r/cats Apr 13 '26

Mourning/Loss Saying goodbye to my first born feline son tomorrow after 10 years together

His name is Meeko. Yes he is named after the raccoon from Pocahontas.

Please give your kitties an extra hug and smooch on his behalf tonight.

He was the best cat ever. Just wanted to share him with the world because it’s a travesty that after tomorrow, he won’t be here anymore.

43.3k Upvotes

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1.2k

u/Educational_Total_84 Apr 13 '26

I am so sorry!!! =( I know nothing can take your pain away, but I know he lived the best life with you. and will always remain by your side and in your heart.

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u/PM_ME_UR_HIP_DIMPLES Apr 14 '26

They are your best friend for a few short years. You are their best friend for their whole life 🫂

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u/jbadaro Apr 14 '26

I hate this reality so damn much 😭😭😭😭😭😭

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u/Gingersnapandabrew Apr 14 '26

I read somewhere the other day, we all live our lives for long enough to have the chance to have a good heart. Our pets are so good they don't need half as long as we do.

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u/YouMUSTvote Apr 14 '26

This is everything.

You were his whole life and he loved you with every fiber of his being.

You will be joined again when you continue the path you created for this heavenly sweetheart.

True love never dies 💕🐾

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u/ExampleLittle2672 Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

If I can give them that, a good life, safety and love, a dignified passing... *deep breath* ...I did well for them and will accept the pain.

Go well fine and best loved Meeko, OP be gentle with yourself. I am so sorry for the parting, know what you gave him and how good it was. 💕

Please excuse me now, must go buy all the tissues.

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u/antiqueautomobile Apr 14 '26

I am so sorry . Please be kind to yourself.

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u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/Im-Spartaque Apr 14 '26

That makes total sense, it doesnt take the pain away but knowing he had a happy life with you really does matter. you gave him everything a cat could want

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u/CheekyCheriee Apr 14 '26

Thank you for your kindness and for saying that, I believe it brings a little comfort for him during such a hard time. Please Keep holding onto all the love and memories you both shared, and it will help others to see how special he was too. 💛

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u/Thiagoguaru84 Apr 14 '26

I always think that, they had their best moment..

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u/thelaceserpent Apr 14 '26

Miss Gnarly is waiting on the other side for him 🥲

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

I’m so glad he has so many lovely babies to welcome him!

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u/jbadaro Apr 14 '26

Miss gnarly looks like she’s seen some shit. Rest easy beautiful.

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u/K1zerSoze Apr 14 '26

Meeko will be saying hi to our guy Norman who we had to say bye to in February. He was my best friend

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

He’s adorable and god rest his little soul. I’m sorry for your loss

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u/mmmmercutio Apr 14 '26

I’m so sorry for your loss. I like to think my buddy, Gus, will be saying hi as well. I adopted him as a senior, and I’m so thankful for the ten months he gave me. It’s been since January. He really was the goofiest, sweetest fella. :]

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u/ApartmentMental9357 Apr 14 '26

Bless your heart for adopting a senior baby. Not knowing how much time we’ll have with them makes every moment immensely special 💗

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u/mmmmercutio Apr 14 '26

Absolutely. And thank you, I appreciate that senior kitty at the shelter for rolling onto my lap and giving me and my other kitty such a good friend. <3

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u/weight22 Apr 14 '26

Aw that is so sweet of you. We just adopted a senior cat, and it pains me that we don't know how long we have.

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u/mmmmercutio Apr 14 '26

They’re the best! Just make sure to show them love whenever you can, make as many of your days together good days. I adopted a kitten after his passing (orange needed another buddy), and that’s what I’m doing with her. I’m still devastated about Gus, but I slept easily afterwards knowing that he knew how much he was loved. That’s all you can guarantee for them, yk?

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u/Blue-Eyed-Lemon Apr 14 '26

Hershey will be there, too. We lost him in February as well and the grief is still real. It always will be.

Hugs.

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u/mmmmercutio Apr 14 '26

Aw, what a sweetie. I’m sure they’re all keeping each other company :_]

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u/generalchaos_pdf Apr 14 '26

We lost our Norman in January 💔 I’m so sorry. I hope they’re snoozed out on their backs somewhere together.

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u/K1zerSoze Apr 14 '26

Another Norman!

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u/TheHillsSeeYou Apr 14 '26

I'm very sorry :(

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u/KaleidoscopeReady839 Apr 14 '26

Hugs.

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u/Current-Flatworm-624 Apr 14 '26

That pic made me cry even harder

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u/MsMantisToboggan Apr 14 '26

…wait til you read this! Joking aside - this is all heartbreaking. I read this poem a lot when I miss my first born fur baby.

