Cats and Coupons

Several years ago my beloved Himalayan cat Nikki got sick. In the last day his whole manner changed and I knew the end was coming. I believe he did as well. Looking back, I realize he’d stayed closer to me than usual for a few days before the end. On the last day he wouldn’t leave my side at all. I sat on the floor and he curled up in my lap and passed. My heart broke. We get so attached to our pets, for some of us they are like family.

This past Sunday night my Mom’s cat passed. The cat was about 10 and had a long, good life. For two or three days prior the cat was having a hard time walking but managed to stay near my Mom. I knew my Mom was really hurting, so I tried to help by talking with her. In the course of our conversation I shared my theory of what happened when each of our cats had died.

I believe that in each case our cats stayed near us because they loved us and knew we loved them. I think they knew the end was coming and that being close for a little time together was the cat’s way of thanking me, telling me he loved me and saying goodbye. I believe the cats were all preparing themselves, and us in a way, for their death. I know in Nikki’s case he managed a weak purr until the end, when he let go with one last meow. I believe he was in peace and content with the life he’d had. I still miss him and think of him often.

I have since experienced almost an identical bond with a cat twice. Once was with Pumpkin, a cat who we rescued from a shelter. I nursed him for weeks after we got him to keep him alive. He left us suddenly, again breaking my heart. Now it’s with Shadow, the male cat I have now. You may not think that’s a big deal but, did you know that all three of the cats are/were male Seal Point Himalayans? Sometimes I wonder if in a way my Nikki is still with me.