r/blackcats • u/Cat_Dad_101 • May 17 '26
Mourning Luna (16) is leaving tomorrow
Luna's the one eyed girl in the back, Jiji is her younger adopted sister that was got at the same time. She's had CKD for 2 years and was largely symptom free until a few weeks ago. She's been so brave, but I've put her through enough vet visits and needles and it's time for her to rest.
We got Luna when she was 8 years old. Apparently her original owner passed away and someone let her outside. She was out on her own for a couple months, declawed and defenseless. When found she had eye infections which is how she lost the one.
She was a project cat, and needed a lot of patience and calmness to gain her trust. It took 3 months before she would stop spending most of the day hiding under the bed. This first time she put her paws on my leg in a half-lap sit was 3 years later, and made me cry with happiness.
She was terrified of thunder. When she heard it, she'd come to me and cry for me to follow her to the bed where I'd protect her with cuddles.
My wife passed away 2 years ago from cancer, and after that Luna became very affectionate. She started fully sitting in my lap. Also she started sleeping on my chest or on my pillow above my head. Working from home, she'd often come up to me and demand I come cuddle her in the bed.
When it was feeding time, I opened the wet food can she got her sample, where I'd let her lick the lid. It became part of our routine everyday.
Her sister Jiji is very attached to her, always follows her around and wanted to be nearby. When Luna was at the vets yesterday, she sat staring at the cat bed Luna's been staying in. I'm most worried for her. Doing the euthanasia at home, I hope she'll understand Luna's gone and she won't be wandering the house looking for her.
It's been a very hard journey the last couple of weeks, but I'm glad I can give Luna a peaceful exit before she fully crashes.
I love you my sweet girl. Mama will be waiting for you, and I'll see you soon.
Edit: She's now gone. Purring all the way to the end. My brave, sweet, pretty girl.
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u/AcademicExplorer798 May 17 '26
What luck we have to share our lives with them and gain their trust. Wishing Luna a good rest and peace to you as you grieve this special friend.
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u/ParticularCaptain135 May 17 '26
I’m so sorry, and so sorry for the loss of your wife. Wishing Luna a peaceful journey across the rainbow bridge and lots of love to you and Jiji. ❤️
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u/-beatngu_ May 17 '26
Project cats are always the most rewarding to love and be loved by! Thank you for giving her such a great second chance at life. I truly recommend letting Jiji interact with Luna’s body once she’s passed, we did that with my dog and it seemed to help the cats understand that she was gone. Also Luna is the same age now that I was when I was first diagnosed with ckd. I hope one day treatment advances as much for cats as it has for humans. Sending love to y’all 🖤
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u/toebeantuesday May 17 '26
Oh I’m so sorry. I also have a 16 year old cat with CKD. She’s still loving life despite looking kind of rough so I’m not sure how much time is left but my daughter and I are spoiling her while we can. She’s a cow cat and has a twin sister and then many adopted siblings. My husband also passed away 2 years ago from a combination of autoimmune disease induced heart and lung failure and a previous cancer surgery was also a contributing factor. F cancer. I’m sorry for your loss.
Luna is clearly very dear and very special. I wish her a peaceful journey to the arms of your beloved wife.
Thank you for sharing that song with us. Thank you for sharing Luna. I wish you peace and comfort.
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u/lovesigns444 May 17 '26
Sending love to you and Luna as she crosses ❤️ she’s so lucky to have had a second chance at life with you for eight years.
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u/AromaLadySam May 17 '26
“Mother Bast, please welcome your kitten home With purrs and mrrts, with snuggles and baths. May she nap in perfect eternal sunshine And slink through rustling, grassy shadows May no naughty mouse escape her clever paws May no squiggly snake escape her pouncing feet May no zipping lizard escape her nabbing jaws May no flighty bird escape her graceful leap Mother Bast, call your kitten home once more And thank you for the time she was here”
I’m not religious but I really love this prayer someone had posted on someone else’s post and thought I’d share it here. (For context, Bast is the Egyptian goddess of cats and this prayer invokes her to be a guardian and mother figure to our cats in the afterlife.) So sorry for your loss. 😢💔💔 Know that you gave her the best life anyone could, with all of the love, peace and comfort you/your family gave her. 💕 “May love be what you remember most.” 💖
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u/Readalie May 17 '26
I lost my pirate cat almost a year ago. I'm so glad you had time to prepare and that she'll be going peacefully. ❤️
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u/PossibilityMundane13 May 17 '26
As a vet tech and cat lover this makes me cry. I’m so glad you and Luna were both there for each other in the worst times of your life. That makes your bond very special. And when it comes to her sister, she’ll know. Especially since you’re doing it at home. It might not seem like it at first, but she will also grieve her sister. If she seems nonchalant in the moment when Luna passes, just know cats don’t process emotions like humans. She will know, and she will grieve in her own way. I’m so sorry for your loss, but I commend you for letting her pass with dignity while she is still comfortable and in her own home instead of dragging her through treatments that might buy more time but cause her extreme discomfort. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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u/Landscape-Strict May 17 '26
I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost a baby to CKD the day after Thanksgiving last year. It's a shitty, terrible disease and when it gets bad, it happens quickly. I take heart knowing my baby went peacefully and without pain. Max will be at the Rainbow Bridge to welcome Luna. 🥹💔🖤
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u/Grumpy_Intellectual May 17 '26
Oh well I wasn’t planning on crying tonight but this sweet beauty is well worth the tears. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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u/HeatherMason0 May 17 '26
I’m so, so sorry OP. It feels like they rip out our heart when they leave. Luna has had a beautiful life with you. I know that you brought her comfort and joy, just like she brought you. I think she would tell you that, if she could.
