February 20th, 2013
Our last photo together.
My eight year old doll-face flame point Himalayan cat Oliver was euthanized Wednesday morning.
In 2009, at just five years old, Oliver was diagnosed with kidney problems and in 2010, he took a turn for the worse despite his special diet. An ultrasound revealed he had polycystic kidney disease. I vowed to fight with him. I learned to give him sub-q fluids here at home. After a couple months of treatments and tests, I promised Oliver there would be no more needles. We would fight with diet and do whatever we could together to keep him as healthy and happy as possible.
Oliver was a warrior. He had good streaks and bad streaks. Some days he’d eat without argument but other days it would take up to 20 minutes to get him to eat just a few bites. When he stopped eating his prescription kibble, I picked up canned moist food. I whipped the mush with water to make it higher in moisture which eliminated the need to worry about how to fend off dehydration. When he got tired of the mushy meals, I mixed wet and dry. Then we went back to just dry kibble again. I began begging him and bribing him with promises of US currency and elaborate vacations. He soon would want petting rewards for eating. Meal time was our time together.
Oliver played and purred. He lived up to his princely title without a doubt. He oversaw his kingdom and fought his disease valiantly. His weight fluctuated since his diagnosis in 2009 (he was only 6 pounds at his heaviest) but he was slowly shrinking. I worked harder to get him eating. Every vet visit resulted in the same praise. He was doing well and we should keep up with what was working. Oliver was bright eyed and bushy tailed. He was my fluffy prince, my sunshine man, my boo, my baby, my heart.
Our vet visit in September revealed a slight weight gain. A weight gain was a huge boost to my peace of mind. But then I noticed changes. Gradually he ate less. He looked smaller to me. I was grateful he still acted normally. No real sign of anything serious. His visit in December showed a weight loss. Then he just looked like he was getting old. His grooming habits slowly changed and became less thorough. I did my best to keep him looking regal and handsome. He still purred and followed me around for petting and chin rubs.
I told several family members and friends that I thought this would be our last winter together. I had a feeling. I couldn’t put my finger on it. We had gone through peaks and valleys and plateaus but I knew. This time it was different. The weekend of February 16th, I knew I had to prepare myself to say goodbye.
I vowed never to keep a pet alive for my own selfish wishes and needs. Oliver was resting peacefully and purring for me Sunday but as the new week began he showed signs that the end was near. His blue eyes looked different. He didn’t come to me when I begged him. I made the call and we said goodbye Wednesday morning. My heart broke as I said my final goodbye and kissed him. My fluffy rescue boy who had never bitten, scratched or lashed out at any member of our household, had crossed the rainbow bridge. My brave prince made me so proud.
People have told me that he wouldn’t have thrived so long with a different owner. Few would have the patience to tolerate his finicky ways especially at meal times. That might be true. I admit I would get frustrated, I’m only human. But Oliver was my angel. I miss his goofy antics and higher-than-thou demeanor. I miss his ear tufts, his crazy wild whiskers, his perfectly-toasted-marshmallow point coloring and his bright blue eyes that captured my heart when I first met him in 2004.
Rest in peace my little man. Know how proud I am to have fought beside you in your war against kidney disease. You will live on in my heart always.
Josh LaPorte
Sara, I went through a similar situation recently with my Zeke. Zeke came home from the Humane Society and was almost immediately ill. Lots of back and forth with various vets and finally a woman at an emergency vet realized he was really constipated. He had developed mega colon and was essentially chronically constipated and had a very hard time moving his bowels. We got him on special diets and stool softeners and laxatives and lived with him having accidents and soiling things… He was the sweetest boy and my favorite cat. Really a once in a lifetime cat, so wonderfully chill and social and friendly. I miss him dearly. We too went from kibble to mush and back to kibble and back to mush. Near the end I was using a dropper to help him eat. I finally said that enough was enough. He wasn’t getting any better and his quality of life was sliding fast. He was put down and cremated. It’s been at least a month but I miss him so much. So sorry about your Oliver. I think you’re right, most people wouldn’t have nursed him along so well for so long. It is frustrating but it’s what one does for their friends.
gourmetpens
Beautiful, beautiful creature. Thank you for sharing your journey with him with us readers. There is no doubt in my mind that he fought just as hard to stay with you as long as he could. You have incredible patience and love to do for him what you did. That is certainly why he stayed so long with you. I understand the pain of losing a companion. I’ll spare you the story, but just know, my heart is with you here.
theworldaccordingtocarolyn
What a heart warming story. Beautiful. You can read my Alley’s story at http://www.theworldaccordingtocarolyn.wordpress.com/tale-of-two-kitties
Henny
My heart hurts for you. I will be sending you my positive thoughts and well wishes. Excellent job in taking care of your beautiful buddy. Animals are so important in our lives which makes these decisions so incredibly painful. It does take a special person inside and out to love an animal with your whole being. Thanks for sharing your picture and story.
MsLogica
I already messaged you on Twitter but you know I love cats and my heart goes out to you. Xx
jenniesisler
My condolences on your loss. Not many people could have or would have had the patience to deal with his health problems, but in the time he had with you he had a good life. I’m glad he’s not suffering anymore.
Julie (O-kami)
I am so so sorry for your loss.
Jessica Fritsche (@jfritsche)
Sara, your relationship with Oliver was so special. He was loved beyond measure and loved you back just as much, and he was a lucky boy to know such care and sweetness in his time here with you. Much love to you.
simplytrece
My DH and I know the agony of your loss. Our Fidget passed in January of what we assume a massive heart attack. Perhaps Prince Oliver is playing at the Bridge with Fidget. So very sorry for your loss.
stevemorton
So sorry to hear about Prince Oliver. We build such strong bonds with our pets. I know I did with our cat George who sadly died late last year. I still think a lot about him, wishing he was still around to come and sit on me and cuddle up to me.
Missive Maven (@MissiveMaven)
Oh my dear, I am so sorry for your loss. I know what it is to go through the deteriorating health of a beloved pet, and then to have to make that agonizing ultimate last call… how brave and strong you were to follow through on your commitment to let him go when his quality of life had gone, and not held on to him for selfish reasons. My heart goes out to you in your grief.
ana
I am so sorry. I know several months have passed since you lost Oliver but I got weepy reading your story and know how hard it is to lose those furry friends. I lost two in six months a couple years back and I still miss them so terribly. Oliver will always be in your heart and he lived a life with someone who loved and cared for him so deeply. What a lucky thing he found you and how lucky you were to have him in your life. Peace to you both.