LGBT
Related: About this forumMy Sweet Cat Scarlet: August 14, 1995 – December 24, 2012
My sweet kitten Scarlet left us this past Monday. Shed had CRF for the last year, and finally it was too much and she let me know it was time. I got her and her sister Melanie a few days shy of 6 weeks, so we were together almost 17 and a half years, and it just isnt the same without her.
Melanie was a friendlier cat, while Scarlet was very shy. For the entire first day I had her, she ran from me when I approached. The second day I tricked her with some food and then grabbed her, and sat down in a chair and hugged and petted her. It only took a few minutes and the cries turned into purrs, and from them onuntil the last weekshe always greeted me at the door when I came in. Scarlet was very affectionate like her sister, and liked to sleep on my chest at night.
She was also very mischievous as a kitten. I couldnt have a Christmas tree until she was five. The first year I tried to put up the tree Scarlet was just short of four months old, and she destroyed the tree
she climbed up it, jumped on it from a running start, batted all the ornaments and chewed through the lights. It stayed up for about two days.
Scarlet eventually grew out of that, but never stopped loving to cuddle and being around me wherever I was, and I never grew tired of having her near. I miss her very much.
Sweet dreams, my good little girl.
yellerpup
(12,253 posts)to your beautiful little girl. So sorry for your loss.
Nictuku
(3,614 posts)Angry Dragon
(36,693 posts)TheOther95Percent
(1,035 posts)Scarlet loved you as much as you loved her. May these memories of your time with her comfort you and bring you peace.
TDale313
(7,820 posts)I'm so sorry.
spooky3
(34,458 posts)Control-Z
(15,682 posts)ProfessionalLeftist
(4,982 posts)Now, she's a real angel. I know you must be heartbroken. She lived a long, loved life though, thanks to you!
midnight
(26,624 posts)wanttosavetheplanet
(19 posts)What beautiful sisters. It is so hard to lose such a close family member.
protect our future
(1,156 posts)so I do know how you feel, and I am so sad for you.
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)I had three pets die in the past four years so I know how hard this is. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
montanacowboy
(6,093 posts)and for over a year I had to give him IV's twice a day until he just would not tolerate it any longer. So sorry for your loss.
dipsydoodle
(42,239 posts)onecent
(6,096 posts)BEAUTIFUL KITTIES. I have always had cats and kitties, and the one I have now will not let me have any other furry friends around me. She is very possessive, she does terrible things like not use the litter boxes. But she rules and she is around 7 years old. Since my husband's passing 5 years ago she is my love.
My thoughts are with you..it is very difficult to lose a furry friend, they crawl into your hearts very quickly but they never crawl out.
Hugs to you!!!
Loudly
(2,436 posts)I sure wish cat kidneys would evolve to keep up.
judesedit
(4,439 posts)FourScore
(9,704 posts)to have you in her life, joeybee. She sounds very loved. I am so sorry for your loss. The death of an animal can be devastating.
ET Awful
(24,753 posts)She was a beautiful cat. I'm sorry to hear of your loss .
Kadie
(15,369 posts)What a beautiful kitty.
tosh
(4,423 posts)no matter how long they bless us with their love and purrs, they leave us too soon...
May warm, furry memories comfort you.
lucca18
(1,242 posts)It sounds like she had a wonderful life in a loving home. How lucky you both were!
Rhiannon12866
(205,495 posts)What a beautiful cat and such a lovely tribute to her... You've had a really tough year. Your pictures are wonderful. It sounds like you had such a special relationship - just remember how fortunate Scarlet was when she found you.
Mnemosyne
(21,363 posts)murielm99
(30,745 posts)Our kitty is 16, and we dread the day.
Scarlet looks like a wonderful, wonderful fur-friend.
virgdem
(2,126 posts)Scarlet was a beautiful kitten and adorable cat and I know the pain of loss you are feeling. My cat Sammy was 20 when she passed this past February and I'm still feeling the loss. Scarlet gave you such joy over the last 17 years and she is now at peace and not in pain or discomfort. That is always the silver lining to such great loss. I wish you peace to you in the coming days and weeks!
a la izquierda
(11,795 posts)I hope you find some peace during what I know is a really tough time.
mr1956
(215 posts)Duval
(4,280 posts)we had our Max for 10 years. He was 19, when he let us know he had "had" it. The vet came to our home and I stroked him while he was given the injection. Our vet told us "If he could talk, he would be thanking you right now". We have pictures on the mantle, we smile when we talk about him, and we will always have him in our hearts. His spirit will always be with us and we are grateful to have had his love. This was over 10 years ago, but we still have not decided when to get another.
