We said goodbye to our 19 year old cat Data this morning. He was a great cat who first learned to deal with our chow chow Bear and then, as the years passed, he learned to thrive in a house full of dogs. Like all cats, he did what he wanted, when he wanted and he taught us to love that streak of independence. We learned well.
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| Data just a few months ago relaxing with the dogs. |
Like all cats, Data lived his life on his own terms. If he wanted his ears scratched or a belly rub, he came to us. The rest of the time, he stuck his nose in the air and ignored us. When the mood hit him he'd play with the dogs and if they annoyed him, he would chase them away. He was an indoor cat who learned to use the doggie door. Laying in the sun on the deck gave him enormous pleasure. Did I mention he was a great cat?
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| Data on the deck this fall. |
About a month ago, Data started having problems keeping food down, he stopped eating his cat food so we started giving him tuna fish, chicken and rice, anything we could get him to eat. Six days ago he stopped eating even the tiny amounts of tuna and chicken. He was skin and bones. But he kept playing with the dogs, hopped in my lap, seemed to still be happy and comfortable. Two days ago, the purr went away. Last night he lost control of his bladder and bowels. I held him all night and told him it was okay, he could leave, I'd understand. Still he stayed with us.
Two days ago, he was so thin but still perky.
Early this morning I knew I couldn't let this go on. I had hoped he would just go to sleep and not wake up but sadly that was not to be. I called the vet and said, it's time. Data and I made one last trip together. Did I mention he was a great cat? Good bye Data, Mom loved you and I'll miss you forever. . . . . God Speed Precious boy.
