Our cat is about 17 years old.
She was born in Arizona, loved hunting in the southwestern desert, came cross country with me in a bag under my seat on the airplane, and moved permanently to the "arctic tundra" of New England.
She's adjusted incredibly well to the east which is quite amazing for a cat from the southwest.
This past weekend she was very, very sick. She's been going downhill for awhile now.
When I called the vet to get an appointment, my heart was in my throat.
Was this going to be it?
Were we going to lose our beloved Honey Cat?
The vet was worried about her very large weight loss. She came to the east weighing 11 pounds and now tipped the scales at 6.5 pounds.
We found out she had a bladder infection and she was prescribed medicine.
As tears spilled out of my eyes, I told the veterinarian my worry that Honey Cat was dying.
"Oh no," he said. "She's got miles more to go."
You can only imagine how relieved and happy that comment made me.
Since then, this persevering feline has been taking her medicine and her appetite has improved with specialized cat food.
Truly, I'm beginning to think this is a cat who has not 99 lives, but 999 and for that I am immensely grateful.
HOW MANY YEARS DO YOU THINK CATS CAN LIVE?
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19 comments:
I can understand you so very well. I had a cat, who lived with our family for 17 years and who was more than a cat, he was the family member too. ant time he got ill, it was so depressing for us.
I'm glad that your sweet cat is fine and I wish her many more year ahead of peaceful and good life!
My sister will probably tell you about her cat, who is a sweet and gentle soul of many years. I adore cats, but we have not had any who managed to live more than 6-7 years, most not even that long. Where we are now, we are not permitted to have pets, so I just enjoy seeing pictures and hearing stories of other people's animals. Thank you for telling us about your sweet baby, and I'm really happy to know that she is responding to the meds and special food. Hopefully, she'll gain some of that weight back, too!
So pleased,she's lovely xx
Bless your honey cat! May she get into all kinds of compromising situations today, as most cats do.
Pets just are more than pets! I have been where you are at...the fear of losing is so hard.
I am just so glad this story seems to be having a happy ending.
I hope she feels much better soon and lives many more years. And the two of you have great adventures ahead of you still.
Susan, my heart sank when you said she's had a rapid weight loss. That's what happened to our 17 year old ragdoll, Bailey. He passed away this July and in spite of having a good appetite, the weight just kept coming off. Our vet thought he had "microscopic lymphoma" although nothing showed up in his blood work. I'm so happy that Honey is responding; I know all too well when that decision has to be made. I just recently bought an 8 1/2 year old cat from Missouri to Seattle. They bring us joy and so much love. I'm actually sleeping better (since Kelly passed away) with this cuddler, so I know the importance of pets in our lives. Much love and continued improvement for this "Everyready" cat, XOXO
Susan I am so glad Honey Cat is feeling better! Cats can live up into their 20's so don't give up yet. My Charlie is 14 so I know the worry with older cats. Give her a hug and enjoy every moment!
Linda
Love her while you can. My last two cats only lived to be 18.
Mine was 18 when she had a stroke and died....some even live longer. Keep an eye on that weight loss though. Good for Honey Cat that she is recuperating!
Oh, please keep getting better and better, Honey Cat! I'm so glad the kitty doctor was able to give medicine that is working and the Honey Cat is getting well.
I have a cat who is about the same age as Honey Cat. He gets nervous when we bring him inside, but he is the sweetest little outdoor kitty. He waits patiently for his food each morning. He'll sit on the porch rail waiting for me to refill his dish. I can see him sitting there from my kitchen window.
You two enjoy a good day!
So glad your Kitty is doing better.
Pets are so precious and it is hard to see them suffer in any way. So thankful your's has many more miles to go! :-)
I understand your concern, Susan. Our cat is 21 1/2 years old! Never in a million years did we expect an "outdoor" cat to live that long! For the past 9 years, he has lived largely as a "garage" cat, locked up at night. If the weather is warm, and we are all outside in the evening, he is not hesitant to let us know when it is time to begin the trek to the back garage door!:-) He still loves to eat, but is not a heavy cat at all.
Honey Cat is such a pretty thing!
I'm so glad Honey Cat is okay. I've heard of cats living well into their early 20's. Really amazing. Jingles will be 9 years old in April. My husband never dreamed cats could live so long. Ha! I do hope Honey Cat continues to improve and be well. She is definitely looking way too skinny. Take care ! Tammy
Hello from Spain: I'm glad your cat is best of health problems. Cats live a long life. You watch a lot Besides to your cat ... Keep in touch
Oh me or my - I am sooooooooooooo glad she is doing okay - you are going to be sooooooooooo sad. I am glad she found another life!
Pretty Kitty. I can sure relate to your fear of loosing that gal. I still miss Gizzie every day. He truluy was a part of my heart. I never want to feel that pain again. No more pets...hurts too much too loose them.....unless hmmmmm....maybe I get a bird or a turtle? xo bb
So happy that Honey Cat had MILES to go :)
Cats can live very long lives...twenty is pushing it but not uncommon. My little Ethyl has been very sick. She has had a couple of minor strokes but she keeps on going on.Your Honey cat is a cutie and I am sure she will be with you for awhile. :)
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