Duval
(4,280 posts)CurtEastPoint
(18,650 posts)Still Blue in PDX
(1,999 posts)Paula Sims
(877 posts)Scarlet reminds me of my Missy, who is 6 months older. When Missy crosses, I hope Scarlet is there to help her around.
Paula
agracie
(950 posts)They do let you know when the time has come... Looks like she had a good life... You are going to miss her... But you were a good cat parent to the very end.
blm
(113,065 posts)hugs to you
Iwillnevergiveup
(9,298 posts)What beautiful creatures, both! All of your lives were richer for being with each other. I love reading DUers like you, joey, who take such exquisite care of their precious pets.
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved Scarlet.
Peace.
Jawja
(3,233 posts)DiehardLiberal
(580 posts)to be so loved and have such a wonderful life with you and her sister. I know the pain of losing beloved pets only too well. Thanks for sharing and for giving her the best life she could have had!!
chuckrocks
(290 posts)Chellee
(2,097 posts)Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts)I'm still feeling the loss of my sweet, beautiful kitty girl who was coming up on 20 when we finally had to let her go a few months ago. I was just talking to my husband about how I miss her so much every day. The other cats still don't go in her very soft, empty little bed ... I don't know why.
Rest in peace sweet kitties.
graywarrior
(59,440 posts)eridani
(51,907 posts)jumptheshadow
(3,269 posts)...and how lucky she was to have you. I'm sorry for your loss, Joey.
jimlup
(7,968 posts)Katrina - my cat of 6 years.
flygal
(3,231 posts)She looks like she gave you a lot of enjoyment for 17 year. Take care.
left coaster
(1,093 posts)..when I lost my 17 year old Dougie Manchild to pancreatic cancer in 2005, it left a big hole in my heart.
He was a gentle, loyal companion and friend, and I still miss his loving presence in my life.
Hugs to you! xxx
DainBramaged
(39,191 posts)Last edited Wed Dec 26, 2012, 05:51 PM - Edit history (1)
all my best from me and mine. She will be waiting for you.......
PatrynXX
(5,668 posts)hopefully you'll recover more than I did when our beagle passed away /put to sleep (lung cancer. no smoking in the house either). Cats seem to be around longer. Same was with another I knew long before we got our beagle. , but passed around the same time. Annie Bartholomew 1997-2008. No thats not her on my old DU2 avatar. She's one beagle. love watching other beagles too. although I used to and still have a thing for cats. Last animal to wander in our house was not the beagle. Had a cat wandering around in the back during our porch construction and I sorta grabbed it and let it loose in the house without my dad knowing about it. Mom forced me to amuse it thru the front door. Did get the Undercover Mouse though for the new kitties for my aunt uncle. had no idea brother and sister would actually share that thing. Think the best story I've heard is either the 5am aunt woke up to what she thought was a mouse but no. Pebbles and Yogi were attempting to get a turned off undercover mouse to um rotate.
Or 2 days later , they usually have Yogi pretending to be a dog begging for food at the dinner table. So idea happened and they stuck the UCM in another room and no kitties during dinner. Whoever invented that thing had a good distracting idea. Especially if they are bored cats. They've never crawled up the christmas trees though. but Pebbles went missing for a few days when she ran out the door so the rule is make sure door is shut at all times when walking thru . CLosed legs..
sharp_stick
(14,400 posts)what beautiful cats.
Now that our kids are getting a bit bigger I'm starting to look for a new furry friend.
I had my last cat, a rescued Siamese, for more than 10 years and when he passed away I didn't replace him because I wanted the human kids to be a bit older before introducing a pet.
dbackjon
(6,578 posts)1620rock
(2,218 posts)KT2000
(20,583 posts)I am so sorry.
Loved your tribute to her.
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)peace to you
mitchtv
(17,718 posts)that's not much consolation, but it will come, so sorry to hear of your loss.
Tikki
(14,557 posts)They are such an important part of our lives. I know you are thankful for every one
Of the days she was with you all and you all will hold her in your hearts, forever...
This was our first holiday season without our sweet Tikki ( the dog) and it seemed a bit
sad...
Tikki
barbtries
(28,799 posts)sweet dreams scarlet!