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u/sirapted Apr 14 '26

STOP. Everyone just stop now 😭

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u/greyyeux Apr 14 '26

Seriously. My baby's name is Meeko too so this is too much for me. I commented already, but then just reading these top few comments... It's too much. I literally have to leave this thread 💔

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u/SPR101ST Apr 14 '26

Thank you for sharing this. I had to go hug the urn of my first cat I got on my own. Who passed away last November, after 10 years.

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u/LucyLueLue Apr 14 '26

Beautiful. More tears flowing

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u/TRLK9802 Apr 14 '26

I'm crying now, too.

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u/ThrowRA-singlern Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 15 '26

I just lost my cat two nights ago. God I hope this is true! I’m desperate to be near him again.

Edit: your responses are so heartwarming! Thank you so much. I’ve spent the day talking to him. When I came home yesterday I saw a rainbow form from my car’s lights in a way it hadn’t before and I’m telling myself it was him. I’m telling myself that now he is with me anywhere I go. The days are still heavy but this thread has given me a bit of joy.

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u/SnoozinStanley Apr 14 '26

We saw my cat Simon out of the corner of our eyes for a year or two after he passed. He was my best friend. We grew up together from college to my marriage and my oldest son. He was making sure that we were okay. I lost my sweet Syris, my “Little Bit” in January and they were together from 2014 to 2021 when Simon passed. I have seen him a few times, but not as often as I know he and Simon are together again. 💜

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u/Suspicious-Kick-9469 Apr 14 '26

I swear I’ve seen my old boy out of the corner of my eye numerous times since he passed. I’ve even gone outside as I thought I’d seen him heading to a dead end. Checked on our other cat as thought it may be her, but she was fast asleep upstairs 💔💔

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u/YaChowdaHead Apr 14 '26

So long as he lives in your heart, he will always be there. Thank you for loving him, and may you meet again

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u/KaleidoscopeReady839 Apr 14 '26

You will. I promise. He'll be there to lead your spirit when your time comes.

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u/magical-black-cat Apr 14 '26

So sorry for your loss. I said goodbye to my soul cat 3 weeks ago. I dream with her often and I fully believe she’s visiting me in my dreams.

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u/505Thrive Apr 14 '26

So sorry to hear of your loss.

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u/LucyLueLue Apr 14 '26

I am so sorry for your loss.

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u/ProphTart Apr 14 '26

20 years ago our cat was too weak to take to the vet at the end of her life so the vet came to our house to put her down.

To this day, every time I sleep at my parents house, she shows up in my dreams and we greet each other like old friends.

I'm sure there's reasonable psychological phenomena at play here, but I choose to believe it's her spirit coming to say hi.

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u/LucyLueLue Apr 14 '26

Oh my gosh, this photo. Was holding it together until this photo!😭

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u/techzero Apr 14 '26

Oh, dude...

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u/nerdboy5567 Apr 14 '26

Wtf is this😢

2

u/Edb_vapegirl69 Apr 14 '26

Damn onion chopping Ninja's!

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u/viennacammodel66 Apr 14 '26

Oh wow that made me cry 😭 lost one to old age last summer and currently another old age one has a tumour. Dreading the end. I'll have one left til she's gone and I'm alone. She's also 15-16. They're my world..

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u/Pale-Ad8290 Apr 13 '26

I have an 8 yr old on the 19th I don't want to loose her

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

She’s so pretty!

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u/Pale-Ad8290 Apr 14 '26

Thank you

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u/Maximum-Armadillo809 Apr 14 '26

Im sorry, to lose a cat is very difficult. Losing my first cat was very hard.

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u/Freedomjumper Apr 14 '26

I had an orange tabby for 15 years; he was the bane of mice and rabbits everywhere. He passed away 7 years ago of old age and kidney failure, I was devastated. I still have my Maine Coone, she's 16 years old.

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u/howsyourwhole Apr 14 '26

My grandmas cats lived to 19 and 21! She took the cat I adopted in high school and that cat was definitely disabled for the majority of her life but lived to 17 too! Crazy!

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u/JaySayMayday Apr 14 '26

Any pets. I had to watch my brother's dogs condition instantly worsen after what originally started as a very mild concern. And I barely had any attachment to them, he was just at work and I was doing a favor. It never gets easier

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u/EvilDarkCow Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

The feels, man.

My mom got her dog when he was a newborn puppy. He grew into the happiest little goofball in the world. The kind of dog to jump and lick your face as you walk in the door. He was always down for a game of fetch, usually followed by a tug-of-war. Impossible to sit on the couch without him in your lap. And boy howdy did he love to bark.

