Three cats gone in three weeks....

Maybe writing about my felines will help me heal. My family is heartbroken because all three of our cats died in a span of three weeks. I'm not kidding! How and why such a thing would happen is beyond me. I believe things happen for a reason, but the reason for this kind of loss is a hard one to grasp. About my kitties-

Josie was a skinny but beautiful tabby cat that was given to me many years ago from one of my best friends. At the time my friend had 8 cats, and they all hated Josie. We summised that it was because she was a supermodel kitty, and they hated her because she was beautiful.  My husband was her preferred human, but she would allow me to pet her when he wasn't around. She didn't care much for my girls, and would swat them if they walked by her too quickly.  Josie was positive for Hepatitis, 17 years old, rail thin, and slept most of the time. So when she was found on the couch by me June 3rd dead, it wasn't a surprise. The fact that she lasted as long as she did is amazing.

Cleopatra, or Cleo was a gorgeous Maine Coon cat that I found at my cousin's house. She was hanging around there for weeks, and no one was looking for her. When I stopped by my cousin's house on New Year's Eve this year she was on the porch. I picked her up and she started to purr, and went I put her down and got into my car, she jumped into my lap! I called my husband that instant to "ask" if I could take a cat home, promising to find her rightful home, or a new home. Obviously, that didn't happen because we kept her and loved her. She proved to be a great mouser which caused me some stress because of the tormenting, and playing with the mice. I'd prefer a quick end to their life, not injury and suffering. We kept her indoors, but as soon as Spring came she was sneaking outside with the dogs, and it became a never ending battle that I gave up on.  June 15th as I was leaving to pick my girls up from school, I saw her in the road. Death by car. I couldn't bear to look at her, and cried my eyes out while driving, and tried to compose myself to pick up the girls. The tears came again quickly as I told them that she was no longer with us. Luckily, my neighbor got her for me, and put her in a box. We buried her on the side of Josie.

Sebastian, or Sebbie as we called him, was a handsome Egyptian Mau given to me by friends of a friend (the same friend that gave me Josie). I'm told he was a result of a spending spree on expensive pure bred animals that led to too many, so they needed to downsize.  He was a different kind of cat. When he walked out of his carrier that first day, he just kind of layed down all chill and stretched like he lived here all his life. Super affectionate he loved attention by anybody, even the dogs. I think he thought he was a dog. His head was cocked to the side from ear polyps that he had removed, so I liked to call him crooked kitty because his head still tended to the side.  He was my youngest daughter's favorite pet, and he often slept in her bed. His favorite things to do was to bask in the sun on the deck, and sit in the front yard by the rock wall waiting patiently to pounce on chipmunks.  He also had this great purr, in Egyptian Maus they have what is called a chortle that he would do when he was very happy. Everyone that visited us loved Sebbie, and wanted him as he curled up on their lap, purred loudly, and stared lovingly at them with his green eyes.  He didn't come in last night, and I was concerned because he always came in at night. I waited until 12:30 before going to bed. I got a call at 6 am this morning that there was a cat under my neighbor's car and she didn't know if it was mine. In my heart I knew it was him. His back legs were limp, and I had a sinking feeling. Off to the vets, and they confirmed that it was a spinal cord injury and a grim prognosis. I agreed to euthanize him. My girls were with me, and we said our tearful goodbyes.

That's my sad story. I no longer have cats. I've never in my life not had cats. It will feel weird, but I think a break is needed. I still have three dogs (knock on wood). If I am meant to have anymore cats, I am sure they will find me....they always do. My youngest is having a hard time because he was "her cat", and she really misses him.  She wants to get kittens and teach them to be indoor only cats. Time will tell. Rest in Peace Josie, Cleo, and Sebbie.