I've had Mao since about 1990 (give or take a year) - he was full grown adult chocolate point Siamese when I got him. His age now is estimated to be 23-24 years of age
On a silly/funny note - he was cat in a bag this morning. I know he shouldn't get cold so I swaddled him in a blanket (he was very accepting of that though not very happy about it) and then put him in one of my purple bags unzipped enough so his head stuck out (and after moment or two both his front paws were out too... Though he stayed in it otherwise....
The vet did an exam and said his kidneys have shut down. Mao was down to 6.6 lbs from 7.6lbs in the middle of December. The vet said that I could have left Mao there for a few days and they would do intravenous and antibiotics (I never did confirm if he had a cold too but I think he did) and that that might give him some more time or might not. He wasn't very hopeful though and seemed relieved when I said no to that.
Mao was already being treated for Kidney failure - his kidney's almost shut down in October - and he's been on twice a day pills and drops and special food since then. So it wasn't like I was giving up on him quickly - He's already been through a lot with his kidneys and in my opinion it was time so say "no more" and let him rest.
They didn't let me be with him when they put the intravenous in (which almost killed me). But I was able to hold him when they gave him a dose of anaesthetic that was large enough to stop his heart. I held him as they did that - him on my right shoulder with his head tucked under my chin and his paws on the top of my shoulder. I am glad I was able to be there with him. He went very quickly - basically just passed out/drifted off to sleep.
A hard decision but I know it was the right one. He's been a very good cat and it was his time.
I came to work. Didn't know what else to do really. As I was planning to go home again so after all my cooking on the weekend I don't have lunch with me...
Please give your furbaby's (if you have them) a hug/pat/treat for me in memory of Mao.
R.I.P. Mao
February 5th, 2007 at 06:00 pm
February 5th, 2007 at 06:06 pm 1170698768
February 5th, 2007 at 06:18 pm 1170699488
He had a wonderful life. I really wish they could live forever. I will give my furry kids a kiss tonight for you.
February 5th, 2007 at 06:42 pm 1170700974
February 5th, 2007 at 07:07 pm 1170702472
February 5th, 2007 at 07:15 pm 1170702936
February 5th, 2007 at 07:20 pm 1170703215
Hugging Annie and Daisy in memory of Mao.
February 5th, 2007 at 07:21 pm 1170703302
February 5th, 2007 at 07:22 pm 1170703359
{{{HUGS}}} to you. I know how hard it is to lose a pet...and yours was very fortunate that you were there with him through the end.
Moa really is resting in peace now.
(and Grace enjoyed the treat in Mao's honor)
February 5th, 2007 at 08:02 pm 1170705756
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
February 5th, 2007 at 08:23 pm 1170706998
February 5th, 2007 at 08:39 pm 1170707988
Mao was a lucky boy to have a long life and a loving owner. Hugs!!
February 5th, 2007 at 09:00 pm 1170709207
February 5th, 2007 at 09:23 pm 1170710635
February 6th, 2007 at 01:06 am 1170723973
February 6th, 2007 at 01:21 am 1170724886
Everyone (other than a couple of people at worked who asked me "so when are you going to get another cat cause I know this person with a kitten....) have been really great!
February 6th, 2007 at 01:23 am 1170725004
February 6th, 2007 at 04:16 am 1170735364
February 6th, 2007 at 07:57 am 1170748659
The first week is the roughest, it gets a little easier after that.
February 6th, 2007 at 09:23 am 1170753787
Whenever I read that Rainbow Bridge thing I burst into tears.
February 6th, 2007 at 02:10 pm 1170771009
February 6th, 2007 at 05:05 pm 1170781531
February 6th, 2007 at 08:35 pm 1170794134
Should that day come, please open your heart to that cat...
February 6th, 2007 at 11:10 pm 1170803431
February 7th, 2007 at 04:17 am 1170821860
February 7th, 2007 at 02:16 pm 1170857805
February 9th, 2007 at 12:39 am 1170981569
February 9th, 2007 at 02:12 am 1170987169
February 9th, 2007 at 05:35 pm 1171042531
I had to do the exact same thing with my first cat(I had her for 20 years) and we were closer than anything. But I was lucky to have had her in my life.
After reading your post, I am so glad I was 5 minute late for work today because my cat that I have now wanted to play more.
Your not alone
February 9th, 2007 at 07:21 pm 1171048863
BTW, you should feel very proud that he lived to such a ripe old age!
February 10th, 2007 at 10:14 pm 1171145660
When both my husband and mother died I had the privilege of being with them holding them and telling them that I loved them. While finding these experiences terribly sad I found them to be an honor.
February 19th, 2007 at 12:57 pm 1171889852