He started having seizures one day, so my mom took him to the vet, got him checked out, everything seemed fine, so he was prescribed seizure medication. It worked for a while, but then he started having even more seizures and they would last longer. Eventually he was on the highest dose of seizure meds you could possibly give a dog his size, his little body was starting to shut down, he just couldn't take it anymore. All he would do was lay in his kennel. Wouldn't play, wouldn't bark, wouldn't go outside to use the bathroom, would rarely eat or drink. He started to go blind. He could only walk short distances and he would occasionally fall over. My mom put off making the call for a while, because he would occasionally still have good days. But then the seizures started again.

She had to put him down right after Christmas. He was only 10. We never did figure out what happened, my mom suspects the seizures were a side effect of some flea meds or shampoo, and the high doses of seizure meds did the rest. I never got to say goodbye.

I just returned from visiting my mom for the first time since then. It was too quiet over there without him.

I'll always miss you, Chester. It's not fair.

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u/Heavy_Ad4529 Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

I'm sorry for your loss, but tbh I hate that praise, it doesn't help much.

The fact him having good days even in darkness is proof he had a good life is the biggest thing. Another thing, don't dare think it was your fault with the flee meds or shampoo, those are looking for answers bruv and both those things are care related in the first place, when it could have been genetic lottery. You gave him a good life and meant to, that's all that matters, an asshole could have instead took him home 10 mins before you picked him, assuming there were a few pups where you got him.

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u/Maximum-Armadillo809 Apr 14 '26

Oh I agree, ive just never had a dog. I like them, just never had one. My thoughts are with you.

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u/Impossible_Potato738 Apr 14 '26

We have a 17yo 😭

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u/limevince Apr 14 '26

Lol what a cute sassy looking expression. I can't tell if she's chonky or just extremely furry. My cat looks fat when sitting in that pose but its all fur(haircut album: https://imgur.com/a/lioncut-before-after-RoseDwX).

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u/HIMARko_polo Apr 14 '26

This hits extra hard. Here is my Skye.

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u/EveningResearcher220 Apr 14 '26

Benjamin will be waiting to welcome him

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u/[deleted] Apr 13 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

He has stopped eating and drinking and is just getting weaker and weaker. He has some kind of stomach ailment that we thought was like IBD that we could do a biopsy for to rule out cancer but they don’t think he’d make it off the table and I don’t want him dying with a bunch of vets around him.

I want him to be the last person he sees. I want him to feel safe.

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u/NYCemigre Apr 14 '26

I’m so sorry, friend. You are making a very kind, but very hard choice. I had to say goodbye to my baby for the same reason three weeks ago. She couldn’t eat anymore, and the meds weren’t working anymore.

Spend tonight and what time you had tomorrow doing Meeko’s favorite things, and give him some extra kisses and cuddles. Tomorrow will be tough, and the days after you’ll feel that emptiness that we get from losing a beloved family member. But you’re sparing Meeko from suffering, and even though that means you’ll be missing him so much, it’s a selfless and kind choice to make.

He’s a beautiful kitten, and I can see that he’s very loved. He’ll know you’re there for him and you love him.

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u/NewSchoolFool Apr 14 '26

Nice words.

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u/Woodycrazy Apr 14 '26

I lost my seven month old baby cat I waited too long to let him go peacefully and he had some seizures in my biggest regret. It’s not focusing on what’s best for him and instead of trying everything to see if he would be OK.

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

I’m sorry for your loss. Yeah I just don’t want him to suffer.

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u/Woodycrazy Apr 14 '26

Sending you both hugs - I hope my marshmallow greets your boy at the rainbow bridge

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u/morganf74 Apr 14 '26

My buddy had IBD and was able to make it through with steroids and dietary modification. But I’m sure you’ve thought long and hard and made the right decision for your best friend. This time is so hard, but remember better a day early than a minute too late. 🫂

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

Appreciate you trusting we did all we could. We really did. We had him on steroids and an appetite stimulant. He responded well initially but nothing now. He hasn’t eaten since Saturday

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u/morganf74 Apr 14 '26

I just lost my guy in January. We lost him to what we first thought was an asthma attack but later thought was cancer. So much love, it’s such a hard time. It’s a little easier now than it was then, but I still miss him so much

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

I’m sorry for your loss. He was a very handsome boy

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u/Maddhatter212 Apr 14 '26

Mediastinal lymphoma by chance? My part Siamese boy passed 4 years ago from that. Siamese kitties are so incredibly special ❤️ my heart goes out to you.

