(no subject)

[mamculuna]

Good-bye to my dear old Orange, the sweetest of cats.

He was pretty much OK this morning, even ate a little breakfast. He went out in the afternoon to sit on the neighbors' porch--they've always fed him, even after he moved in with us. At about 4, their son found him dead on the porch. It must have been quick--maybe a heart attack or stroke. He'd been nauseated off and on for the past few weeks, but recovered fairly quickly. He had some nice rare roast beef last night and relished it. A good death, considering the options.

But he was a very good cat. He wasn't a hunter, and didn't defend territory. He purred so easily, and meowed so rarely, humbly glad to take whatever was given him, and to give all the love he can.

Sleep sweetly, Anaranjado.

Comments

[brisingamen.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry ... he looked like a fine cat.

[faithhopetricks.livejournal.com]

((hugs)) I'm really sorry -- what a beautiful cat. I'm glad it was quick, and he knew he was loved and relished his rare roast beef (jeez, that nearly made me cry).

[oursin.livejournal.com]

Sympathies.

[londonkds.livejournal.com]

All my condolences.

[rebekahroxanna.livejournal.com]

I, too, am very sorry.

[mummm.livejournal.com]

Awww... he was so pretty, and sounds like he was so sweet. I'm sorry.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

He liked sleeping in the flowers---though I suspect the sun on the bed was the real draw.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I had my Fernie for 17 years, and miss her though she died a year and a half ago. Orange didn't move in until after she was gone, so though he was old, he hadn't been here all that long. But was so lovable and gentle, he became a big part of our lives in a hurry.

The wild outside cat is now our only one, since we don't really want to get another inside cat right now--too much travelling, etc. She's a great cat and comes in for a brief purr now and then.

When we settle back down, I may ask the vets and shelters to let us know if they get a mother with little kittens. I'd love to have babies around again--used to have lots when I was a kid and cats weren't spayed and neutered as they should have been, even then. Love the tiny first steps, the newly opened eyes.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

He did, and I think he's one who may get to move out of the animal realm next time. He used to sit on my lap when I meditated and said mantras, so maybe he soaked up the merit. He behaved with a lot more equanimity than I can.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thanks. He was. And hope your old one had the same peace (or comes back home).

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

He totally loved the beef! I was glad I'd given it to him. He was a sweetie, but had the best cat end I've seen, so we miss him but don't feel bad for him, if you know what I mean.

Thanks.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

He was, but we were fortunate to share the end of his life and glad we could make it easier. Thanks.

[faithhopetricks.livejournal.com]

Yes, a good death -- that rare and precious thing -- is like a gift, really, both for you and the loved one. If that doesn't sound too precious or bizarre.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Not at all. Felt the same way when my mother had a massive stroke. I've seen the lingering kind of death, and anything quick is a real blessing--for the one who dies and for the ones who mourn, just as you say.

[arethusa2.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[faithhopetricks.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've seen both the quick and the slow, and altho people look at you funny when I say "good death" I'm firmly convinced it's possible (it's really hard in a hospital setting, tho, I think). It's a shame Western culture is so death-phobic, for it's an unavoidable part of life, and if life is good can't death be so as well?

Anyhow, forgive the nattering. I just really loved the way you wrote abt Orange.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Arethusa.

[maeve-rigan.livejournal.com]

Very sorry to hear this--and to be late in posting. Beautiful orange tabby! No reply required.

[rahael.livejournal.com]

Aww, I'm sorry Mamculuna. Like Maeve, there's no need to reply to this.

purrrrr

[wombatina.livejournal.com]

purrrr. meow. rowr. headbutt. sleep.

Re: purrrrr

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Exactly.

[skreml.livejournal.com]

very sorry about naranja - would love to have known him, it sounds like he was just the sweetest boy ever - he would say "thank you" to you and dad for loving him so...