Saying Goodbye...

**Lady_V** · 03-09-2011, 07:52 PM

The time has come for our old friend to leave our home but not our hearts. The decision has been difficult and tearful but we, as a family, as HER family, decided that it is better for her to let her go.

All those years ago, we were a young family and a kitten captured our hearts. At that time, I was a Stay-at-home Mother who actually stayed home. As the years passed, the to-do list got longer and longer with driving to school, activities, sports, random commitments. We were in the house less and less meaning she was home alone more and more.

The neighborhood changed and it was no longer safe for her to sit on the porch and soak up the sun. If someone didn't steal her, there was a good chance she would be injured by cars who somehow mistake the fire lane next to my porch as the entrance for the Indy 500.

She could no longer leave the 800 sq. foot condo we call home.

Could you spend the rest of your life confined inside, never feeling the sun on your face, the wind on your back or dip a toe in to a puddle? Never to chase a butterfly, or squirell or even a leaf that blows your way?
To spend hours a day completely alone?

Neither could we.

OldMan will take her to a 700 acre farm on Thursday where she will sleep inside comfortably but be able to mix and mingle with the other farm animals in complete safety.

The sadness we feel will stay with us for a long time. For almost 8 years she was our cuddle companion, our family member... our cat

**xtena** · 03-09-2011, 08:08 PM

I'm sorry you are losing your beloved cat, but glad you aren't leaving the forum which is what I assumed when I saw the title of your post! At least you've found a good sanctuary for her.

**Josephhgoins** · 03-10-2011, 10:01 AM

I am sorry that you are having to say good bye. I am glad however, that she is going to a farm where she can run, hunt and be free.

**imagine** · 03-10-2011, 11:00 AM

Is Kitty going to a farm of someone you know? Will you and Diva be able to visit Kitty? Or is this your finally good bye?

**Lady_V** · 03-10-2011, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by imagine

Is Kitty going to a farm of someone you know? Will you and Diva be able to visit Kitty? Or is this your finally good bye?

The farm belongs to the MSPCA and they have a strict adoption process and foster families. Her health, safety and emotion well-being will be taken care of by very caring people.

It is very hard on all of us. I have had to look stronger than I really am.

Diva was having a rough time last night and I suggested she make a video on her computer. She did and she feels a little better but had a hard time when it was time to leave for school and the cat was standing by the door, as usual.

OldMan called me from the road, 18 miles from the farm. He is having an exceptionally hard time. He was the one who had to put her in the travel crate and drive her there. He called me and she was meowing. He told me "I put her in there, she's crying and doesn't know what's going on. I am going to hand her over and she is going to look at me. I know she will look at me because she is going to be scared and confused".

Everyone knows we need to do this... for her. She needs the opportunity to run and play and not be stuck behind glass, alone almost all day, watching the world outside... to never be a part of it again.

I have been crying on and off all morning... but never in front of the family. I have to remain the load-bearing structure... for them.

To keep her would be the easy thing, but it would be the selfish one.

**imagine** · 03-10-2011, 12:13 PM

Big Big Hug for all of you

**Lady_V** · 03-10-2011, 02:13 PM

UPDATE --

‎-- BEYOND upset... We went through emotional hell. He got there, they said because she is almost 8 and has recently developed litter box aversion, they will put her down.

Needless to say, the cat is HOME and I have an appt with the Vet this afternoon...

We don't know how we can pay for it, but we aren't about to put her down unless this vet says there is no other option.

OldMan will have to work some extra days...

**shoiji** · 03-10-2011, 04:33 PM

LadyV, I am sorry to hear you are going through all of this. Hopefully your cat will get used to the litterbox again. She may have just been freaked out about where she was.

It may take a while but she will get used to being an inside cat. Maybe once things have settled down you can see if she will take to a harness and leash. Then you and your daughter can walk her around your backyard. I actually did this with one cat I had. I would say do you want to go outside and she would run to the door. It took a couple of days for her to get used to the harness and being outside of the leash. But she really loved it. So much she would scream at the door to go outside.

Have you thought about another kitten to keep your current cat company?

I am sure everything will work out.

I should add that at the apartment complex I lived at two other cat owners ended up walking their cats also. So you would see us outside walking our cats around. Quite the site.

**pinetree** · 03-10-2011, 04:40 PM

Have you thought about getting her a companion? My 8 year old could careless if she goes outside to do anything, my 3 legged isnt allowed outside at all anymore and he doesnt care. My 20 year old lays in the sun coming through the window and sleeps the rest of the day.

Just trying to help out here, hope the vet says everything is ok.

I thought I would add, is there anyway you can build her a pen outdoors? Our cats can go through a cat door into a pen, that way they are safe and I dont have to worry about the coyote, fox and all that. My 7 year old is a feral cat we brought in, it took alittle bit but she acts just like she has been in her entire life.

**AnW819** · 03-10-2011, 05:16 PM

I have had 3 kitties, who I sadly don't have with me anymore, but my kitties were never outdoor cats. This is really common around here for there to be no outdoor cats.

I also second getting your kitty a friend! I have lived in numerous apartments a lot smaller than 800 sq ft with 3 kitties and they were always happy! I am sure your kitty is happy to!!

So sorry your going through this! I do also think maybe your kitty was not going in the box because of the change. They can sense that kinda stuff. Almost a week before I had to find my 2 kitties a new home, they started doing stupid stuff to. It stopped 2 weeks after they got to their new home.

Good luck to you!

**Daisygirl** · 03-10-2011, 05:37 PM

My neighbour puts her cat on a harness and ties her out in the courtyard where the kitty can lay in the sun. It has worked out really well for them.

I'm so sorry for the difficult time you are going through. When one of my kitties stopped using the litter box it turned out that she had a kidney infection - as soon as she was treated she began using the box again.

(I'm secretly very happy that you have her back!)

**bumplett** · 03-10-2011, 05:44 PM

I've never had a major issue with bringing in foster cats to become indoor only cats. Including once upon a time tom cats. I only have indoor cats now - it's healthier for them in the long run. Outdoor cats are more prone to illness & attacks by other animals & of course... cars.

Cats adapt.

I'm happy to hear she's home. That's where she belongs. She'll be fine at home by herself. Cats enjoy the down time.

**madhen** · 03-11-2011, 01:38 AM

I've also seen play tunnels for cats, so you can put them outside and they can get some fresh air and sunshine, while still being restricted from running out into the road and such. And I have seen more than one cat being walked on a leash. They are very adaptable.

**Lady_V** · 03-11-2011, 06:45 AM

No tunnels or catflaps here unfortunately. The condo assoc does not allow any outside structure changes and the only door facing outside is a glass slider. No fence either. I have a small slab of concrete as a patio and a 3x5 plot of dirt I try to grow something in every year. We will buy a harness and give it a try. Thanks for the ideas.

2 doses of Augmentin in so far... I look worse for the wear, but it's blood spilled for a good cause.