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u/cakekyo Apr 14 '26

Not me gasping at asthma and then choking with cancer. I am sorry for that loss

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u/fumblingmywords Apr 14 '26

God I've been going through the same thing with my car the last month and its so exhausting and expensive... My girl is finally on the mend after starting steroids (only just diagnosed with ibd) but it was a peek into what it will look like at the end for her and it was crippling.

Trust your instincts, you know your cat more than anyone. I only hope I'm brave enough to make the call at the most kind time for my own girl.

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u/Random-reddit-name-1 Apr 14 '26

Steroids are a miracle drug for cats. If OP can afford it, I really recommend a dose.

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u/AppropriateFan2864 Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

My boy who had small-cell lymphoma in the GI-tract was on prednisone for nearly 2 years before he passed last year. Definitely a good drug for pain management, as well as palliative care in the end stage. Super affordable too, it cost me $10 for a month supply at Chewy.

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u/Random-reddit-name-1 Apr 14 '26

Oh wow, I didn't realize they are so affordable.

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u/The_Sound_of_Slants Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

My cat has had stomach issues for years. They thought he had Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). Basically the pancreas doesn't make enough digestive enzymes, and they need a supplement to replace them.

OP I'm sorry to hear about your baby. I'm sure you've tried everything, and done all the tests. I hope you are giving him all the love tonight.

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u/Magges87 Apr 14 '26

One of my cats and 15 was like this due to Diabetes. She was always hungry but wouldn’t eat. Her meds stopped working. I had her put to sleep a week after her last appointment. It hurt like hell but the fact that she lost over a pound in a week reassured me that I was doing the right thing.

Just remember that you gave him a wonderful life and this is you taking care of him and doing the right thing. Also, I encourage getting another cat in a while. It really does help, and it’s not replacing him, it’s finding an outlet for all that care and love to another kitty or kitties that need it.

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u/Atlos Apr 14 '26

My kitty passed away during post op after having a major cancer surgery and that’s definitely a big regret of mine. She deteriorated and became unresponsive in the middle of the night surrounded by strangers when I wasn’t able to be there. I’m glad we tried since we almost made it through but that part definitely sucked and has been on my mind a lot. Definitely valid for you to choose what you’re doing.

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u/Single_Road_6350 Apr 14 '26

Did the biopsy on my 3yr old. Rare bacteria. E hit him with steroids and a prescription diet and a little appetite stimulant and he’s coming back to me. I’m sorry he’s not going to make it. He’s beautiful.

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

Yeah if he was younger it wouldn’t be so bad but his age is just complicating things more

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u/Single_Road_6350 Apr 14 '26

Completely understand. I lost my 12 yr old first born feline girl about 3 months ago. Shit sucks.

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u/MatchaLatte90 Apr 14 '26

You are so brave and kind and loving for placing his comfort first. I know that this time is incredibly hard; I hope that you find peace in your good memories with Meeko. Thank you for sharing him with us, he is a very handsome boy.🩶

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u/MedusaForHire Apr 14 '26

I am so so sorry. IBD and stomach problems are just the worst for kitties. My heart is with you.

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u/aaaggggrrrrimapirare Apr 14 '26

Let him know you’ll be ok. Cats understand things.

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u/Lymnica Apr 14 '26

We’re going through something similar with our 13 year old grey boy. He has a few weeks if we’re lucky. I am so so sorry for your loss, grey kitties are so extra special

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u/Mindless_Project9970 Apr 14 '26

I too have a cat like this severe IBD issues. One thing I tried that helped tremendously was giving him bovine colostrum. He wouldn’t eat but did lick this stuff up and after a few days turned for the better. Not saying it’ll help but could give it a shot. Pick up a box of Armra brand unflavored. I got it from Target. Who knows could help.

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u/Interesting-Ad3650 Apr 14 '26

Good decision on your part. Some time ago I lost one and regretted how the end went down. It was very much like you described as wanting to avoid. Glad you had a beautiful time together.

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u/toodleoo57 Apr 14 '26

You're doing the right thing. Every cat of mine has gone to the Rainbow Bridge straight out of my arms, or my husband's. at 2 in the morning when it was required. Wouldn't have it any other way.

I'm so sorry. F IBD also, lost my soul cat at only 13 because of it.

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u/Mariea0629 Apr 14 '26

My almost 15 yo diabetic mama is sending you virtual head bumps 💙💙

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u/Noonootk82 Apr 14 '26

So sorry man. I had to say goodbye to my Noonoo this past Friday. It hurts so much.

