My kitty of 16 years passed last night

[ProdigalJunkMail]

She was a beautiful russian blue and lived a full life. She had stopped eating and drinking in the last couple of days and the vet said 'she's just given up.' Now I get to explain to my three year old why 'kitty's body has stopped working' (to put it in her words). What kind of kitty should we get next?

sP

[catmandu57]

1. So sorry to hear this

My 16 year old mooma cat is on my lap as I type, as far as the three year old I haven't any idea.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

3. thanks

Nikki was never much of an indoorsy kind of cat but she wouldn't reject a good petting...the three year old understands that Nikki is gone...now just wants to know why...we'll get her there.

Thanks!
sP

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

2. I'm so sorry

See my post about "Fergiewerg" below, who died at age 19 3 years ago today under similar conditions.

I think you should let your daughter see the kitty and explain to her that death is a part of life and that kitty is in a better place. As far as what kind of kitty to get next, let your heart decide! When you see a kitty that's up for adoption who just melts your heart, that's the kind to get.

Best wishes to you - I know how much it hurts.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

4. three year old has seen her and knows 'what' happened

and is concerned about why. We will get her there. I guess as introductions to the concept of death goes, there could be MUCH worse ones.

Thanks for the sympathy...we will start hitting the shelters in a couple of weeks.

sP

[zonkers]

5. 16 years. She did have a nice run. What was her name?

[ProdigalJunkMail]

7. She was Nikki

and she was a great cat. Thought she was a dog...played fetch and liked to get rough. Even liked swimming in the lake...strange animal...

sP

[myrna minx]

6. I am so sorry.

I know how difficult it is to lose a fur baby. :hug:

[ProdigalJunkMail]

8. thanks...

she was a great kitty...she will be sorely missed by the whole family.

sP

[ThomCat]

9. I'm very sorry for your families loss. I'm glad your cat

had a full life.

There are a huge number of rescued animals looking for homes. Any one of them would love to be adopted into a loving family.

All three of my current cats were rescues, and I highly recommend rescues because they understand the value of the love and care you give them. They will adopt you right back.

[Haole Girl]

10. I'm so sorry

That must be so hard, after 16 years.:hug:

As far as your question about what kind of kitty to get next? There are thousands at shelters everywhere! Wonderful, loving babies...just waiting for a good home.

Start here: http://www.hsus.org/
Or, just google Human society ___________ (your city, state)

Hugs to you...:hug:

[judaspriestess]

11. My condolences

My kitty was 15 when he died. Bless my little angel. Even though its been a year, I miss him very much.

[u4ic]

12. Condolences to you and your family

Losing a cherished companion is always so very difficult. :grouphug:

[borlis]

13. So sorry to hear this PJM

May your sweet kitty rest in peace. I used to have a cat that looked exactly like a Russian Blue (don't think he was)and yes they are really beautiful cats. :hug: As for getting another one, I don't have much advice. I am going through a lot with my cat who currently has Diabetes and I swore to myself that I won't get any more animals. If you get a kitten I will tell you that when they "get crazy" you should keep a close eye on your children. Their little nails are very sharp and think nothing of crawling right up your legs. They will also attack anything that moves (thinking of your 3 year olds little feet.)I do know that the shelter I have adopted from before will not adopt a kitten or puppy to people with children under 8 because of all the injuries to the animals they have seen. A young adult may be better for you. Good luck.

[shrike]

14. Our Cat is 24.

Hard for me to believe.

[RevCheesehead]

15. I'm so very sorry.

(My 16 yr old cat had to be put to sleep last week. I know the pain.)

:hug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

16. Awww...I'm so sorry....

It's tough losing family members.

If you're getting another cat, I really recommend a shelter kitty...or maybe someone on DU lives near you and has kittens you could adopt. :hug:

[bigwillq]

17. I am very sorry for your loss.

:cry: :hug:

[Sanity Claws]

18. My condolences

I think you should wait a while before getting another kitty. Somehow I think you'd be better able to appreciate the new kitty and her uniqueness if you adopted her later, not right away.

[I Have A Dream]

19. I'm glad that she had such a full life. I hope that the right words...

come to you during your discussion with your child.

:(

[ProdigalJunkMail]

20. three year old update

Hello and thanks to all for the heartfelt condolences you have offered. I think we were able to help our little one (well, the older of the two) to understand what happened to the famliy cat, Nikki. By the end of our discussion she was explaining to US that the kitty's body had given out and that she was no longer in there. She was telling us, "Well, you see, she got old and her body got tired and quit working so Nikki went somewhere else. Her body won't run and play anymore...but she can play where she went." Sounds pretty good to me...

Thanks again to all...

sP

[Maccagirl]

22. That was beautiful

Sometimes little children feel and say the right things. My heartfelt sympathy to you-Nikki is over the "Rainbow Bridge".

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

25. Sounds like she's gonna be OK

Sorry about your kitty, friend :hug:

[bertha katzenengel]

21. I'm sorry, PJM. Re: next kitty, I don't know what kind, but don't wait too

long. Having lost cats, I learned that I can mourn and love a new pet. And the new pet helped the grieving; cats are usually very attentive when people they love cry. At least mine have been.

I suggest going to your local shelter and adopting an older cat.

:hug:

[SoyCat]

23. As a fellow cat lover, I can only say that I am terribly sorry. For Nikki

to have lived 16 years shows that she was loved. Cats know when they are loved so you can rest knowing that.

[Mike03]

24. I'm so sorry and I understand

Animals have always been a huge part of my life and the loss of a loved companion is so terribly painful, I just want to extend my love to you.

When my beloved dog died, I actually had to adopt another one right away, but that was just the right decision for me, and for many other people it would be the wrong decision. It just hurts so much, I know it does.

[Digit]

26. I am sorry for your loss

It is tough losing a loved one...furry or otherwise.

[deadparrot]

27. Aw. I'm sorry.

That has to be so hard. :hug: