her eyes with a warm washcloth to get them open. Her eyes were still okay, but she had a bad infection going on around them. If it had went on too much longer I’m sure she would have lost her sight. I called the vet and made an appointment for her the next day.
I had the vet run the normal I-found-a-stray tests where they check for diseases like feline leukemia and all the other ugly diseases feral cats can have. The blood work came back negative and the vet sent me home with some antibiotics for the upper respiratory virus and another appointment for vaccinations.
At first we named her Cisco’s Kitty (CK for short) after her savior dog. If it wasn’t for him getting her come to him, I probably never would have found her.
The first few days she pretty much lived inside the bathrobe I wore around the house. She was weak from being sick and not eating so it took a few days before she was up to checking out her new living space and doing the usual kitten stuff, like playing and getting into everything.
During those first few days, we kept saying “poor little thing” when we talked about her and how hard it must have been for her to lose her momma and her litter mates, and then searching for her mother for days while sick and hungry. “Thing” stuck for some reason and just seemed to fit her better than CK, so we just went with it.
Once she was completely well, she made herself right at home. She would always stick out her right paw when she was relaxing.
She grew up to be a gorgeous tabby cat (no bias there). She liked both my husband and I, but she was especially close to me since I was with her for pretty much 24/7 for the first few weeks we had her. I’m sure she saw me as her surrogate mother. She was always in the same room as me, and more times than not she was on my lap “helping” me with whatever I was working on, like crochet projects.
I so wish I could have had a few more years with her, but I’m thankful for the 10+ years I did have. She was my little kitty buddy, my constant companion. She was always there for me and helped me through many tough times in my life
My apologies to my Farmhouse Friday regulars who faithfully link up their wonderful projects every week. I did share the passing of one of our other cats Klepta a couple of weeks ago in the Farmhouse Friday post for that week. But I got to thinking that wasn’t very fair to the people who linked up that week or the people I featured from the week before by sharing such bad news along with their linkups. It was kinda like “Our cat passed this week – now check out these great DIY projects!” I always strive to be transparent with you guys and share both the good and bad things that happen in my life, but it doesn’t mean I have to do it all together in the same post! I will be sharing some of my favorite link ups from last week’s party across my social media over the next week.
Thank you for allowing me to share this with you. <3
Oh, I’m so sorry. I am sitting here with my two kitties now. One (Speck) was a stray, the other, (Envy) was my daughter ‘s that I was keeping temporarily when they had to move to Germany for a couple years. That was 10 years ago, I still have her. I am feeding two feral cats and a stray as well. Yes, the crazy cat lady. I made two outdoor shelters for the winter, so happy they are actually sleeping in them. When we moved last year I (half) jokingly asked hubby if he would dig up the two buried in the yard (Slim and Shmelly) so they could move with us. I get it, they are part of the family. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you so much Mary. As you probably guessed from my story, we get a lot of feral and stray cats out here in the country. That’s how we ended up with so many (9 now!).
So sorry to hear about your kitty. RIP
Thank you so much Millie. <3
So sorry, Michelle, for your loss. It is never easy to lose our loved ones, members of our families. She was such a beautiful kitty. Her face filled with character and love. Thank you for sharing the story. Take time to heal. Your faithful followers understand.
Thank you so much Betty. Yes, she was a beautiful kitty, and extremely photogenic (again, no bias there)! And yes, I am going to take the time I need to heal. I was trying to force myself to do Farmhouse Friday yesterday and I just couldn’t bring myself to it, so I wrote this instead. It was very therapeutic, which surprised me some (but I’ll take it anyway).
Thank you Michelle for sharing your beloved cat Things happy life with you and your family. A treasure, the love of a pet. Hugs.
Joy
Thank you so much Joy <3
Oh Michelle that was such a sweet story. I am so so sorry for your loss. I know it can be very hard to lose a best friend like that. When I was a teen we had a cat and she gave birth under my desk. Unfortunately all her babies died because it was the first litter and she also died a few months later. She will forever live in our hearts.
Thank you so much Mary <3 It's always so tough to lose them.
oh i am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is so tough to lose a pet because they are way more than that – they love you unconditionally and are your family.
Thank you so much Angelina, and that’s so true – our pets are like family.
I am so sorry Michelle. Its always so hard to lose a pet. To me, they are like a children because they depend on us so much. I pray for your peace to know that she is all better now. HUGS! 🙂
Thank you so much DeeDee. We don’t have children so our pets really are like our children.