Rider3
(919 posts)I'm so sorry for your loss. I don't have children. My many animals ARE my kids. I believe your kitties will always be with you. Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of them in the corner of your eye. That kind loving energy will never die! Peace.
riverbendviewgal
(4,253 posts)I know they are your children or grandchildren....My late son's cat came to live with me until I moved into my boyfriend's house.
Mochey now lives in England with my older son....Mochey made the trip at age 16 , a year ago.. He is doing fine.
You know cats Scarlet and Malanie's and my Mochey are nearly 100 in cat age....
I think lots of love and loving care keeps them around for so long.
Wishing you peace and comfort.
Heron5
(71 posts)Your precious girl clearly received and gave pure love.
ellie
(6,929 posts)She was very beautiful.
11 Bravo
(23,926 posts)your love for a pet who loved you unconditionally in return. I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet girl, Scarlet.
Skittles
(153,169 posts)until he got one (for his little girl) - now he brags about that cat, its speed and agility
By the way, no one EVER truly "understands cats"
DarthDem
(5,255 posts)Scarlet was adorably cute and obviously much loved and loved you too. I'm very sorry for your loss, and best wishes. Thank you for sharing the pics of her.
GreenPartyVoter
(72,378 posts)life long demo
(1,113 posts)Please accept my condolences. She was beautiful and special.
kurtzapril4
(1,353 posts)Skittles
(153,169 posts)Scarlet was a beaut
Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you.....
I loved you so --
'twas Heaven here with you.
--by Ilsa Paschal Richardson
wisteria
(19,581 posts)I know, I have lost a few in my time. It just breaks your heart to have to part.
TuxedoKat
(3,818 posts)of your beloved kitty Scarlet. She was a beautiful kitty as is her sister too. It's so sad to lose a pet at any time but especially during the holidays. (((HUGS))).
Granny M
(1,395 posts)Scarlett was a beauty, and from your lovely tribute I can see that she had a beautiful temperament as well.
I hope all the wonderful memories will bring you some comfort and peace.
MNBrewer
(8,462 posts)AnnieK401
(541 posts)Godot51
(239 posts)The Silent Spaces
I. The Awakening
When I first awoke a hand touched me
and it felt of kindness and love
and trust, the promise of safety and security
I learned to love the touch in an instant
through the skin all the way to my heart and soul
I learned to await the moments of caress
and savored each as if it would continue forever.
When I first awoke the scent surrounded me
and it smelled of love and kindness
and trust, the promise of safety and security
I learned to love the scent in an instant
replacing the scent of my mother in my heart and soul
I learned to await the times when it filled me
and savored each as if it would continue forever.
When I first awoke I tasted that which held me
and I drank of the kindness and love
and trust, the promise of safety and security
I learned to love the taste in an instant
it sated me as if it filled my heart and soul
I learned to await every bite of belief
and savored each as if it would continue forever.
When I first awoke I saw the face above me
the look of gentle love and kindness
and trust, the promise of safety and security
I learned to love the sight in an instant
filling my eyes, my being, my heart and soul
I learned to await the coming, every appearance
and savored each as if it would continue forever.
When I first awoke the sound engulfed me
and I heard the kindness and love
and trust, the promise of safety and security
I learned to love the sound in an instant
hearing fulfilled my being unto my heart and soul
I learned to love the arrival of the sounds
and savored each as if it would continue forever.
II. The Letting Go
When I last closed my eyes the hand lingered
and it still felt of kindness and love
and trust, the promise of safety and security
but I have learned many kinds of touches
the kind and the cruel on my heart and soul
I learned to love the caresses unconditionally
and savored each as if it would continue forever.
When I last closed my eyes the scent lingered
and still I smelled the love and kindness
the trust, the promise of safety and security
but I have learned many kinds of scents
both wary and eager for my heart and soul
I learned to love the knowledge they brought
and savored each as if it would continue forever.
When I last closed my eyes the taste lingered
I yearned to drink the kindness and love
the trust, the promise of safety and security
but I have learned many kinds of tastes
the sweet and the bitter pierce my heart and soul
I learned to await the feasts and the hunger
and savored each as if it would continue forever.
When I last closed my eyes the image lingered
a look of sorrow filled with love and kindness
and trust, the promise of safety and security
but I have learned many kinds of sights
gentle, angry and indifferent to my heart and soul
I learned to treasure every appearance
and savored each as if it would continue forever.
