Hi,
I just signed up, althought ive seen this page for a little while now.
Ihave a cat who is dying in my bed. where he slept almost nightly for 9 or more years
and we're basically waiting.
Im not quite homebound but, i usually dont leave the house for upto a week at a time.
and cant work. My best friend is my roomate but he works 2 jobs. so he is gone alot.
Of course this means my cat Meatball, is my biggest source of company and affection, which i need.
and I think only people here can understand what he means to me.
I have the usual questions: "Could I have done more, better?"
"Did I do right by him?" "did I let him go too soon?"
"Will I be able to get another 1 like him?" "Would I love it the same?"
"Would he want me too?"
BUT the 1 Question that is tearing my heart out and kepping me in tears constantly is:
"Does he know how much i love him, and what he means to me??"
I desperately want him to know before its too late.
Ive'd asked my Dad (who passed on in 2000) to please take care of him until i can again.
Lonliness is my worst fear.
Thnaks for listening.
David

Hi David
I'm so sorry to hear about Meatball. (What a cute name)
I think you know in your heart the answer to that last question...if it were anything but ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY WITHOUT A DOUBT YES, you wouldn't even have asked. The fact that you found this place and shared your feelings is all I need to know to able to answer that. Since he was your constant companion, he sure does know how much you love him. The fact that you asked "did I do enough?" is certainly testament to that. It's too bad that more people in this world don't ask those questions or worry about things like that....if they did, we wouldn't have homeless or abused pets.
I can understand the stress of losing your constant companion. And again, I'm sorry for the loss you face. Do you have any other pets?
As for the latter questions, I will pass those on to "vetrans" of the site. I, myself, have yet to face getting a new pet. I'm left with my surviving dog and my grief, and my pain is fairly new, so I pass the torch on to someone who has been able to open their hearts again. However, I would venture to say that yes, a new pet would love you just as much.
Give yourself time with this though. Meatball is a big part of you and you need to let yourself feel the emotions associated with his passing.
Take care
Audrey

Hi again
Thanks for the quick reply,
Im calmer now, Im getting to say goodbye.

Unfortunately i dont have any other pets.
He was a starving cat that came to the back door, and wasnt scared of me like the other cats in the neighborhood.
Although i hated it we did feed him right off, but then gave in and as we affectionately say "was stuck with him ever since"
He was originally called patches because of his black and white coat. and bob tail (hes a domestic long hair)
But later he was called meatball because of how fat he got (around 12 pounds)
Another reason was just how "incredibly active" he is. He eats, sleeps, eats, lays in the window sill, eats...uhmm thats about it. But is very affectionate.
Mom thinks its funny I cradle him like a baby
Gonna miss the "rubs" but he doesn't like kisses. When i try, he puts his paw on my nose to hold it away.
Never realised words from a complete stranger would help me so much. Thanks.

I have tons of stories, I might post some sometime.
David

I think in their lack of verbal communication our pets know so much more.

Every time you look meatball in the eye, not only does he know you love him but how much.

Everytime you've held him he knew.

Everytime you have fed him when he asked and patted his head as he started to eat, he knew.

Right now as you are reading this he knows how much you love him and more than we will ever give them credit for.

Its our sights that are limited - not theirs.

Love Sue

Of course your cat knows how much you love him. Animals have a kind of radar, they know our feelings towards them. Your cat knew you were to be trusted and that you would be a good guardian . That is why he let you adopt him.

You needn't ask if you will let him go too soon. Your intentions are good so just go with your instinct on this. Put yourself in his place and ask, "if I were in his place would I want to go on." I know you will make the right decision.

I am so sorry that you are losing your sweet kitty. Just tell him how much you love him but he already knows that you do. But I'm sure it will make you feel better to say it to him. I'm sure your dad will take care of him until it is your time to go. Many people go out and get another pet soon afterwords. It is a choice you will have to make. I'm sure Meatball would want you to keep loving on and would not be upset when the time was right to get another kitty.
Ann

Dear David,

I'm sorry that Meatball is sick. I have to agree with what everyone else said...I think that Meatball has never once doubted your love for him. Love him and appreciate him each second you have him...when he's gone, you'll find comfort in all those specail moments.

You and Meatball are in my thoughts.
Kathleen