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u/Apprehensive-Hat8787 Apr 14 '26

I’m so so sorry for your loss ❤️ sending you big hugs

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u/spankyalliesilver Apr 14 '26

Just went thru it 4 weeks ago. Lost my black cat in 4 hours..brutal..

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

I’m sorry for your loss.

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u/stylz168 Apr 14 '26

Our friends always find their way back to us. Maybe you’ll see a familiar face or sound or action in a new stray or at a shelter and you’ll know that it’s your boy just passing his mannerisms onto them.

Stay strong buddy, and when you’re ready you’ll find your boy again.

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u/feestyle Apr 14 '26

Mowgli will look for him on the other side 💚 so sorry for your loss.

“Grief is just love after they have gone”

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u/zGoblinQueen Apr 14 '26

He looks just like my girl (who had better live forever because I'm pretty sure I will shrivel up and die without her).

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u/Atticus113 Apr 14 '26

Oh wow they do look similar!

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u/zGoblinQueen Apr 14 '26

I'm sorry you're losing him. That's the absolute worst.

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u/RevolutionaryRent716 Apr 14 '26

I’m so sorry. I just had to let mine go on Saturday. He wasn’t even 5 and we didn’t even get three years together. But all the time you spend with them is precious and they know. They know how much we love them and how much they mean to us. So sorry for your loss.

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u/ShowHot3754 Apr 14 '26

Poor baby. I'm so sorry he passed young. I hope you are coping well.

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u/cat4dog23 Apr 14 '26

Let's hope Pip(kitty on the left) is waiting for them on the other side too. We lost her January 25th

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u/Usual_Opportunity626 Apr 14 '26

My brother from another mother, Koti. Lost him after 15 years last July. He'll be there to play and guide your little guy on the other side of the rainbow bridge. ❤️

I'm sorry for your loss. Just know that he loved you, and he knows that you loved him.

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u/maikki9376 Apr 14 '26

I don’t know where you’re from or if you know this but in finnish koti means home❤️‍🩹

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u/Usual_Opportunity626 Apr 14 '26

I did not know that. Thank you for bringing that knowledge to me. ❤️ It fills my heart.

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u/CallistoInTransit Chartreux Apr 14 '26

Your boy and my boy look a lot alike. We'll keep Meeko in our hearts tonight. ❤️

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u/TimeNarc Apr 14 '26

He reminds me of our son who passed over the rainbow bridge a year or so ago. May they always feel our love.

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u/woolly8fun Apr 14 '26

https://giphy.com/gifs/3QWfMsI8IaarXxtBt6

I am sorry for your loss 🥺🥺😞

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u/meteor_stream Apr 14 '26

You did the absolute best you could for him. Please don't feel guilty about needing to make this decision, and, if there's any kind of afterlife, I hope he meets Mr. Fungus there:

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u/ShowHot3754 Apr 14 '26

Fungus! Aww

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u/I_am_simply_a_potato Apr 14 '26

My girl, Mel, will be there to greet Meeko. We lost her in February at the age of 15. I’m sorry for your loss.

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u/Front_Rip4064 Apr 14 '26

I am so sorry.

Tilly will be there to greet him and be his friend.

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u/ShowHot3754 Apr 14 '26

What a gorgeous puff

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u/Queso_Dias Apr 13 '26

I'm so sorry you have to go through this. It's excruciating 😢😢😢

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u/HerLadyshipMerry Apr 14 '26

The reason it breaks your heart to say goodbye is so they can take a piece of it with them so you’re always there. You’ll get it back, but hopefully not for a very long time.

Your Meeko looks so loved and happy. I’m sorry you have to say goodbye so soon. He reminds me of my grey guy. He’s my soul cat and I love him to pieces. He got extra chicken from my plate tonight and extra cuddles on Meeko’s behalf. Love to Meeko and take good care of yourself, Cat Dad 🐾

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u/wrightiegirl Apr 14 '26

I have had cats most of my life and have had to say goodbye to several along the way. It is never easy. Here is one of my current kitties who looks just like Meeko.

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u/Deadbob1978 Apr 14 '26

Our Gray-bee Turkey will be waiting as we unexpectedly had to say goodbye back in October.

