BS: Our poor old Lily Puss has gone :-(

Subject: BS: Our poor old Lily Puss has gone :-(
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 02 Sep 20 - 01:59 PM

Our lovely lass, Lily, has gone to the great scratching post in the sky :-( She was by far the cleverest cat we ever had. She could open the front door and let herself in although she never shut it behind her :-) She loved to be with people. Particularly people who had bacon! She adopted us some 15 years back when she took residence in our outside utility room and refused to leave. We took her to the vets then to get her sterilised and checked out before we took her in and they said she was somewhere between 1 and 2 years old so she was knocking on in cat years.

It is only in the last few days it became obvious something was wrong. She would not come in apart from for brief periods. She hid herself in odd places - classic cat defence mechanism. She loved food before but did not eat much over last weekend and in the last day or two would only be tempted by best roast turkey. Not daft are they. She did not seem in any pain or even much distress but there was something wrong. We took her to the vets and had to leave her for tests as the vet found a lump in her stomach and she had a high temperature. Sadly, while they ran further tests she lay down, started to pant and just slipped away. The vet confirmed it was cancer and we are just thankful that she did not suffer. When I have to go, I hope it is as quick and I know nowt about it as well.

RIP Lily. We shall miss her and even miss being woken up at silly o'clock by her bouncing across the bed. I will of course keep all the fond memories. Our other cat, Molly, may miss her too but I don't think she will miss being bopped on the head or bum by Lily as she minds her own business :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old Lily Puss has gone :-(
From: Charmion
Date: 02 Sep 20 - 02:20 PM

So sorry for your loss, DaveGnome.

I'm sure you will see the tip of Lily's tail disappearing around corners or hear her voice in the house for a while, and Molly may be a bit clingier than usual.

If you are so bold as to introduce another cat into the household to keep Molly company, don't be surprised if she suddenly turns into a termagant. We had a previously meek Siamese who became an utter terror after the old tomcat died and two kittens joined the family. After many years as the unterkatz, once she had the house to herself she had no intentions of sharing it!

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old Lily Puss has gone :-(
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 02 Sep 20 - 03:51 PM

Thanks, Charmion. We are having fun swapping photos at the moment. Sad but bringing back good memories. I'll compile some and post them on a social media site over the next few days.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old Lily Puss has gone :-(
From: leeneia
Date: 02 Sep 20 - 04:32 PM

My condolences, Dave. I miss my beloved cats of yore.

If we went on a trip and boarded the cats out, we would come home expecting a cat to greet us, and the house suddenly seemed so empty without her.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old Lily Puss has gone :-(
From: Donuel
Date: 02 Sep 20 - 04:52 PM

Nice eulogy Dave, if you're anything like me you will miss her forever.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old Lily Puss has gone :-(
From: JennieG
Date: 02 Sep 20 - 06:14 PM

Oh, that's sad......it sounds as though Lily Puss had a good life. She's probably missing you, too.

We became a one kitty household six years ago when Binky crossed over the rainbow bridge. Bianca immediately took up the position of Sole Household Cat as if she was born to it. Being the youngest cat in the house (at one time we had four) she bided her time, and as they say - all good things come to those who wait.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old Lily Puss has gone :-(
From: Thompson
Date: 03 Sep 20 - 05:18 AM

Poor little puss, and poor you. It's such a helpless, sad feeling when we're unable to save a pet. But you were good friends to Lily.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old Lily Puss has gone :-(
From: Senoufou
Date: 03 Sep 20 - 05:32 AM

I am so sorry Dave. I can imagine how you're feeling. I still have a cry now and again after we lost SmokeyPokey just before Christmas.
But I think it was for the best, and a peaceful end. As you say, if only we could guarantee an ending like that for ourselves.
I try to concentrate on the lovely life we gave all our cats, and you did too. Your darling Lily Puss had a super life in your care, and that can be a comfort.
Sending you a hug and our sincere condolences.
Eliza xx

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old Lily Puss has gone :-(
From: Raggytash
Date: 03 Sep 20 - 06:24 AM

Cats are very much part of the family especially when one has owned you for 15 years.

I know your loss Dave and you have my sympathy.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old Lily Puss has gone :-(
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 03 Sep 20 - 07:59 AM

Thanks all. It means a lot to have your sympathy and support.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old Lily Puss has gone :-(
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 20 - 09:53 AM

I had cats for many years, the last one passing about about 10 years ago. I had to "be the grownup" when it came to taking them to the vet at the end when they were ill and the quality of life was gone. It doubly breaks your heart to lose the cat and have your children so unhappy. It sounds like Lily went on her own terms. My pooch Poppy died in her sleep at home in her favorite spot in early 2019; also on her own terms. That's the best we can hope, is that they don't suffer through painful medical treatments and go when they're ready.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old Lily Puss has gone :-(
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 04 Sep 20 - 03:31 AM

This week Mimi, owned by, and owner of, Doc and Jilly Cox, achieved the grand old cat age of 24, in spite of sharing a house with the appalling Ivor Biggun. That’s about 112 in human terms.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old Lily Puss has gone :-(
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 06 Sep 20 - 03:38 AM

We have Lily's ashes back and one of our daughters said she would like to mix some with a resin and make a couple of 'Lily stones'. She said she would make them in a pale grey, which Lily was, and make a hollow for a tea light. Lily did love to lie in front of the fire in winter so it is very apt.

Molly seems to have taken up the mantle of cadging food and was even taking bits of fish out of my wife's hand on Friday. She has not done that for years. We also had the ducks return to our front garden this morning. They always visit in spring but this is their first autumn visit for the 8 years we have been here. Lily had a very odd relationship with the ducks. She tolerated them but I suspect it was only because the were bigger than her and they come in pairs :-)

We are still grieving of course but talking about her does help. It is odd but I can be sad and smile at the same time. All part of the process I suppose. While I was sorting out insurance stuff I came across this with our pet policy.

If you need any extra support during this difficult time, our partners at Blue Cross run a pet bereavement helpline on 0800 138 6515.

I have not felt the need myself but if anyone would like some help I think it is a free service. Uk based.

Thanks again all.