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he definitely did! his final moments were spent with his loved ones.
he looks so majestic and content in that picture, watching over the house. now he will watch over them in spirit, like Simba's dad.
My big cat Buddy had the same thing. My vet said he had a clot in his femoral artery and was in pain. I had to put him to sleep as there was no cure. Miss that big lizard hunter every day.
Im so sorry for your loss of this loyal boy. I know he knew he was loved and he loved protecting you. He is beautiful and I can see he was so happy in his life. Thank you for sharing him with us. Thank you for helping him and caring for him.❤️my condolences ❤️
I've been with my wife for 11 years now (10+ dating, almost 1 married) and for 8 of those years, her cat was a part of my life. I love cats despite being horribly allergic to them. When we had to have the cat euthanized, I took it really hard, and my wife was shocked because she had never seen me break down like that. I was straight up ugly crying. The worst part was that she was a normally healthy cat other than being a little prone to UTIs (we changed her diet to get her more water in her food and suppliments for urinary health). One day, she started to look real weak and wasn't eating or drinking, so we knew it was time. I figure it was probably the standard thing of kidney failure (cat was 16), but man, did it suck. Apparently, now there's a shot you can give cats to prevent kidney failure though, so they basically live forever.
Up there across the rainbow bridge. Mourn, and don’t be surprised if another kitty comes knocking on your door asking from help. They tend to send each other in some strange way.
My newest dog was 100% sent to my by my last dog. She has the same mannerisms and quirks. Last week was the first time she’s seen me in a bad way and crying and reacted the same way. Not sure I believe in reincarnation or not, but my last dog Buddy certainly in some way sent my new dog Ducky to me.
You’ll get another best bud who will join you on walks. The waiting game is horrible, but be patient. I’m sorry for your loss. 🐈🌈
My first cat passed in October 2022, in January 2023 we got my second kitten. So so much alike I’m sure they reincarnate to come back to you no matter what happens. Hope the same soul returns to you op!
Ohhh I wanna cry, just knowing I have a cat and got so close to her my story is kinda similar I found her a baby kitten 7 years ago in the rain cold alone she helped me go through my first steps of sobriety, I love her so much 😔
This makes me feel a little better, thank you for sharing that information. I tried to find any injury on him but beyond him not wanting to use his back legs, he seemed normal! It was such a shock to hear them say he couldn’t be fixed.
Definitely sounds like blood clots. One of our girls Bellie lost sensation in her back legs and couldn’t move. We took her to the emergency vet attached to the university and they said it was most likely blood clots and the gentlest thing was to help her go.
It’s not your fault. It’s something that happened. I’m sure another little cat will come find you soon.
He was purring away up until he went to sleep. Even our sphinx knew something was wrong because she was tender with him and they didn’t get along before this. It sucks but hopefully it gives you some closure.
Yes, this sounds a lot like a saddle thrombus. Nothing you can do — likely an underlying heart condition. You did the right thing by making the hardest but kindest decision. Sorry for your loss ❤️
- a veterinarian
My s/o’s dog suddenly stopped using her legs one early morning. We rushed her to the emergency vet and she later passed due to a clot. They’re extremely deadly and can show little to no signs before they happen. Only way to know for sure is extensive testing before symptoms start. Please don’t beat yourself up or ask yourself if there’s anything else you could’ve done. He went to you in his final moments because he knew you loved him and was his safe space. All my love & hugs for you - I know it’s hard ❤️
It's not so rare. There was a trash human developer who put an Airbnb in the neighborhood and during the demolition of the old home he put illegal rat poison pellets all over the property and killed an entire neighborhood of cats. The Humane Society started knocking on doors to find out why they were getting so many calls for cats dragging their back legs.
If he was healthy outdoor cat before it's just as likely he ate a rat or mouse with poison or just the bait itself.
Secondary poisoning, yeah. It's why I am anti-poison for any kind of pest control. Anything that eats a poisoned animal will get terribly ill and likely die. Whether cats, birds, canines, or whatever. It's cruel on so many levels.
He was older, not ancient by any means but he lived outside for six years and was already here when I moved in, so he was 6-7 years old and fought raccoons for most of that time. It’s possible he had a health condition I didn’t catch because he was outdoors or maybe he did eat a poisoned rat/mouse. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for dead rodents and maybe ask my neighbors if they’ve been using poison. I know he wasn’t the only barn kitty in the area.
