Well we thought our little kitty Neelix was getting better after his UT infection from a few weeks ago but he took a turn for the worse last week. We had already spent a lot of money on the little guy and we just couldn't go through another round of hospitalization and treatments. He was comfortable all day and seemed to respond to our petting and rubbing the back of his neck (his favorite) and by 10:00 pm last night, he slipped away. It was very peaceful and quiet and we all had a chance to say goodbye to him. Here he is from a few weeks ago showing off his little attitude.
We will miss you Neelix!
JiminSTLouis wrote:
Thanks everyone. Neelix was 12 pip, too young I think. He was a very cool kitty and had quite an attitude. He was really my daughter and wife's cat and liked to hiss and smack at the guys in the house but it was all show
My vet said normal life span for a cat is anywhere from 10 to 12, so once they reach 10, anything beyond is a gift for sure. I considered us lucky to have had Tonka for more than 16 years.
Now Lucky, our youngest female, (14) is definitely a mans cat. She adores my husband but over the last year or so, when so one else is looking, she has been known to actually bump into me on purpose and she goes out of her way to get me to scratch her chin. 
{Not meaning any disrespect, just trying to lighten the moment}
Ugh... I'm sorry to hear about your loss.
My folks got back from their 50th anniversary cruise on Saturday night, and Sunday morning, they let the cat out as usual. Around noon a neighbor knocked on the door to let them know a white cat had been sleeping in their yard all morning and wondered if it was theirs. I think she must have either gotten hit by a car or met up with a fox. I ended up burying her yesterday afternoon. 
Losing a beloved family pet is nearly as painful as losing a close friend or relative.
RCSMG wrote:
Who in your family was in to Star Trek Voyager? There aren't any Tolaxians close by are there?
That would be me RC. As soon as I saw our kitten, I thought he had the color and mottling as Neelix from Voyager. I had to make many an explanations over the years. And no disrespect taken. Your post made me smile
ba11man wrote:Ugh... I'm sorry to hear about your loss.
My folks got back from their 50th anniversary cruise on Saturday night, and Sunday morning, they let the cat out as usual. Around noon a neighbor knocked on the door to let them know a white cat had been sleeping in their yard all morning and wondered if it was theirs. I think she must have either gotten hit by a car or met up with a fox. I ended up burying her yesterday afternoon.
Losing a beloved family pet is nearly as painful as losing a close friend or relative.
Thanks ba! Neelix sure was a part of the family. We got him in St. Louis and since then he traveled with us to Philly for four years then back home to STL again. He was a great traveler. He loved laying across the dash of the minivan with a sunbeam on him.
Thanks everyone for helping me remember all of the nice times!
Jim, sorry to hear about your kitty. And ba11's folks'. Seems like we've had kitty losses too much here. First Pip, then me, now you...
They are family, just furry kids. He sure was a nice looking boy! I know y'all will miss him greatly.
It's really wonderful how vets have started responding with sympathy cards. I think ours started doing it in the mid 90's, and now you can actually find cards to send at the store (cat/dog/pet loss).
Our vet makes a little paw imprint in plaster and puts their name on it; you choose the color for the paw print. The critical care/specialist hospital made one very similar with colored play-doh, and Sabrina's name written in baby bracelet beads. Brings a tear...helps to know they are not forgotten. I'll have to post some photos.
Did you have him cremated or buried?
I keep forgetting to ask, was Neelix an Abyssinian? He really looks like one!