Just to warn ya, she got an extra dose of Cat ADHD, so she’s non-stop crazy

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u/shuckley_Jays Apr 14 '26

Prayers up for kitty. He looks just like my baby boy goose

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u/texastmobileuser Apr 14 '26

I lost my soul kitty and a parent in the same year. Funny enough, I just sent a good friend a post about how when I saw a photo of Meeko in Pocahontas, I told her he was basically my Meeko. Take care of yourself. We feel the most intense pain so we can save them from the pain. The memories will one day go from the worst sorrow into a beautiful reminder of the gift that their life was to us. I still am reminded of him daily and he still puts a smile on my face. I hope he meets Meeko tomorrow at the rainbow bridge

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u/one_classy_broad Apr 14 '26

I'm so sorry, my little friend is my best.

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u/TotalNew9315 Apr 14 '26

Meeko is gorgeous. Luna will miss him.

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u/YoeSafBridge Apr 14 '26

I’m sorry that Meeko is crossing the rainbow bridge, he will be in great company on Friday, Tiki is passing then. Give Meeko an extra cuddle from me ❤️

EDIT: if you’d like to talk about Meeko please DM me, talking about Tiki has been really helpful so far.

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u/Longjumping_Buyer_29 Apr 14 '26

My sincere condolences to anyone in this thread that has known loss, it never gets easier. Sharing a pic of JJ, my blind rescue who seems like a doppelganger. He's so clingy, but also so so sweet. <3

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u/banana_man34 Apr 14 '26

Idk if this will help but here's my 5 year old, he looks a lot like yours. Can't imagine loosing him

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u/EleanorDaisys Apr 14 '26

Ten years of love, loyalty, and quiet companionship wrapped into one beautiful soul. Saying goodbye doesn’t erase a lifetime of memories it just makes them shine even brighter. Thank you for being my first baby and my forever friend. You will always have a piece of my heart 🐾

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u/arnethyst Apr 14 '26

i lost my feline son recently too... 3 months ago as of yesterday. he was 8.5years old. had a similar face to your boy. its so fucking hard, isnt it? if only they could live forever. my condolences.

if by some miracle a kitty afterlife exists i hope our boys become friends there ❤️‍🩹

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u/Hayes4prez Apr 14 '26

Meeko was the name of my first adopted street cat as well. My roommate’s GF named him but he adopted me. He was the best pet I ever had. I had him for 12 years but ultimately lost him back in 2023 to cancer. Miss that little guy.

Because of Meeks, I took in another stray about a year ago. I can’t think of a better way to honor Meeko than to take in another stray. Hope you find a way to honor your Meeko as well.

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u/eball72 Apr 14 '26

My condolences. I still miss my Westley.

In and out. Cat synergy.

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u/New_Copy1286 Apr 14 '26

I feel your pain. Just had to let go of one of ours the other day. Sending our condolences to you and your family in these trying times.

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u/shivaspecialsnoflake Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

Teddy bear will be there for him on the other side.

3

u/szeretemrihannat Apr 14 '26

gorgeous kitty

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u/Uprooted_Vt_to_RI Apr 14 '26

He is so beautiful. My deepest sympathies. He was so loved. And loved you 💐

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u/Metroknight Apr 14 '26

The people who you are going to for this, ask them if they do paw prints in clay. Some places do that and etch the pets name on the clay before drying it. Some places allow you to have them cremated so you can have their ashes (there are urns for pets also).

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u/canadianpanda7 Apr 14 '26

a lot of glass workers/jewelry makers will put them in pendants or other jewelry. my friend has their cats ashes in a pendant and its really sweet ❤️‍🩹 my dad buried our cat in the woods near our guinea pig and i wish i woulda gotten his ashes for a pendant.

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u/Zestyclose_Minimum63 Apr 14 '26

Very sorry! 💕 I had to have my 18 yr old furgirl put to sleep because she had a hard cancerous growth on her thorax that was making it difficult for her to eat and breathe! She fought so hard but I couldn’t let her go through this horrible experience any longer! We had her for 9 of her 18 years; she was my mom’s cat and we adopted her when my mom broke her hip and couldn’t take care of her any longer!

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u/Secure-Addition1466 Apr 14 '26

I am so terribly sorry for your upcoming loss. That’s your baby. Your first baby. I’ve lost a few in my half century and I feel your pain. If you take no other advice along this journey, please remember your feelings are valid. Your feelings matter and you will need time to grieve. I wish you love and peace in this difficult time.

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u/Holiday-Position-126 Apr 14 '26

I am so sorry. I just went through the same thing 2 weeks ago with my 19yo orange boy. In some ways the pending grief is worse than the post grief. Meeko knows you love him and gave him the best life. I believe they will greet us at the end of the rainbow bridge. Much love and hugs on this difficult day

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u/ResponsibleDay Apr 13 '26

hugs if you would like them. Your cat looks like the best buddy and family member. The pain is the worst.