So very sorry Michelle !my heart breaks for you ! We live on a farm and our Gypsy adopted us strolling through our farm crop 3years ago as a baby kitten and I Can only imagine the pain ! My heart hurts for you z, you will be reunited in heaven !
Thank you so much Cindy! I think rescues and strays make the best pets because they so appreciate you saving them.
so sorry, she was beautiful! We love our cats too and know how you feel as we have lost a few. We have many pictures of them and talk about all of them often. We gave them a good home and they gave us so much love! She will always be with you!
Thanks so much Patricia. I’ve owned cats all my life and I remember each one of them, each with their individual personalities and quirks. We often reminisce about ours too – they leave all too soon but they always leave us with lots of happy memories.
I feel your pain. I have 2 cats, Wilson 12, and Marley 5. Wilson came to me at a difficult time in my life and save me. We are two peas in a pod. We are so connected, I dont have to say anything. We know each other and yes he is my soul mate. We love each other dearly.
Hi Denyse. That is how I felt about Thing. We were so connected and just understood each other. She was a once in a lifetime cat.
Aw so sad , But she sure did have a wonderful life with you ♥️
Thank you Cindy <3
I am so sorry Michelle, losing our pets is indeed like loosing a family member. They are like children at my house, an empty nest now. We lost our Miss Kitty 5 months ago and she left quite a space in our family. She too was a ferrel but fit right in when she decided to trust us. We had her 17 years, guess you you would say we were a “perfect fit” for each other. God bless you and your family.
Thank you so much Donna. I’m happy that you were able to have Miss Kitty for the time you did. I understand what you mean when you say she was a perfect fit. What I wouldn’t give to have a few more years with Thing.
We had a kitty named muffin (muffy). For almost twenty years. He looked exactly like your sweet kitty. Even had the orange around his face. They sure are our buddies. We even took him on a ski doo trip with us, leaving him in the cabin when we ere out.
So sorry for your loss😀
Thanks so much Darlene. I think tabbies are the most loving and friendly cats. We were blessed to have them in our lives <3
So sorry for your loss. I have a cat now . I’ve had alot of cats and dogs. They are our babies
Thanks so much Phyllis <3
Michelle. I have Thing’s twin. Her name is Moose and she doesn’t know she is a cat. She literally follows me everywhere, begs (whereas my 90 lb dog doesn’t) goes to bed with me, is my constant companion. I can feel your distress at loosing your girl and can appreciate your loss. She hscrossed the rainbow bridge. Pece
Thanks so much Victoria. Thing was my constant companion too. I think tabbies are the most loving of all cats as they seem to really bond with their humans.
I feel so, bad for you. I’m tearing up just replying to you. I too could not imagine to
lose my fur buddy for life. My fur baby is everything to me … It’s time like this;) that
you know. You have thoughtful readers with
warm hearts 💕
Thanks so much Patrica – I’m blessed to have such wonderful readers like you <3
I am so sorry for your loss as I sit here with Zoe in my lap…my 14 1/2 year old kitty found by my daughter after hurricane Frances or Jean I can’t remember which one…left alone lost from her mom and siblings newborn. She still thinks I am her mom. I totally feel your loss. Thankfully she hangs in there bossing me and our dog around. She totally rules this house. Keeping you in our thoughts & prayers and giving Zoe a hug 🤗
Thank you so much Toni. Give Zoe a hug for me too <3
I am so sorry to hear of your loss . April last year we lost our beloved cat Meg and still miss her very much they are part of your family and so important in our lives. Thinking of you and sending a hug x
Thank you so much Nicky. It’s always so hard to lose them but we’ll always have them in our hearts <3
I have had many kitties and I know how they become a part of the family. She was well loved and had a marvelous life with you. You gave her that and I am sure she was thankful.
Thank you so much Pam <3
Although I have five rescue dogs I almost cried reading your story. May God heal your heart quickly and remember the life you gave to Thing. She was lucky to have you.
Thank you so much Kathie <3
May your memories help with the loss of your baby. She was so lucky to have you! Cats are such amazing creatures, and their mastery never fails to amaze me. They worm their way into your home, your life, and your soul.
Isn’t that the truth 🙂 Thank you so much Kristine <3
I am so sorry about your cat i know what you are feeling i lost my soul mate Oscar a very beautiful cat who was twelve i had him from a kitten in the last two years of life Osacr would follow me every where i went sat with me and one morning i woke up he was just sitting there staring at me it was nice to wake up and see Oscar sitting there i had to put him to sleep in July 2018 the day after my birthday his kidneys starting to fail and then his heart and now my heart is broken and i still cry for him every day and night
Thank you so much Janet. I’m so sorry to hear about Oscar. And I can relate – Thing would always be the first thing I’d see when I opened my eyes every morning. It’s so hard not seeing her there anymore.
