My parents' cat died today
Posted by hopfrog on Jan 09, 2007 · Member since Sep 2004 · 905 posts
Vincent was 20 years old. I'm 25, so this cat has been a part of my life since I was 5 years old--certainly longer than any other animal I've known. Just wanted to share a photo (or two) of him--sorry, I'm not sure how to directly insert photos into posts:
http://i16.tinypic.com/2u9l2lx.jpg
http://i18.tinypic.com/34dq7wk.jpg
He's being cremated today, and we're going to have a little funeral for him this weekend and then bury his ashes underneath the ash tree in my parents backyard. My mom's birthday is next week and I was going to make the kitty litter cake someone posted, but I don't think it would be appropriate now. :'( :'(
I wasn't crying when I started posting this, but I am now :'(
Elizabeth
That\'s so sad, at least you know Vincent lived a good long life and just remember all the great times you had with him! He will be a part of your life forever! My sincere Condolences to you and your family.
I am so sorry! Of course you are crying, this cat was pretty well a sibling to you. Give yourself the time and space to grieve. Be kind to yourself and know that Vincent is always just a happy memory away.
I wish I had copy of the Rainbow Bridge to share with you.
Vincent was a pretty kitty.
Hey Elizabeth,
Sorry to hear of the loss of Vincent. I looked at his pictures and he was a beautiful cat. 20 years is a long time that you all shared with him, and I'm sure he loved you all as much as you loved him. As vegtoo said, he will be part of your lives forever, and I'm sure the memories of the good things he brought to you will live with you and your family members forever as well.
I'm so sorry Elizabeth.
I'm an empathy crier so I'm right in there with you. :'( Vincent looks a lot like my first beloved kitty. I think a lot of us on vegweb can feel the pain of your loss. He was beautiful and obviously well-loved and cared for. Pictures and memories will be a comfort to you. Take care.
Elizabeth, I am so sorry you lost Vincent. What a beautiful boy he was! It's so hard when one of our furry friends dies.... I know all too well. The only consolation, if you want to call it that, is, that he had a long happy life with people that loved and cared for him. Something a lot of kitties never experience. So he was a lucky cat to live with you and you were lucky to have him. It takes time, but eventually it gets easier. Big hugs to you! :'(
Oh Elizabeth, I am so sorry about your beloved friend! It's so hard to lose someone you've spent so many years with.
Last year I lost Bad Charlie, who I had had for 22 years. He & Vincent look so much alike it's amazing! Bad Charlie had the bandit mask & little black chin just like Vincent. I've seen lots of bandit cats, but not with the trademark black chin. What a couple of handsome boys! We will hold them in our hearts forever.
Hugs....
i'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved cat, your family member. i hope his memories bring you love. :'(
So sorry to hear about kitty :'( Its always so hard to loose a trusted friend.
As requested....
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
My condolences. I'm sorry for your loss.
Thanks for everyone's thoughts and condolences--I really appreciate them. Vincent was a very loving cat who lived a long and happy life and I will remember him forever. You guys are all really great.
Elizabeth
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have gone through it many times and it never gets easier. Vincent was very special to you which also means you were very special to him.
It can take some time to heal so don't let anyone's uncaring comments make you feel like you shouldn't grieve. Most people are wonderful but there are always a few who make stupid comments. Non animal lovers to say the least.
May you find comfort in knowing Vincent had a good long life and that you were lucky enough to have shared it with him.
My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Di
I'm sorry for your loss of a close friend. I wish you the ability to only remember the good feelings and move quickly beyond the pain.
Elizabeth, I'm so sorry. 20 years is a long life for a cat, and such a lifespan means that he was well-cherished and beautifully cared for. If the rest of your family is anything like you, he must have been in a wonderful home of loving, generous souls, and I am sure he enjoyed his years.
Although you have lost his presence, you will never lose your connection with your special fuzzy friend. Don't forget to rejoice in your memories, when the pain is less fresh.
He looked so much like my 16-year-old little old lady cat; what a tug at the heartstrings!
So sorry to hear of your loss. You & your family will be in my thoughts. ((((hugs))))