My cat is dead

Somerset

His name was Ziggy. He was only two years old, was grey with four white legs. I was never a 'cat' person, always a 'dog' person, but we moved to the country and had a mouse problem inside so I thought ........ a cat's the 'natural' way to deal with this. Though I didn't think I'd love the cat (like I do with dogs) I knew I'd always look after him and be a good owner. So we went to a farm that had advertised kittens for sale and picked out a kitten............ it could have been any kitten, I just said ''the grey one''.

Well I know why people can love cats now. They do have characters and they do love. Ziggy would get up when I did, come downstairs with me and wait for some milk, drink it then go back upstairs to sleep. He loved hunting and bought in live mice as well as leaving dead ones around the place. He used to 'call' every night when he came in from hunting, I'd answer, and he'd come pounding upstairs, jump on me in bed then get petted, purring and purring. If I was on the sofa, he'd come and sit on my chest and sleep there, purring. He even accepted the puppy that came later, letting the dog pull at him till he had enough and found somewhere more comfortable. I never knew that cats walked with you like a dog, I'd go up the garden and Zig would walk up beside me, if I was going he'd go too. And the way he held his paws up if he wanted to be picked up and cradled and stroked.

I got a call from my O/H this morning, I was peed off, he'd only just left and I thought he'd forgotten something. He said ''I'm sorry love but I think I've seen our cat dead on the road''. I went out to look, I thought it might be another cat, but it was a cat and it was grey with white legs. I still thought maybe it wasn't Ziggy. I went inside for a shovel as I could see blood and thought he might be squished. Went back out and tried to pick him up, he was heavier than I expected and I was struggling to get him on the shovel. Two cars and a camper van came down the hill, they all saw what I was trying to do, the two cars went past very slowly and the camper van stopped and flashed me, so I got the body into the bag I bought with me. Bless the camper van driver, I'm sure he could see I was crying. Me and the O/H buried Ziggy in the garden. My little cat is gone and I can't believe it. He was there last night, asleep on my back in bed, I heard him have a drink of water and then he came to bed, he was doing his 'squeaking', his 'talking'. He obviously went out again ......

I know some people keep their cats indoors but I don't regret letting Ziggy out. He was a country cat. He came from a farm and he absolutely loved hunting, mice and voles. He wanted to be out at night, hunting. It was nature. I know he had a good life, that's something. He was loved and he loved back, he had a good home, food, milk when he asked for it, freedom, independence. I went upstairs and found some of his white hairs on a t sheet he lay on. Just trying to come to terms with the fact he's gone and I won't see him again. Thanks anyone who reads this.

delain

I feel for you, we lost a kitten when i was 12 and she was only about 6 months old.

Your post shows you obviously loved him very much *hugs*

System

very sorry for your loss hun {{big hugs}}

Barny1979

Had quite a few cats in my time and unfortunately none have made it past 2 years old. You showed Ziggy lots of love, give it a few months and look for Ziggy Number 2 You won't regret getting another.

attentionseeker1

Somerset I really feel for you-that's a terrible thing to happen, esp. to such a young cat.

Like you, I've always been a dog person and never realised how loving a cat could be until I got one myself and realised how affectionate and characterful they are.

You did the right thing to let him out- he would have had an enjoyable, 'natural' life which is the most important thing. I was devastated when my two dogs died- one of old age, one young of cancer but it does get easier with time- it's perfectly normal to feel upset for a while.

clutterydrawer

I'm sorry hun It is heartbreaking to lose a pet and especially so suddenly. He was lucky to have such a loving home.

kindofagilr

I am so sorry for your loss, Ziggy would know he was loved xxx

carolineb23

oh I'm so sorry. They have such personalities don't they. At least you gave him a brilliant life while he was with you.

redstararnie76

I'm so sorry for your loss. Cats and dogs often become part of our family almost without us noticing until something horrible like this happens.

imfedup

So sorry for your loss, I too lost my 22 month old cat on Saturday we had only had her for 5 months she was THE most perfect cat ever, I have always loved cats but ours was a right character just like yours.

My thoughts are with you

Spirit_2

I am sorry to hear your sad news.

It is understandable that he is going to leave a gap in your lives as he has been a sociable little chap and you have cared for him, made a fuss of him and enjoyed his company.

It sounds as if Ziggy enjoyed a proper cats life with you. A short life but lived to the full, and you have done your best for him.

take care

Spirit