We also lost a beloved pet this week Jan 22 we said goodbye to our 11 year old puggle dog Zoe who lost her 2 year battle with Cushing’s disease.
I read every word of your post and felt the love from the moment your dad searched for those kittens to you taking over that duty and his lab finding her and how her nickname became her name, funny how that happens- we have ms kitty who was oreo at one time.
I’m touched, and can relate, I love reading and knowing others exist who have this deep bound with their pets like I do and I enjoyed your story just as much as your link parties!
Thank you so much Sandra. I’m so sorry to hear about Zoe. We lost Thing the very same day – January 22nd. It’s so tough to lose them, but their memory will always be alive in our hearts. <3
Hi Michelle, what a sweet story. Thank you for sharing. It is so painful to lose a beloved pet.
Two years ago we lost our wonderful Suki, 16, a tortie-point Siamese. She had developed kidney disease but was doing well, still alert and playful, enjoying life and her young companion Pickles. Every night at 11 pm both cats would chase each other through the house, tails in the air, eyes wild (we called it “the witching hour”).
We acquired Suki for our sixth child, Ellen, who was quite a bit younger than her siblings. We had an older cat, but our 7-year old darling wanted a kitten. Her daddy said “no more cats” but she begged and pleaded – the final crack in his armour was was when she presented him with a drawing of Bill handing a kitten to his delighted daughter. The caption “This is my kitty, which I have not got.”
It was early December, and friends had a cat who had just produced a litter. On Christmas Eve we wrapped up Ellie’s favourite toy kitty with a tag on its collar: “This coupon good for one kitten.” On Christmas morning I am sure the entire town heard her screams of joy! Her dad took her to pick out her kitty. The mom was black with white paws, and her kittens were black and white or tabby – except for one tiny white ball of fur with gray ear tips, who climbed into Ellie’s lap and purred “I’m yours.”
Ellie named her Angel. As she grew, her face and ears darkened and it became clear from her behaviour that her daddy was a Siamese, and we changed her name to Suki. (Cats can mate with more than one male, so a mixed litter is common!) She ran up the curtains, and startled visitors by scaling them to perch on their heads. The vet called her a “tortie point” because of her mottled ears.
Suki was a wonderful addition to the family. When our old kitty Kinki eventually passed away, Suki was lonely so we visited the local cat shelter and adopted a sweet calico kitten from a feral litter. We christened the wee calico Pickles. After two tense weeks of hissing and spitting, Suki accepted Pickles (we knew all was well when we saw the wee kitten grooming the big kitty!) They were inseparable companions.
In December 2017 Suki began to slow down, but was still perky and enjoying life. Then within a week her health declined, and the vet said it was time to let her go. It was a sad Christmas. Her grave is in the backyard, the headstone a large rock decorated by our oldest granddaughter.
Now Pickles is an “only cat” and I am her alpha. The grandkids love her. While my husband is firm on “no more cats”, we are considering adding a small dog to the family.
Wow, this comment turned into a story – written through tears.
Our pets will always hold a special place in our hearts. But I believe that Suki (and Kinki, and Hazel, and Mamma Cat, and Mogwai, and our dogs Nema and Jennydog and Shogun the coyote cross and Lucky and Penny) are gamboling with Thing and Klepta in a wonderful place beyond the rainbow.
Blessings.
Michelle – I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets are like an extension of our heart. I’m so glad this precious kitty had you as her human momma and I hope you find comfort in knowing she knew you loved her and took such good care of her.
I have also lost a beloved furbaby, actually more than one, and know how you feel. I’ve had two tabbies and one siamese, and that doesn’t count childhood pets. Bootsie was my first tabby. I had her for 18 years, and often called her Booboo. I got her by doing a favor for a friend who was going out of town for a weekend. I agreed to keep her for the weekend, but my friend was too busy to pick her up right away, and Bootsie happened to go into heat. I asked my friend if I should take her to a vet to be spayed (expecting to be repaid), and she said yes, I should. But afterwards, she said since I had paid to have her spayed, I should keep her. Yup, doing a favor for a friend was a booboo, and I got stuck with the cat. But I fell in love with the cat and when she passed at over 18 years old, my heart was broken.
Hi Suzanne! Thank you for sharing your story with your kitties. Aren’t tabbies the best? I hear Siamese are very loving too.