Reader Eric has just lost his beloved cat Isabella, and requested that I honor her memory by posting her story and photo on this site. I am glad to oblige:
I’m a long-time reader (and occasional poster) of WEIT. I have some sad news and request to make. Today, my Ex and I had to put our longtime friend and companion to sleep, her cat Isabella. Izzy lived 17 1/2 years in five locations in three states, catching many mice despite being mostly an indoor cat. She was a bit persnickety around any adults but me and my ex, but was loving and loyal to us and gentle and kind to the kids despite many pulled tails and other indignities. Attached is a (blurry, bad) picture of her. If you would be so good as to post it, I would be greatly honored. I have had the pleasure of living with six different cats during my life. All had their weird and wonderful personalities, but I will always remember Izzy for her habit of “standing watch” over my kid starting when he was about 3 months old. She was constantly just a few feet away from wherever he was and, when he learned to walk, she would follow him two steps behind, just where he couldn’t see her, a mama cat with a human baby. We will miss you, Iz!
I send my condolences, as I expect any reader would who has shared their life with a cat. Here’s Iz:
My condolences. In many ways, the bondings we forge with our pets are stronger and more direct than those with our fellow humans.
🐾🐾😻😥
Condolences. Yet another dear little animal that left (kitty) paw prints on someone’s heart. Treasure the memories.
What a beautiful girl. She was lucky to have such wonderful caretakers, and you are allowed to miss and love her always.
My condolences, Eric and unnamed ex. I know how hard it is to lose your cat. Of the two I’ve lost, it impacted me just as much as the loss of a beloved family member. I still think of them all the time, all these years later.
Be happy that you gave Izzy the happiest, healthiest life she could have had, and that she returned the favor with her warmth and affection. Not everyone is so lucky to have such a great cat in their life, and not every cat is so lucky to have such great humans in theirs 🙂
What a lovely, fluffy tabby Isabella was! Thank you for sharing her story. My heartfelt condolences go to all of Izzy’s family.
I know how you must feel. You never know what you’ve got till it’s gone.
I’m so sorry. What a beautiful kitty she was. Hoping you find peace and comfort in good memories.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed reading about Izzy and what a special cat she was. I can imagine how difficult it is. My Stripey is 16 years old now, and is my most constant companion and true blue friend. Nothing is forever, but you will always have the memories of the many wonderful experiences you shared with Izzy.
It’s a very tough thing to deal with but we must press on. In Izzy’s memory – get another. That is all you can do.
Sorry for the loss of your wonderful feline companion and household guardian.
I am so sorry for what you must be going through right now.
My condolences. I’m glad she had a wonderful family.
Your sorrow is shared.
Yep. Happened to me just a few weeks ago. Our sweet Maggie had to be put down. As time goes on you forget, but still remember the good times.
Heartfelt condolences to you, too, rick.
Thanks all for the comments, they are greatly appreciated. And thanks much to Jerry for being so good as to post this.
Many people don’t understand that a cat can not only have a forceful personality, but a caring nature. Our previous cat Samantha – 20yrs ago, was like this; however our current cat Carla is pure mind games; who also gives great cuddles.
Condolences for your loss and again thanks to Jerry for posting it.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Eric. Thank you for giving Izzy such a long, happy kitty life. May memories of her always make you smile.
Cat’s Funeral by E.V. Rieu
Bury her deep, down deep,
Safe in the earth’s cold keep,
Bury her deep.
No more to watch bird stir;
No more to clean dark fur;
No more to glisten as silk;
No more to revel in milk;
No more to purr.
Bury her deep, down deep;
She is beyond warm sleep.
She will not walk in the night;
She will not wake to the light.
Bury her deep.
Oh my! Now I’m crying! I have a little pet cemetery under the bushes. Cuddles is the most recent cat there as of a little more than a year ago. Before Cuddles was her buddy Jinx Jinx. And before Cuddles and Jinx was Booger. On the other side of the big bush are Sheda, Phoebe and Buddy who belonged to my Favorite Family Member who lives in an apartment and has no place for a pet cemetery.
Oh, now I’m just bawling! How I miss my dear cats! Dear little friends!
How I sympathize with you, Eric, and all others whose precious friends have died and left us.
Sorry for your loss. Cats live very long compared to other pets, and that is a bonus, but that extra time together undoubtedly strengthens the bond and exaggerates the loss. Worth it though. sniffle.
My heartfelt sympathy. She reminds me of my cat, Minna, who was the best cat I ever had.
Sorry for your loss, Eric. Thanks for sharing your heartwarming story about Isabella.
My family and I lost our little black cat this past winter (we elected euthanasia as her kidneys were shutting down). She was around 19 y.o. She had incredible spirit and spunk, and is sorely missed.
I’m sorry for you and your Ex’s loss, Eric.
So sorry, Eric. Pets fill us up and when they are gone, we are left so heartbreakingly empty.
Colin Tudge named Ida after his daughter. I was reading his book, The Link. I got it at Wal-Mart, years ago.
It has color photos.
I touched her perfect body with my mind, and am exploiting memes to make a statement on what is love, beyond Life’s messeled pit.
Life is only a game. Love is important. Cats are cool.
The oldest Catboy figurine was made in France.
PJ Mask’s direct ancestor.
Love is the law. Wal-Mart is in error.
My condolences Eric.
Cats are great, and they all have their personalities.
May I add my condolences. I lived with two wonderful cats for fifteen years, and I had to say goodbye to them in similar circumstances within a month of each other. It broke my heart.
Eric,
I am so sorry to hear that you’ve lost such a wonderful companion as Isabella. It is amazing that we can forge such close relationships with other creatures. It is to your credit that you are one who has done so.
So sorry for your loss. Only thing that helps me is Guinness and time.
I wrote you my condolences, Eric, yesterday from a different computer and do not see them here.
I am sorry for the death of your Isabella. It took me nearly exactly four years after Moxie Grace OwlFace’s death to gather up enough strength to take in another rescue just last Thursday: 11 – year – old Ms Gemma Gillian, whom no one else wanted. Maybe, too, ‘it’ ‘ll get better for you and eventually the memories will sustain and uplift.
Blue
Kudos for adopting a “senior” cat, Blue!
Was just reading a few days ago that over 70% of shelter (so-called) cats end up euthanized. Just think of all the human lives they could improve…
What a wonderful cat. You will always have good memories of her and know that she had a happy life.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl; she looks so much like my Amira. Over the years I’ve been the two-footed companion to 20 absolutely wonderful cats, including the six who now enrich my life. They were/are all rescues, each different than the others in so many ways. It has been so rewarding to give them the love they deserved and returned, but it is heartbreaking every time one has to be put down. Thank you for sharing your lovely Izzy with us and thank you to Ceiling Cat for posting your comments about her.
I’m so sorry, Eric. Thanks for sharing and reminding me to go give my cats (& d*gs) some extra loving just now.
Sorry for your loss, Eric. Thank you and Prof Ceiling Cat for the pic & remembrance.