They are there, curled up together, every morning when I step out onto the porch.
I know to look at them now, I get closer, to make sure they are okay and breathing. Minnie used to jump off the chair when I did that, and Flo would stand up immediately and demand some attention.
They are very still now, neither one moves much except to eat. That is sad for me to see.
When they walk, it is slowly and perhaps painfully.
They have joined together for this next chapter of their lives, these two wild and independent creatures. I don’t know how long it will take or where they are going next, but the comfort they now provide to one another is a beautiful thing to see.
Barn cats live most of their lives alone, away from people, and often invisible to us. Now they are almost never part. Animals have taught me so much, perhaps they are teaching me something about true friendship and death. They are preparing together, I can see that.
I’m going to post a daily photo so others can keep up with this touching journey.
Animals inspire me and humble me comfort me and teach me, almost every day.
Thank you for yoyr love and care you are giving them
Also for sharing a daily photo.
My senior cat, 19 years old, mostly sleeps, and eats. I think she might be deaf or at least, partially deaf. She is safe in the house sleeping on the sofa, behind the kitchen door on the cool tile floor or on the cool metal floor lamp stand. She is still the queen and does not hesitate to keep the dogs in order if necessary.
Our cat of 16 did the same thing. Day by day, she moved slower, slept more and eventually, she said it was time. Still miss her.
I will love following them on their journey.
Jon…
We haven’t owned a house cat for (20) years (our remaining dog doesn’t tolerate them). But in the years prior to that, we owned many cats . . . and dogs. We keep a collection of photo prints to help remember each one. All are fondly remembered.
I’m able to provide this encouragement: as the years pass, it’s the good moments with them that remain with us.
Jon, may I share an experiment I’m trying? According to some web research my son did, cats die slowly because cat kibble is harmful to their kidneys (I think) if they don’t drink enough water, which they don’t, compared to what’s needed to balance the cat kibble. The manufacturer of Willards Water feeds a diluted form to his cats (and his plants by the way), and because the added solution makes the water taste so good that the cats do drink enough water. So the manufacturer’s cats live longer than cats he knows that are not fed Willards Water added to their cat water. Around 40 years ago maybe, there was a huge popular rage in favor of the product, but because it’s merely a personal scientist’s invention and not corporately funded, no massive scientific studies were done. In fact 60 Minutes tried to do an expose on it (link on Willards Water site), but wound up not being able to expose anything wrong with the item. Knockoffs of the brand are sold on both Amazon and Vitacost, and I’ve heard people say that the concentrate is anywhere from six to fifteen times watered down from purchasing at the manufacturer’s site. The manufacturer is not interested in bringing legal suit over the issue. Our present cat looks far healthier than our previous cats, and we don’t feed her the quality kibble you take care to. All we add is Willards Water to her cat water. And oh, by the way, it is claimed that plants thrive immensely with it added.
https://www.willardswater.com/ (Please notice the “S” in the middle of the link, it’s important.)
https://www.willardswater.com/content/27-the-60-minutes-transcript