I Hope There's Catnip in Kitty Heaven

Last week we had to say goodbye to our beloved Maine Coon of 13 years, Claude.  Back in the spring of 1999, Big Bill, a retired farmer who had a barn across the street from the cabin we rented, knocked on the door.  In his arms was an energetic ball of fur.  Paul wasn't home at the time, but I listened as Big Bill told me that his brother was dying of cancer.  He said that he bred the cats, and he had two kittens he needed to find homes for quickly because he needed to focus on his treatment.  He asked if we would take one.  I knew Paul wouldn't like it, as we already had four cats at the time, but how could I resist that story?

 Claude was a cat of many lives.  He had more trips to the ER and vet than any other cat we owned.  He had emergency stomach surgery as a kitten, surgery on his leg after he snuck out and got attacked by dogs, and surgery to have his thyroid removed.  For years he needed daily medications for his thyroid, and had a two year stint as a diabetic requiring shots.  Not to mention he ate special food for his IBS.  Yet through all his illnesses, Claude was larger than life.  He was always there by your side, welcoming attention, even in the form of grubby toddler hands.  I loved how gentle he was with the boys, even on days when he was obviously feeling badly.  Everyone who met Claude - vets, friends, even those who weren't cat people - everyone who met him fell in love.  He was the sort of cat that you couldn't help but pause to stroke his head and offer words of kindness.

Over the past few years, he has struggled a lot with his health.  He had an emergency treatment for a heart condition, and was hospitalized several times.  There were many times that we thought it was the end, when he miraculously bounced back.  But recently when he couldn't stand up on his own four feet anymore, we decided it was time. 

We brought him to the boys so that they could say goodbye.  Little boy voices saying, "We love you Claude.  You're a great cat, Claude" tugged at my heartstrings. 

Even in his weakened state, Claude purred loudly as the boys pet him one last time, and shared their love with him.

Claude now rests comfortably in the shade of the walnut tree, next to our siamese Boukie, our dog basenji/whippet cross Cameron, and our golden retriever Monty.  We thank Claude for all of the joy he brought our family.  He was a cat with no equal and will be greatly missed.

I will be taking Monday off from blogging, as the boys and I have an excursion planned.  See you on Tuesday!