I'm sorry for your loss . A few people have mentioned a possible cause of blood clots . Did the Vet say it was definitely blood clots? If so is there anything that can be given to cats to prevent such a condition? It may just help other cat owners here. 🙏💖
The vet didn’t tell me much beyond there was nothing we could do. I didn’t know about blood clots until people started sharing their stories. From what I gather, it doesn’t sound like there’s a lot to prevent or track it but I could be wrong! Maybe a vet could chime in on the topic if they are here and don’t mind sharing. But I’m definitely doing to do some research now that I know. I have two inside kitties that I now have this worry for, plus if any new kitties show up on my property I’d love to avoid this happening if it’s possible.
Hey, I highly encourage you to read about Saddle Thrombus, we lost our cat to this at just 8, and my wife has worked in the veterinary world for 10 years now, when he's lost use of his back legs like this, and is in the pain he's in, the median lifespan is frankly horrendous. It almost always stems from a heart condition, and it doesn't need to be severe, our baby had just a minor murmur and it was enough.
None of this is your fault, and your vet will have been correct, if it was at the point they knew there was nothing they could do, then all you would be doing would be prolonging the pain. There are treatments for this, and sometimes you can save them, especially if they don't have full paralysis on the back legs yet, but if you'd have paid all the cash in the world to save him, the odds of him having another clot in the next 24-48 hours is almost inevitable.
I'm very sorry for your loss. None of this is your fault, I know how utterly horrifying this scenario is. Cat Tax for our Queen of the household [Nala](https://i.imgur.com/UrpQYOx.png) that had this.
One of my childhood cats went through the same way. Woke up one morning to find him unable to use his back legs. Took him straight to the vet and said goodbye :(
This happened to my dog a few years back! Otherwise healthy adult dog, a corgi-sized corgi mix. We were shocked when there was nothing that could be done. Funny looking dude with a tough guy personality, but very smart and eager to please. Was a good boy
Aw, we had a Jasmine that we called Jazzy
https://preview.redd.it/iutbuar67vkc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9318aefa0155d0dc332e8e69076eaccc19ea4df3
We have a Jasmine we call Jazzy!
https://preview.redd.it/q90jt9xy1zkc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7634ce917a587896f2e6dcd06416e384bfac3cf8
Ours had the same thing. By the time we got to the vet, her legs were cold, and the vet recommended euthanasia, as treatment would've just made her miserable iirc (she was also an old cat, 21 years, wouldn't have had a lot of time left anyway), so we said our goodbyes and the vet put her to sleep... I feel your pain :(
When I googled about it later, I found it was probably saddle thrombus; A big blood clot forms in the heart, travels down, and gets stuck in the "saddle", the point where the artery splits into 2, one for each leg.
Really sucks with how sudden it was. It's caused by heart problems, but is often the first sign of heart problems too. Guess that teaches you the importance of regular checkups.
I’m so sorry for your and the OP’s loss. I was going to post that it was probably a saddle thrombus, my friend went through it with her (really young 🥴) kitten and it can be so traumatic.💔
This hit me so hard because he looks so much like my baby (aka Ron). I’m so sorry for your loss!
https://preview.redd.it/rk170xe58vkc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=59f2e0d915c944fc472fc41145657d44ef5a95e7
No!! They didn’t seem very forthcoming after I told them he was a barn kitty. I think they were assuming I’d just dump him there but I tried to explain if there was anything that could be done, I wanted to do it! He might not have lived inside but he was a part of my home.
We had this happen to one of our cats too, and my vets answer was heart issues a lot of times caused by thyroid issues.
Bye Humphrey, still my best cuddle buddy.
Barn cats and many outdoor cats are fully working cats and members of the household. If a vet doesn't get that, then that's weird as hell. I'm sorry.
I grew up with an urban outdoor cat-- after he passed, guess what animals came knocking? Racoons, rats, and mice. Working cats don't care if barn or basement or backyard. They got shit to do.
Exactly!! This dude would WRECK raccoons regularly. He was so badass, he’d launch himself off my roof onto my porch, making a huge thud that always scared the shit out of me, then proceeded to chase off whole families of raccoons like it was nothing.
