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Life's fragile moments - aging cats [1]
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Date: 2025-02-26
Records state that Curtis (officially named Skittles but also known as Yellow Cat) was born June, 2005. He had a pampered life with his litter mate (Black Cat) in a lake front home. I met him there while working on his lifelong servant’s abode. Curtis was wary and aloof toward humans, but tolerant of physical attention, if he wanted it. I always offered my hand and it was usually (but briefly) accepted.
June 2022 (an early encounter)
The photo above was taken a year before Curtis had surgery to remove tumors from his neck. He was an older cat (in 2022) but in excellent shape and survived the process perfectly. The care from his human mom was superb.
May 2024
Curtis lost his brother (Black cat) in the Spring of 2024. He began to withdraw (emotionally and physically) during his grief period. It was fortuitous that Curtis’s surrogate mom agreed to let me keep Curtis for the Summer (a trial foster situation) while she visited her daughter (and new granddaughter) in California.
The photo above was taken his first week with us.
June 2024 Typical dinner preparation
Buddy (resident president) welcomed Curtis and the two old boys fell into routines that benefited them proportionately. The photo above shows a twice daily ritual of my servitude skills.
The photo below shows Curtis’s ability to occupy the cool concrete of our garage on a blistering hot day. The adjustment to his retirement home was completed rapidly.
August 2024
It was decided, and arrangements made, for Curtis to stay with us and live out his remaining days under the watchful eye of Buddy. When Curtis’s health and awareness began to falter, we all were diligent in meeting his needs. Buddy acted as a support guide for basic functions (directions to the litter box, feeding area monitor, bedroom escort, etc). The boys watched out for each other.
41 second video
Buddy watches over Curtis
Time catches all of us and this winter was Curtis’s last. He quit eating and seldom sipped water since Saturday. He had been deaf for a number of years and was loosing his eyesight. His routines began to falter as he became physically unbalanced. A couple of surprise seizures led to an appointment with the Vet Tuesday Feb. 25th. The consensus at the Vet’s office was for a final sleeping aid. It was an easy transition blurred by tears and loving strokes. His quiet came gently.
Earlier on Curtis’s last day, we spent time in the sunshine as a light breeze of Spring aromas drifted by and 72 degree temps warmed the young green sprigs of grass we lounged upon. I gently combed through the few tangles of fur as he snoozed. Faint purring was his response.
Curtis has returned to the earth to nourish future life. His spirit will continue and thrive in all that met him.
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