When I last closed my eyes the sound lingered
a sad litany of regret, pain, kindness and love
and trust, the promise of safety and security
but I have learned many kinds of sounds
silence, whispers, calls, shouts in my heart and soul
I learned to love the silent spaces, to wait
and savored each as if it would continue forever.
JEG.
12/26/12
hopemountain
(3,919 posts)but that's how it is when we lose a loved one with furry paws and purrs.
i'm sorry for your loss, joeybee.
Faygo Kid
(21,478 posts)Three dogs run over in my lifetime, and two cats. I loved them all. I promise that none will ever share that fate again.
LynneSin
(95,337 posts)I know the loss you are feeling - I still feel it too even though it was 8 days ago I had to put Abbott down.
*** hugz ***
Jamastiene
(38,187 posts)I'm so sorry. My sincerest condolences.
jtuck004
(15,882 posts)Now get my food."
We feel your loss, Joey, but are glad that Scarlett left you with such good times to remember..
aquart
(69,014 posts)You will have other cats, because their lives are shorter, but you always tell Scarlett stories.
She was loved every day of her life after she met you. Every day.
Epiphany4z
(2,234 posts)sorry for your loss...(((hugs)))
cal04
(41,505 posts)SalmonChantedEvening
(31,952 posts)So sorry for your loss, joeybee12. Our furry friends leave far too soon.
shenmue
(38,506 posts){{{hug}}}
CountAllVotes
(20,876 posts)I lost my old kitty last year at this time too. She was 17 years old as well. It still makes me sad. I think some things you just never really get over it seems.
indepat
(20,899 posts)I was more distraught with the loss of Butterfinger than my father. I told him my father had had a full life, but Butterfinger's life had been cut short by bad kitty food. After four years, I miss then both as you will long miss Scarlet.
catbyte
(34,403 posts)I am in tears for you, joeybee. I lost my beautiful Junior at age 22 on New Years Day 3 years ago and I still miss him. I am sending you virtual hugs tonight.
Diane
Zoeisright
(8,339 posts)I know how hard that is. I've lost 9 cats over the years. Just last night I had a wonderful dream about our first two kitties. Here's hoping you see her in your dreams.
weetie
(18 posts)i love kitties and had two of the best ever myself. when my roo, a lilac point, died at 20 years old it was almost more than i could bear. my seal point, weetie, had died a year or so before at a ripe old age. oddly, my sister, who had given me my two cats, a seal point and and a lilac point siamese, got two more kittens with exactly the same markings as the ones i had lost. it's almost like they are looking out for me. those pictures of your kittens are so dear. hold on to the memories tightly. ill bet another touches your heart before too long. happened to me!
redwitch
(14,944 posts)I am sorry for your loss.
southernyankeebelle
(11,304 posts)a member of your family. I had a cocker spaniel that travelled with us all over the united states. We got him when he was 6 weeks old. He lived a long long time for dog years. My husband and I cried when he died. He was our favorite dog. I swear you would think he could talk to you. He went everywhere with us. We have other dogs but he will never be forgotten.
tomm2thumbs
(13,297 posts)A very loved and happily long-lived cat who no doubt appreciated your caring and loving ways. Very sorry for this loss.
man4allcats
(4,026 posts)I've been there with cats of my own, and I know it's not easy. Take care of yourself. That is what Scarlet would want. RIP to that good kitty.
Vanje
(9,766 posts)For a perfect kitteh.
You did good by her.
MarianJack
(10,237 posts)..I'm very happy for the joy that you and she shared.
Prople who've never had pets just can't comprehend how vital theyare to us and how they're an absolutely irreplacable part of our family. I know that my wife and I will be a pair of basket cases when our 2 furry boys go to cat heaven.
Please accept our condoences and best wishes.
PEACE!
HillWilliam
(3,310 posts)AllyCat
(16,189 posts)Thank you for the lovely photos of your lovely kitties.
Jack Rabbit
(45,984 posts)You seem to be having a rough year for cats.
I can sympathize. Cate are better than most people.
catrose
(5,068 posts)RIP Scarlet.
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)She's smiling at you now....
Ah gee I'm gonna cry right along with you. Our furbabies.
Moostache
(9,895 posts)May those memories comeback and buoy you in the days and weeks ahead.