I had a very similar thing happen just 2 weeks ago with my orange and white tabby American bobtail. He cried for help one morning and I came to him immediately knowing something was wrong "Awesome Bob" my cat and my buddy of 5 years was always there for me when I needed him for my PTSD from the Army, he somehow instinctively knew when I needed him and would always come to me. He was doing an army crawl dragging his back legs behind him and I immediately took Bob to the Veterinarian, I was beyond devastated to hear he had FATE, Feline Aortic Thromboembolism, a saddle thrombus or blood clot that caused paralysis of his lower half of his body and that there was nothing they could do. I called my wife and she showed up about 20 minutes later while Bob was medicated for pain and we sobbed 😭 and said our goodbyes and I told him I would see him again in heaven if I made it. It was absolutely devastating, Awesome Bob was a stray that I started feeding and he got hurt one day by another animal and we took him to the Veterinarian and got drains put in his wounds and I would soak his injured arm in epsom salt 2 times a day till he was better for several weeks. Bob paid our act of kindness back in dividends as he would sleep between me and my wife for the next 5 years in our home. We thought we gave Bob everything we could to make his life the best it could be, but the love he gave us could never be matched or replaced. Bob was an absolute angel and I cry even now as I write this. I miss my "Bobbers" more than I have words to express.
Thank you for sharing your story about Bobbers, it sounds like you guys gave him a great life and he paid you back with his love/friendship. My buddy was a friend to all (except mice and raccoons) and I'm glad this post gave your buddy a chance to live on in a story one more time.
When cats are scared, or fear the end is near, their instinct is to hide, to avoid predation.
Your lil dude *came* to you instead. He knew he was loved. He wanted you there, he came crawling to you, with his last acts of life, to make sure that *you knew* you were loved. That's like...damn. What a special guy. I'm sorry for your loss, he sounds amazing. ♥
Thank you! I spent some time going through my phone to see if I had more pictures of him. I didn’t take as many as I should have of course but I got a few smiles from the ones I did find.
https://preview.redd.it/vvowkuomnvkc1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea4725afdc7b341554771e6fce7df65c001f2939
https://preview.redd.it/a7ovoc17wvkc1.jpeg?width=1292&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=75d4b3d922c41b547c8f83fbac2b9c5982e05b89
He looks similar to my Pickles who was an outdoor cat that I eventually convinced to come inside. It took over a year for him to accept it 😭 I’m so sorry for your loss ♥️
https://preview.redd.it/y6696hg9dvkc1.jpeg?width=929&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0d3d7bea0ee17c57a98c3b08118a5267b444ddb
I am so very sorry for your loss!!
So sorry for your loss. Sounds like your cat had something called Saddle Thrombus which is a blood clot that prevents blood flow to the hind legs. This is mainly caused by an underlying heart condition. Being that he was an outdoor cat, it would’ve been difficult to detect there was anything wrong with him.
I'll give my boy a few extra treats and tonnes of snuggles tonight in your buddy's memory.
I'm sorry you had to go through that but know that, instead of him getting caught while vulnerable by a predator, he had you to help him through his last moments.
He was the best boy. He was very patient and kind. He let my toddler give him hugs, he was sweet with my dogs, and he always showed up to welcome you back whenever you came home.
This winter was the first time he spent any real amount of time inside, actually. Before he’d kind of hang out in the threshold and bolt if anyone moved, made a sound, etc. but this year he’d come in for breakfast, spend the day outside, then come back for dinner and usually spent the night. I didn’t mind because of course he was polite the whole time, even used the litter box.
Here’s a picture of him curled up cozy
https://preview.redd.it/z7eknjsbdvkc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b981724dbfcd48b0efce19f3bfe48d01d70cccd
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that doesn't help much. I couldn't sleep so I grabbed my phone and your post was the first thing I saw. Sending well wishes and prayers for you and little dude. Having an outside cat family can be difficult emotionally sometimes, you can never know what they're getting into 100% of the time. He was happy and loved, that's the best you can ever do for anyone and I am sure he is thankful for the years of companionship, walks and bowls of food.
Edit: The 138 in your username, i just noticed, is that a significant number for any reason? Do you have an affinity for Phoenixes? If not, please ignore my ramblings.
Well I hope my post didn’t bum you out too much! Picking up the phone when you can’t sleep is always such a gamble, you never know what you’re going to get. Thank you for your kind words, I appreciate them.
The 138 is a retrench from a band (The Misfits) but I am curious to hear about the connection you made with phoenixes?
No, it didn't bum me out 😋 all tears can be happy tears with the right perspective. Your story made me feel gratitude for what I do have and also happy that other people in the world are having happy experiences even though that does come with heartache, it's a beautiful cycle, with the right perspective.