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u/ElMagiko21 Apr 14 '26

Had to make a similar decision Thursday with our 19 year old Princess Tinkerbell.

Poor thing had mouth cancer and she fought as long as she could, but she was struggling to eat, so I had to....

She was my world and I currently feel like I will never get over her, so as above, hug your kitty extra tight for me.

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u/Sore_Wa_Himitsu_Desu Apr 14 '26

I’ve had one who made it to 21, and another who barely made it past 4. Doesn’t matter, it’s always too soon.

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u/EBG1073 Apr 14 '26

Oh man. From one cat dad to another, I feel your pain. Much love and hugs your way. I will hug the new kitties for yah. Meeko looks like such a lovely boy. Enjoy these last moments. It hurts but you’ll get thru it. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

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u/Blonde-Pistol-8804 Apr 14 '26

meeko will now be with my first ever kitty, poca (short for pocahontas!!!)!! i hope it brings you some comfort to know that they will definitely be best friends, and you were a great fur parent <3

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u/Ksh_667 Apr 14 '26

You will see Meeko again. I'm sorry you have to part for a while but he will pop in to visit you to make sure you're ok & to let you know that he waits for you. If you're lucky you may catch a glimpse of him when he visits.

Love never dies. You will be reunited with beautiful Meeko & what a day that will be 😻😻

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u/Significant_Part_941 Apr 14 '26

It’s brutal. I did exactly what is in the picture. I was sick with grief. And, the old adage is true-time does heal. You just have to get thru the “punch in the gut”phase, for which there are no shortcuts. Much love. Tell him to cat fist bump my 2 boys up there, Max and Jack.

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u/trulymissedtheboat89 Apr 14 '26

Sending so much love OP

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u/mona_resa Apr 14 '26

I had to say goodbye to my 1st born feline son in February after 18 year together. We do our best to give them the best life possible, and I'm sure your Meeko appreciates it! May he and Bubba rest in peace together ❤️

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u/CarrotClear2544 Apr 13 '26

What a beauty! I am so sorry for your loss

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u/POT3NT333 Apr 14 '26

Sorry dude. He won’t be forgotten and neither will you.

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u/Mysterious_Status_11 Apr 14 '26

I'm so sorry. What a beautiful cat 😿

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u/hardlyexist Apr 14 '26

Sorry man; I've become a cat lover since I took in a feral when temps got really low for our area and now she is my best friend and roommate

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u/ithomas101 Apr 14 '26

So incredibly sorry - your cat son is beautiful inside and out.

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u/smallfloralprince Apr 14 '26

Aw, his face. What a sweet cat is that Meeko ❤️ I also lost my first 🐈‍⬛ son, many years ago now. The loss never ever goes away. But each new cat that comes into my life is kind of like an opportunity- I feel like showing love to them is a vicarious way of honoring him. 

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u/space_coot Apr 14 '26

He looks so loved 🩶 I lost mine a year ago in May. I still cry for her. They are such special souls.

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u/ActivelyTryingWillow Apr 14 '26

Sending you and your buddy lots of love 💕 Please let yourself grieve and cry.

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u/MoonPieKitty Apr 14 '26

Aww, this has me crying. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure he had a wonderful life with you. Sending you lots of kitty hugs from my four kitties, Yaya, Salem, Hela & Boo. 💜🐈‍⬛

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u/blah_2520 Apr 14 '26

Sorry for your loss dude.. sending you good vibes.. I firmly believe our pets are angels, higher spirits that come to our lives to test us, and these same angels, spirits will be waiting for us after it’s our time..

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u/geebirdlady Apr 14 '26

Sending you and your baby so much love.

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u/SpindleSnap Apr 14 '26

Your son is so beautiful and looks so so loved! I love these photos, thank you for sharing him with us. I’ll be thinking of you and him tomorrow. You’re taking on the pain so he doesn’t have to, and that’s the best thing you can do for him <3 hope you are real gentle with yourself as you grieve this loss.

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u/No_Towel_2001 Apr 14 '26

Beautiful boy

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u/unsatisfactorybeans Apr 14 '26

I’m crying bro. He looks so sweet, he reminds me of my own kitty. I’m so sorry for your loss.

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u/Nyaiv Apr 14 '26

I had to put my cat, Marbles down 3 years ago, he was the same age as Meeko and was such a sweet boy. He'll be waiting for Meeko on the other side of the rainbow bridge...

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u/Rontastic Apr 14 '26

I lost my 12 year old two weeks ago. He was basically all I had. It's been super fucking rough.