I have lost 3 cats in my life (and my current cat turned 15 this month), so I know nothing can replace them, but I do hope you get a measure of peace by knowing that your Scarlet was loved and cared for and enjoyed a life of companionship and caring instead of the horrible alternatives.
I will keep you in my thoughts.
Riley18
(1,127 posts)Fearless
(18,421 posts)fizzgig
(24,146 posts)what a lifetime of love
glinda
(14,807 posts)Auntie Bush
(17,528 posts)I lost my faithful dog after 17 years. I knew I was going to lose my husband and my dog was suppose to be there for me, but he died about 6 months sooner.
blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts)MFM008
(19,816 posts)I will hug my Mr. Kitty tonight (he hates that). Sorry for your loss, I know how hard it is.
choie
(4,111 posts)Scarlet will be in your heart forever...
DUgosh
(3,056 posts)I love cats
Hassin Bin Sober
(26,330 posts)SummerSnow
(12,608 posts)After characters from Gone With the Wind
Booster
(10,021 posts)I had my Spooky for 22 years and she was at the vets 1 day of her life to get spayed and it was on Halloween. The attendant said "I don't think we've ever had a cat named Spooky come in on Halloween". She let me know also when it was time so I got a huge pillow, made her comfortable, and she was gone in the morning. They bring such joy to us. Sorry for your loss, joeybee12. My advice is to go to the shelter and adopt another in her name. You'll also be saving a life.
CitizenLeft
(2,791 posts)I'm so sorry. She's still there with you, in your heart always.
gateley
(62,683 posts)She had a wonderful, love-filled life because of you.
William769
(55,147 posts)Kennah
(14,276 posts)rcmooney
(6 posts)So sorry for your loss.
Thank you for sharing Scarlet with us, This was so good, now she lives with us too.
Response to joeybee12 (Original post)
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Response to joeybee12 (Original post)
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cate94
(2,811 posts)faithnomore
(41 posts)We just got another cat back in June after losing our other two to old age. Its amazing how they become such an important part of your life. We're already so attached to "Bud" that I don't know how we'd live without him.
nuxvomica
(12,429 posts)Scarlet sounds like a wonderful cat, deserving of such a fine tribute. In her honor, one of my favorite poems:
To a Cat
Mirrors are not more wrapt in silences
nor the arriving dawn more secretive;
you, in the moonlight, are that panther figure
which we can only spy at from a distance.
By the mysterious functioning of some
divine decree, we seek you out in vain;
remoter than the Ganges or the sunset,
yours is the solitude, yours is the secret.
Your back allows the tentative caress
my hand extends. And you have condescended,
since that forever, now oblivion,
to take love from a flattering human hand.
You live in another time, lord of your realm -
a world as closed and separate as a dream.
-- Jorge Luis Borges
Peace to you.
Call Me Wesley
(38,187 posts)May you be free from suffering. Peace and comfort to you and yours, joeybee12.
hamsterjill
(15,222 posts)I'm sorry for the sadness.
We've talked before about doing rescue, etc. There is such sadness involved in doing rescue. So, I try very hard to make myself see the GOOD things - the ones, like Scarlet, who are cared for, loved and treasured.
Permit me a minute of happiness, please, even amongst the sadness for the loss of Scarlett, to be grateful and respectful that one was loved so much.
Thank you for giving Scarlet a great life.
MuseRider
(34,111 posts)I am so sorry. You know how lucky you were to have had her for so long and you know she was so very lucky to have you. All that is wonderful but it does not stop the pain. Bless your heart, I am so sorry. They bring us so much pain when they leave but after a while I always end up deciding the pain is worth the joy and love we all would miss out on if they were not with us.
Be easy for a while, find some fun and find some peace. You are such a good man, I mean this even though I will never meet you. I know from reading the things you write about life and this country/world and love and working to make it all better. I wish this pain did not come from all the wonderful things you do for others. Sending hugs and healing thoughts because damn it, I can't do anything else. XXOO
yesphan
(1,588 posts)OnyxCollie
(9,958 posts)R. P. McMurphy
(834 posts)And from your description I know she was a very sweet kitty. I know your heart is broken and I'm so very sorry for you.
pinto
(106,886 posts)Take care.
pomkrazy
(11 posts)joeybee12 so sorry for you losing your fur baby
Science Geek
(161 posts)I hope you're OK, you've had several losses close together. It must be very difficult.
I am a very much a cat lover, and very close to several cats; have lost beloved cats, I know it's hard.