Scottie getting in the way of changing the sheets.
This is the continuing story of Scottie going missing. You can read the first parts of “Gone Cat” and “Found Cat” in previous blog posts.
The Conclusion of Found Cat
My kitties accepted Scottie back with only a little aggression toward him. But my Tabby had changed. He was not the same cat anymore – age and life on the street had an effect on him.
His activity level dropped off, he wasn’t as affectionate anymore, and he was more skittish than he had been before. Even through the changes, I still loved him.
Over the next four months, Scottie started having health problems. He threw up – a lot – not being able to keep his food down was the first issue I noticed. I took him back to the vet. She examined him and suggested ending his life. I took Scottie home, not wanting to put him down. I had never had to do that with any of my cats before – I was reluctant to do it to him.
Scottie’s health deteriorated. He would only eat now and then. He would vomit a clear saliva-like liquid when he hadn’t eaten. He lost more weight so he was quite frail. And he stopped using the litter box, going instead behind the television.
I debated taking him in to be put down, discussing it with my family. They all said it was his time. I couldn’t see it any other way. Scottie was an old cat and suffering. I made an appointment with the vet clinic. It was one of the hardest things I had to do in my life.
I held Scottie after they injected him with a sedative to relax him. I spent some time with him, holding and petting him. The doctor came in and gave him a shot to stop his heart. He died in my arms.
We had Scottie for ten years before he disappeared and then five months after he returned to us. He was an affectionate and gentle cat. I miss him.
THE END
PS: If you’d like to support my writing, please donate to my Patreon account where you can also get some exclusive cool cat swag (cancel anytime).
Here’s the link: https://www.patreon.com/PeterScottsdale
Donate today.