49 Comments

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Pets are part of our families (especially for those of us without kids).

It is hard to know when to let them go, but I think it better to error in the side of too soon, rather than too late.

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Claire, Zeki does not understand what is happening, but he does know that he is in a safe place with the person he loves. Keeping him comfortable and close to you is the best thing you can do for him. This is a terrible thing to suffer through as a pet owner, knowing that soon he will be gone. Try to take comfort in remembering the good times you shared and that he lived a good life in your care.

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This is the discussion my husband and I have several times a week - how hard it is going to be today goodbye to our first dog together (he's 12 and large so not one of longevity on paper) and how hard it will be for our daughter. But for now we have him and you have Zeki. Thanks for sharing a little piece of your personal life here and for the care and kindness you are giving him (and yourself).

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Take all the time you need, Claire. We’ll all be here when you’re ready to get back into bloviation mode…

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Also, thanks for the "cat grimace" link!

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author

Useful, no?

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The "cat grimace" scale has three levels: normal (1), severe pain (3), and in between (2).. The simple photos, line drawings, and discriptiions show the differences in facial features and body postures going from normal, to moderate pain, to severe pain.

It is clear, uncluttered, and easy to use.

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author

You might find this website helpful, too: https://icatcare.org/advice-cat-carer-guides/.

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Wow. A wonderful account of the ending of your journey through life with Zeki. You've done magnificiently by Zeki. And the beautiful photos are as good as your prose. Thank you for sharing such a tender time.

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Dearest Clair,

You are a very good pet mama. You are doing that which is the MOST difficult part of being a good pet owner. Keeping our pets alive to suffer so we may have a few more days or weeks with them, is no way to show our love. I'm proud of you!

Aunt Marilee

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author

Thank you, Marilee.

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Zeki is lucky to have you by his side. Some things are hard to take.

My prayers go out to both of you.

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So much love to you and zeki. He’s in a loving hospice and you are so kind.

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❤️❤️❤️❤️ so sorry for your little one, Claire. I’m so grateful he will spend his final days with you like he wants. You gave him a good life. He wouldn’t want to be separated from his human.

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Poor Zeki. I'm glad he's spending his last days with you surrounded by love.

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founding

These little ones climb into our hearts and keep us warm forever. Godspeed little Zeki, you are so deeply loved. And for your mommy, may her love for you help to heal her sadness.

For little Suley, if you ultimately have to give pill meds, perhaps try a little pill pocket called Greenies pill pockets for cats. Our little Puma (who likewise has renal issues) likes the salmon ones....and he would not take any pill any other way. It was a godsend for us.

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author

I've tried every pocket known to man. Zeki immediately smelled the pills and nibbled delicately around them.

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founding

Oh dear…..sweet Zeki……they can outsmart us even in our sneakiest efforts. Delicately, to let us know they appreciate the try…..

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founding

It is a privilege to attend to someone's last moments.

Zeki is lucky to have such a devoted, loving, and generous companion.

May you both find peace in what's to come.

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Sympathies. Going through a similar experience w our deaf, arthritic, thyroid afflicted 19 year old tabby, Taffy. Never easy.

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I'm sorry.

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Oh no :( ! Strength - and a big remote solidarity hug - to you both from Yorkshire.

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So sorry, Claire. He was blessed to have you throughout his life and now in his final days.

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