My beloved cat, Ozzie, had to be put down tonight. He's had a cancerous growth in his mouth, and the abscess started bleeding badly late this afternoon. His quality of life had diminished drastically in the past two weeks (he could only eat baby food - he was unable to chew anything, and he stopped grooming himself - a sure sign that a cat is not well).

He was a week shy of his 19th birthday.

He was a wonderful companion and the unconditional love that he showed me was one of the best things I've ever experienced in life.

I will miss him dearly.

R.I.P. my little man.

Oh no!!! I'm so sorry to hear that SC. I know how much you loved OzzieBoy. Pets can become like members of the family and losing them can be heartbreaking.

I'm very sorry!


TIS

Sorry SC

I'm so sorry SC

Oh, no, SC, I'm so sorry to hear that, especially this time of year!

Thankfully he's no longer suffering, and I'm sure for the past almost-two decades you two have shared so much joy and love to last a lifetime. Now he can finally meet and play with Kitty (who still pops up in my dreams sometimes, and is nice to see). Hang in there, buddy!

SC, my friend. It's so awful to lose our beloved pets. They give us so much, and ask for only affection in return. Please know that you and Ozzie are in my thoughts and in my heart.

XXOOXX

SC, I'm awfully sorry you've lost your little friend and companion. We had to put down two cats that we loved.

I'm sorry to hear about Ozzie, SC. I know he meant an awful lot to you.

Dear SC,

I'm so sorry to hear about OzzieBoy. You gave him a wonderful life and took great care of him. I'm sorry he is no longer with us but he is no longer suffering and he is pain free. Stay strong my friend.

I'm so sorry to hear that SC! Hugs!

Sorry for your loss SC

Sorry for your loss, SC.

I have a great respect for cats. Gotta love their human like characteristics.

To echo JG's point, he's no longer suffering, which is a good thing.

Might be time for a new companion perhaps?

R.I.P Ozzieboy (Great name)

Awww man, SC, I am so sorry to hear that, but it is good that he is no longer suffering.


Rest in peace, OzzieBoy

SC,

I know how much Ozzieboy meant to you. I am so sorry to hear this news. My sincerest condolences.

RIP OzzieBoy

I feel for you SC, I know how they can become your family.

Sorry to hear that.

'Loss' might just be the most gut-wrenching emotion that can be experienced.

Thinking of you, SC...

Thank you all very much for your words of comfort.

I'm doing better than I thought I'd be. The hardest thing now is getting used to the idea that he's not around. It was strange waking up and not seeing him running over to get his "attention" from me. It's strange to walk around the apartment and not have to look down to see if he's walking in between my feet trying to trip me up like he used to love to do. Nineteen years of habits is impossible to change in just a short time.

I had a long run with him, and I am lucky for that. I'll share an email that I got from my brother today which sums it up perfectly. All cat lovers will relate to this:

I think I can finally write this, after stopping so many times to wipe away the tears of sorrow I feel for you.
You were Ozzieboy's person. All cat people come to the realization that the cat is in charge, and if the "person" obeys, he or she gets their due in the form of love and affection so unrequited that it really can't be put into words. Only feelings of the the love and devotion you've exchanged with each other will persevere in your memory, and I'm surely proud of my brother for the way you let this wonderful being be a large part of your life, and you a large part of his.
Someday, way off in the future, we will meet again with the loves of our lives, and Ozzieboy will again be there for you.

Wow. Makes me want to buy a cat.

19 years is a long relationship. Pets can bring so much joy to our lives. Their love is unconditional....well, almost...they like to be fed, scratched, held...

Joy amidst the sadness. My condolences.

My sincerest condolences for your loss, SC. Stay strong my friend.

It may be too soon to ask this SC, but are you going to get another kitty companion?

I remember as a kid my grandfather loved his cat named Boots. He saw it get hit by a car in front of the house and was so devastated that he swore to never get another pet again because the loss was too heartbreaking. About a year later my family let one of our cats have kittens and we surprised him with one as a gift. He named her Princess and treats her exactly like one to this day.

I couldn't imagine not having a cat in my life.

Sorry SC. My cat is up there in years too, and I'm hoping he hangs in there a couple of more. I swore I'd never get another cat after my last one died 15 years ago, but I only lasted 3 days and have had my current cat since.

I'd like to have another cat share my life eventually but I'm not ready for one right now.

I have to decide on living arrangements (whether I'm going to stay in my current apartment) and a few other things going on before I decide on adopting a cat.

From one cat lover to another, you have my deepest sympathy. I hope you're doing alright. That message from your brother explains the relationship so very well - it's a special bond.

Your brother's email sums up cats pretty well. I've always had cats when I was growing up - sometimes 3 or 4. My mother was without cats for over a year after her 16 year old cat died. But then a stray came to her. This was a one eyed, limping mass of fur and bone with a few infected, oozing scrapes and sores. She fed and cleaned him, and brought him to a vet, and now the darn thing looks pretty good. He walks with his tail up in the air with a dignified look that says, "It's about time I get the dignity I deserve."

Terrible news, SC. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Truly sad news, SC. As you know from knowing me off the Boards, I sincerely feel for you and what you went through with Ozzie.

As painful as it is (and it most definitely is) to think about, Ozzie is not suffering anymore. But, oh, how we become so used to our little friends - and they definitely become used to us.

In the short term, life without them seems inconceivable. I understand why you will not think of getting another cat right away. Ozzie was irreplaceable; an individual, unique part of your life. Perhaps one day...but not just yet.

My last surviving cat, Bubba, is over 18 years old. Best friend, biggest pain in the butt, and 101 things that are mostly uprintable - but I dread the day when I won't have him anymore.

But hang in there, my friend.

Signor V.

Sad news, SC, losing a beloved pet is never easy. When the time is right consider getting new one, but take your time and remember it will never replace Ozzie.

Condolences,
DT

Sorry to come back and hear this sad news SC. As a cat owner i know how special they are and i know how fond you were of Ozzie!

RIP OzzieBoy