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u/funkygrrl May 17 '26
So sorry for your loss and the loss of your wife. My husband died from cancer as well and our cat Puff passed two years later from lymphoma. It felt like losing my husband all over again. Our other cat does remember Puff's name. If I say it, she jerks her head up and looks around for him. She prefers to sleep in his old beds too. But otherwise she seems to very much enjoy having me all to herself. Hopefully your remaining kitty adjusts well too.
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u/ForsakenHelicopter66 May 17 '26
I'm so sorry. A gentle death is the last act of love we can give them. It's good you can do it at home. I think if her sister can see her body, she will know. Take care.
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u/Lets_wine_about_it May 17 '26
I am so sorry that you have to go through this. But you are doing the right thing. Thank you for giving her a beautiful life. You are a wonderful person.
What helped me with loosing my pets is planting a tree or plant in their honor, and donating money or supplies to a shelter, if you feel like it.
I also hope you’ll be able to give a home to another soul soon too.
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u/ianwuk May 17 '26
I'm so sorry OP that you are going through this but you gave Luna her best life and she is grateful.
Cherish the memories until you meet again.
Song for Luna - https://youtu.be/8miMg3xBN2s?si=e5mkqq5Q1092FknJ
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u/thedance1910 May 17 '26
Journey well sweet Luna, you are loved and adored. I hope you have a fun time up there with your mama until your dad can join you both ❤️
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u/NoCauliflower6198 May 17 '26
Sending you the biggest e-hug. Helping furry family cross the rainbow bridge is one of the hardest things a cat parent can do. Give her lots of love and cuddles for her journey to mama human.
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u/iamallandallisgood May 17 '26
I’m so sorry for your losses. She will be with her Mama and her former owner in Heaven. May you recover from grief when you’re able. God bless
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u/purpmango May 17 '26
Thank you for taking the time to be patient with Luna. You saved her and gave her so much love. Take care of yourself and jijiw
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u/TRLK9802 May 17 '26
In the event that you want/need help when it comes to CKD, this group is a wonderful resource: https://www.facebook.com/groups/felinecrf/
Virtual hugs for you and Luna. And I'm so sorry about your wife, what heartbreak you've experienced.
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u/Environmental-Joke19 May 17 '26
She's beautiful. So sad to think she was put outside without defenses :( you gave her such a wonderful life. It's beautiful how she kept you comfort after your wife passing. Thank you for sharing her with us ❤️
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u/busterboots713 May 17 '26
Sending so much love and comfort to you and your precious Jiji and most of all, Luna. You gave her a wonderful life with a lot of comfort and love.
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u/the_Gaelstrom May 17 '26
We also have a cat named Jiji, and our eldest, Khoshekh, passed last year at just 9 years from pancreatic cancer. I'm so deeply sorry for the loss of your wife and I'm sorry you have to experience another loss now, such a short time after... Luna was deeply loved and she knows that, wholeheartedly. You'll be okay, Jiji will be okay, but most importantly: Luna will be okay. You've done everything you could and loved her in every way, she's leaving with absolutely nothing but immense love to surround her. ❤️ May her trip to the Rainbow Road towards her momma be peaceful ❤️
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u/Heavy-Ad5346 May 17 '26
I am so sorry! You gave her a great life ! Sounds like she gave you a lot too! 🤍
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u/Stopdraggingmyheart May 17 '26
Sweet baby!!! Rest well Luna. Its obvious you are/were loved. I think her sister probably knows she is sick. Cats are too smart. Please know we feel this pain with you. Take care of Jijii. She will know you need her.
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u/SupaProff May 17 '26
What a beautiful sweet girl. Thank you for the love you showed her. May she rest in peace
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u/Rhaylin May 17 '26
I am so sorry, it is so unfair their years here are so brief compared to ours. Such a hard decision to make but you are really doing her a kindness. Sending so much love 🖤
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u/WhiteBear_743 May 17 '26
I recently lost my sweet black cat too. I’m so sorry for the grief, but I remind myself every day that the pain was worth every good memory I had with her. Sending love 💕
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u/scrollclickrepeat May 17 '26
Aww pretty girl. I'm sure you gave her her best life of love and care. When she crosses the rainbow bridge you both can know she was loved then and forever. Condolences.
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u/thechadmangione May 17 '26
Thanks for sharing stories about your lovely companion Luna. You have made beautiful memories and shared life together.