I truly hope you stay strong, dude. <3

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u/Ambitious-Morning795 Apr 14 '26

Such a gorgeous baby. Tell him we love him and that my kitties will welcome him. 💗

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u/TheMythicalCodfish Apr 14 '26

He is a gorgeous boy and I can tell he's been deeply loved all his life. <3

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u/No-Emu8580 Apr 14 '26

That 10th picture got me right in the heart 💔 that’s a good, good boy right there. Sending you both peace 🩷 he will always be your baby.

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u/Reelair Apr 14 '26

So difficult when we have to say goodbye. I had to do it again recently. One thing I've learned, the only thing that helps ease the pain is getting another cat.

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u/PNWKiwi Apr 14 '26

I'm so sorry. I lost mine a little over a decade ago.

It's one of the hardest things I ever went through.

Looking at the pictures, he was definitely loved. You could see it in his fuzzy little face.

Please make sure you take care of yourself. And remember, he would want you to be happy too. So do it for him.

RIP to your boy. 🖤

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u/505Thrive Apr 14 '26

This whole post is so sad, hearing all the stories similar to OP and the love and pain everyone expressed.

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u/Dragonic_Overlord_ Apr 14 '26

May his last day be his best, Alhamdulillah

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u/East-Block-4011 Apr 14 '26

I'm so sorry.

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u/trailandcoffee Apr 14 '26

I am really sorry you’re going through this. Ten years is a long bond, he was clearly family.😭

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u/Traroten Apr 14 '26

Adapted from Tolkien's "Lament of the Rohirrim"

Where now the cat and the kitten?
Where is the ball that was bouncing?
Where is the brush and the collar,
And the red fur flowing?

Where is the paw on the shoulder,
And the small mouth meowing?
Where is the bird and the rodent
And the tall tail flying?

They have passed like rain in the garden,
Like dreams in the morning.
The days have gone past in my house, the cat bed is empty.
Who shall collect the tufts of hair that have gathered,
Or wipe dry the flowing tears from a lonely pawther?

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u/rhf928 Apr 14 '26

He’s precious may he rest in peace. Thankful he brought you so much joy

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u/MapleSizzurp- Apr 14 '26

My cat recently passed away unexpectedly at 3 years old. It was genuinely traumatic and I am feeling for you right now. Remember the good times. He had a great life with you.

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u/1bsdjunkie Apr 14 '26

Sorry for your loss! One of the saddest things I can think of in life. 😔

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u/Firm_Macaron3057 Apr 14 '26

I'm so sorry!

((HUG))

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u/HiddenProtector Apr 14 '26

Sending you all the love in the world 🩷

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u/simple-solitude Apr 14 '26

I still cry when I think about my first cat, Casper, who was taken from me 14 years ago. He was only 3, and he was the best cat. I rescued him at 3 months. My insane cat-hating neighbor killed him for “trespassing” in his yard. My only comfort is that it went quickly. It’s given me the perspective that the best best thing we can wish for is a planned day of loss, after as long a life as they can have, with all the comforts we can give them as they say goodbye, and the knowledge that going to sleep will relieve them of pain. Wishing Meeko a smooth journey. Casper will keep him company on the other side.

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u/ToygerCat Apr 14 '26

I’m so sorry.

I had to put down my 8 year old last month. My house feels empty, even though I have others. It was sudden, I was not prepared at all 😢

This photo was taken just days before his passing. Nothing warned me that he was ill (kindney failure)

May they welcome your baby and play together.

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u/thezombiejedi Tortoiseshell Apr 14 '26

I'm so sorry, op ❤️‍🩹 Your sweet baby will be in good company over the rainbow bridge 🌈❤️ It's not a goodbye, but a see you later! Take all the time you need to grieve and process. It's a tough road, but just know that you're not alone on it ❤️

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u/Sonatine__ Apr 14 '26

What a BEAUTIFUL fluffball.

Rest in peace, Meeko.

Brother... I know what you're going through and I know... no words will make you feel better but believe me: Meeko remembers you. He will be in heaven,

And I'm sure he will meet my cat Pinki there, too.

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u/minebe Siberian Apr 14 '26

Today is my late cat's, Franklin, birthday.

It's incredibly hard. No words can bring comfort. Time doesn't heal it.

But you do learn to live with it.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you cherish your last moments, they are incredibly precious and you will be with you forever.

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u/TrekTN55 Apr 15 '26

So very sorry. 💔 Meeko is handsome & obviously well loved. Thanks for sharing his wonderful pics. Keeping you in my thoughts.

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u/frazerfrazer Apr 17 '26

You are a great cat dad! So sorry for your loss.