Damn it, damn it, damn it
Posted by rockcat on December 29, 2008
This is a tough post to write.
This is a picture of our cat, Tigg, about a year ago. She had the most beautiful markings and a nice personality. Friendly, but still independent.
We got her in November, 2005, from a neighbor boy who was selling cookie dough and trying to re-home a kitten. She was intended as an outdoor mouser.
I put her down on the couch next to my boys, ages 4 and 2. She didn’t growl or run away, she snuggled up to them. And purred. And thus became an indoor cat.
Kevin didn’t notice her until the next morning, even after walking right past her after work.
The mouse problem ended the moment Tigg was old enough to catch them.
Last summer, she figured out how to get outside. This didn’t really bother anyone, as she knew to be home by dinner.
Her favorite sleeping spot was the top bunk in the boys’ room.
I would have told anyone she was our healthiest animal. Young, a good diet all her life (unlike the stray we adopted last summer), strong.
I fed the cats Christmas morning – they always come when they hear the food whistle, unless they are outside or stuck in another room.
When I called them for some ham scraps about midday, Tigg was absent (I assumed she was outside).
About 8pm, I found her in the boys’ room, on the floor. Looking sick.
We didn’t know what was wrong. She was having a hard time breathing, it looked like she was trying to throw up. Kevin couldn’t find anything that was choking her though.
She died on Kevin’s lap, about five minutes after I found her. On Christmas day.
We assume she ingested some kind of poison. We will probably never know for sure.
I still can’t believe she is gone. I except her to show up at the door any minute. She was so young, soft, beautiful and healthy.
Goodbye baby. I won’t forget you. I’m sorry, I wish I could have done something.
You were a very good kitty. Snuggle up to Mom and Max for me.
I hate goodbyes.
