11.09.2006

To Say Goodbye to a Dear Friend

Grey Cat


Watcher, Friend, Companion, Keeper of the Fort


Grey and a very small Isis


Grey with Morgan


Grey and Emma in the Snowball Bed


Grey testing catnip mice


Group catnap


Yes, you probably noticed that Grey Cat is sleeping in most of these photos. That is because sleeping is pretty much his favorite thing to do, and has been since he was a youngster.

We took to calling him The Napster, since his superpower seemed to be putting any person or creature in proximity to him fast asleep as well.

When I had trouble sleeping, I'd simply curl up with Grey under my arm, listen to his rumbling purr for a few minutes, and I'd soon be out like a light.


As you can see, his narcotic power extends even to kittens.


Grey Cat is the feline mentor who taught me the following:

1. The only two words you really need to know are "Me" and "Now."
2. Always wait at least 15 seconds before responding.
3. When responding, do so as if it's an inconvenience.
4. Keep your priorities in order: Food, Sleep, and Food.
5. If you can't eat it, sleep on it, or play with it, it's not worth getting excited about.
6. You don't have to pout for long--just long enough to make your point.
7. Never let them forget who's really in charge.



Grey Cat is now sixteen and quite elderly, and has grown increasingly ill over the past few weeks. Emma has not left his side for some days.

He has been my constant companion since he and I were both kittens—well, he was very small and I was 21 and just out of college.

This morning (Thursday) he must leave us. We have an appointment with the vet at 11:30.

Please send some warm thoughts and peaceful wishes. I am ridiculously sad.

14 comments:

Mouse said...

*is crying on her keyboard* I'm ridiculously sad just from your post.. I feel for you hun. I'm so glad you got so many years with such a sweet kitty. *hugs*

Gothknits said...

Big hugs!!! Cats are the best aren't they. I am having trouble typing because I am crying. I agree with mouse...its great you have had so many years and so many great memories. And so many pictures!

I'll be thinking of you all day today.

Chris said...

My thoughts are with you and Gray Cat this morning. *hug*

Anonymous said...

Si vous voulez avoir une bonne vie, il faut que des bons amis.

So much time together, yet it's never enough is it?

Having lost my baba six weeks ago, my thoughts are with you.

Glaistig said...

I am crying too here at work. I have had to let two kitties go in the past couple of years. One due to illness and one due to age also. I know how hard it is and I want to give you a hug.

He has shared such a wonderful journey here with you and I believe your sweetie is traveling on to his next adventure. You were truly blessed to have each other.

(((Hugs))))

Grace Garton said...

eye's welling up here too....how sad, Grey looks like such a lovely little fella and much loved by you and his furry pals, it's just so unfair. I really feel for you.
I lost my little orange buddy I last year she was 18 and I still miss her so much...I do still dream of here visiting me...the best one was when she grew out of the palm of my hand.
And once she appeared as a human and we ran away together.
So I know she is still with me.
I hope Grey visits you in your dreams.
big hug

Obsidian Kitten said...

Grew out of the palm of your hand! That's so cool.

Thanks for all the well wishes, y'all! They must be working, too, b/c today went okay. Lots of crying!!

I dreamed once Grey Cat was talking to me about the time we have left in our lives and he was telling me "It is crumbs! It is but crumbs!"

And I kept asking, "Okay, I know, but how LONG do we have?" and he just kept saying, "It is but crumbs!" -- as in, it really doesn't matter. Time, to a cat, I suppose, matters not at all!

We had such a long, good good time together. Crumbs, maybe, but very very good crumbs...Grey and I enjoyed each other very very much.

Anonymous said...

Awwww, I am so sorry, O'Kitten. I am so sad for you. I perish the day this will happen to one of my cats. I will be terribly crushed. HUGS!

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear about Grey. You gave her a great cat life and she gave you many many years of happiness. I too had a cat(Brat) for 17 1/2 years and had to put her down in 2001. It was a very sad day, but as I look back I know I gave her a good life. Take care of yourself and if you need to talk pick up the phone at any hour.

Amy said...

Aw, what a shame to read about Grey. Lucky kitty though must have had a wonderful life with you! I know what you're going through, as I have a kitty nearing 17 who is getting up there... Poor babies indeed.

verasunshyne said...

awww, I'm so sad..I also had to put down my grey kitty in Sept. I was a mess.. so My heart goes out to you.

Anonymous said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Sending love and blessings your way.

Suzi said...

It's never easy saying goodbye to someone who despite being a furry four-legged feline is sometimes the best companion you'll ever have.

It's been over a year since my black and white pal passed on, and I stil miss him and the intelligent conversations!

My heart goes out to you.

RheLynn said...

**hugs you very much** How in the world did I miss this so long ago now - the world was getting upside-down about that time, I guess. **hugs you and all your kitties**