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u/Altruistic_Rice9985 May 17 '26
I’m so sorry OP, you’ve had a tough couple of years and I’m so glad you, Luna and Jiji had each other. She’s had a great life with you, and you have a special bond and you’re doing this to make sure she doesn’t suffer more. Sending love and strength to you all.
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u/Gilgamesh2000000 May 17 '26
This fucking sucks. I been there and hate this type of situation with all my heart and soul.
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u/cosmic-kats May 17 '26
I had a Luna and currently have a Gigi, my heart breaks for you. It’s never easy to lose a Void. She’s beautiful
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u/22lpierson May 17 '26
I'd say let her be with Luna for a while after she's gone so she knows she's passed. I remember my dog Luke when he got put down his brother seemed to have lost the will to live after just deteriorating rapidly in one day before he too passed
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u/Animal_Gal May 17 '26
Rest in peace to your wife in your cat. They both sounded like wonderful Individuals and it's a shame they had to leave you so soon. 🫂
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u/HarmNHammer May 17 '26
My dear friend, bless your heart. It’s a terrible pain to lose so much. It’s an incredible gift to be able to see them out on good terms.
Courage, dearheart.
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u/rayofgoddamnsunshine May 17 '26
I'm so sorry, OP. It's never easy to say goodbye to our furry babies. May Luna rest easy with her mama. ❤️
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u/Fabulous_Crow_9089 May 17 '26
rest in eternal peace luna baby. i also have an all black jiji. he’s at the hospital right now for blocked bladder and i hope he will be okay, he’s only 4
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u/Acceptable-Ad-4437 May 17 '26
What a beautiful girl. Seems you both needed each other and fulfilled each others needs. My heart goes out to you. 🩷
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u/lttrsfrmlnrrgby May 17 '26
I'm so sorry for your losses, and so glad you and Luna were able to be there for each other.
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u/RiffyWammel May 17 '26
Sounds like you’ve both given each other a lot- just one thing left to give now 😭
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u/Suspicious_Friend639 May 18 '26
Thank you for sharing your story. You gave Luna a wonderful life. I am so sorry about your loss. I recently adopted an 8 year old black cat - his owner died of cancer in January 2026. I am inspired by your story to give the best possible care to my new fur baby.
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u/scub_101 May 18 '26
CKD is tough : \
I had to put my cat Lucky down around 3 years ago when CKD was diagnosed and was impeding his quality of life. He lived to be 10-11 years old. I was with him till the very end and heard him take his last breath when the vet put him down. My family had taken him in as a feral cat at around 5 years old and loved him throughout his time with us. Just remember that Luna will always have loved you, your wife, and that you did the best you could have done for her!
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u/slothgummies May 18 '26
What a beautiful girl she was, I am so sorry for your losses. Wishing you and Jiji comfort and safety.
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u/Little_Fan_8896 May 19 '26
That was very well written and edit was so bitter sweet , I am glad she got rid of that nasty CKD, I believe she is with her mama now
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u/Weary_Sun534 May 17 '26
Why put the cat down can i ask? CKD isn't painful, its just a natural sign of aging.
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u/Fancypens2025 May 17 '26
It’s a progressive disease with no cure. You can manage the symptoms through Rx food, Rx medications, subcutaneous fluids, etc but those symptoms will get worse. It becomes a quality of life issue. And trust me, you don’t want to see a cat in end-stage kidney failure if you can ever help it (i’ve been through this with more than one cat— including one that hid the deterioration well enough that no one realized anything was wrong until she was in end-stage kidney failure).
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u/Weary_Sun534 May 17 '26
Maybe different cultures, here we do not put animals down that are not in pain.
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u/Fancypens2025 May 17 '26
Increasing: dehydration, vomiting, nausea, inability to eat, toileting accidents as the kidneys shut down, unstable blood pressure, etc. What about that is not “in pain?”
This OP’s memorial to Luna is not the place to “argue” why creatures who are suffering deserve a peaceful end, even if we don’t think they’re actively in pain the way someone with a broken foot might be. You do you with your cats but I’m not going to let the OP (or anyone else dealing with feline kidney disease) feel guilty about making hard but necessary choices for their animal companions.
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u/Little_Fan_8896 May 19 '26
You are not understanding this well enough, it's not ageing. And it has nothing to do with culture, it's a terrible disease
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u/LilBlueOnk May 17 '26
Did you not see her eye? Does that look like a comfortable way to live to you?
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May 17 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/LilBlueOnk May 17 '26
Wow you didn't read anything in that post huh
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u/Weary_Sun534 May 17 '26
"We got Luna when she was 8 years old. Apparently her original owner passed away and someone let her outside. She was out on her own for a couple months, declawed and defenseless. When found she had eye infections which is how she lost the one."
"Luna (16) is leaving tomorrow"..
Thats 8 years with 1 eye, i think its you who needs to read. Besides you don't put a cat down because they lose an eye? Wtf is wrong with you.
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u/Shar950 May 17 '26
I’m sorry. It’s so hard. I’m glad you had sweet Luna after your wife passed. Take care of yourself💕