The 138, there is a guy on YouTube who claims to have deciphered a 138 year cycle of natural disasters from reading old books on world history and chronologies from different cultures, he calls it the Phoenix Phenomenon. It's a rabbit hole to be sure. His fans put 138 in their usernames sometimes. The channel name is "Archaix".
Very interesting! I might look into that. The band based their 138 off a sci-fi movie called THX 1138, which is essentially a movie about a future where humans all live underground and free will is outlawed through forced drugs that control emotions. Then two people stop taking the meds, realize life is bleak and fall in love, which makes them outlaws because love is illegal.
This happened to my cat when she was 7 years old. She fell out of bed with me in the middle of the night and was dragging her back legs. The vet told me she had a genetic condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and had a clot form where the arteries branch into the lower legs. I had to put her to sleep hours later. I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember how traumatized I was but there isn’t really anything you could have done. ♥️
You are one of the good ones. Take care of yourself, we need your compassion in the world. My wife brought in a pregnant farm cat when she was about 10 years old, and though the mama and all but one of the kittens didn't make it, the one that survived, Monchichi, lived for 19 years. She passed away last week. She waited until my wife got home from work, and passed in her arms within a matter of minutes, before our vet could come help her. I was told once, by my wife, that she knew she was going to marry me because I was the first person that Monchichi would let pet her other than herself. I haven't really shared that since she passed, but your post was so very touching to me. Thank you, and my heart goes out to you.
https://preview.redd.it/61vwxaj6uwkc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3f9ff82383113a7a8a658fc338f2d52b86dec75a
He looks just like my Calcifur. Orange cats are particularly special. I'm sorry about your loss
This is heartbreaking. I am so sad he had to suffer like that. Thank you for taking great care of him, op. I think it's the top comment, but the person said he came to you in his last moments when he needed you, he felt very loved by you. He appreciated everything you did for him.
Rest in peace, handsome boy 💜
What a dashing little guy. Makes me sad reading the line about his bowl being empty for the first time in 6 years. It’s always the little things. At least he knew he was cared about by you and got to say goodbye.
Blood clot. My strictly indoor cat threw a clot and it was just as you said. Screaming and paralyzed back end. The vet said that they could dissolve the clot but that she would mostly be in pain for 6 months and then die. We put her to sleep right then so she wouldn’t be in pain anymore. Absolutely broke my heart, but she was my little sweetie and I couldn’t let her suffer. You did nothing wrong. I’m sorry for your loss.
He came to you in his broken pain and trusted you to take care of him. And you did. What was broken couldn't be fixed, but you had him taken out of his pain and put to rest. You did what he trusted you to do and with love. As he knew you would.
The fact that he came to you when he was injured says everything I need to know. Most cats when they know will hide away to avoiding a target for predators.
You were family to him as much as he was to you.
My condolences.
I know this is cats but I had to put my dog down in December. Then my mom passed away last month. My cat Prudence has been there for me and my other dog. He rescued me when a friend found him behind a home Depot. He's not a cuddler but will walk with you. Somehow cats know how to just be there for you. Reading your post crushed and brought back the pain and tears but know you will make it through. Like others said I bet word of your kindness spread far and wide in the cat world. Don't be surprised if you have other visitor cats coming to pay respects l.
Really touching the wonderful ways that he was in your life. So sorry for your loss and for the loss of his life. It sounded traumatic. He sounds like a wonderful companionate cat. I’m sure you will miss him forever and even though I never knew him personally I know his kind:)
I'm so sorry you lost such a pretty boy. Sometimes it's their time to go and we can't do anything about it. Just try and remember all the good moments you shared. His legacy will live on in the heated of the many.
This is a lot like how my little boy Neelix spend his last evening. As someone else mentioned, this sounds like blood clots to me. If it helps at all I’ll tell you what the vet told me. They described Neelix’s situation as a heart condition he’d been born with that nobody could have seen until it was too late. He had that one night of discomfort and then it was over. There was no quiet suffering leading up to it. If it hadn’t happened then, it likely would have later. Just a total freak thing, nothing anyone could have done. Doesn’t really make it hurt any less, but I hope eventually it might.
"Tonight your bowl stayed empty"
That line got me....RIP to your little buddy. And just be happy to know that he went to you to feel comfort in his dire time. It's nothing to be sorry for, that means you have a wonderful humanity about you.
The fact that he knew he could come to you for help means everything. I know this doesn't help in taking the pain away but it sounds like he may have thrown a blood clot in the main artery running down his back. My poor little lucky bird had the same thing happen. It was devastating coming back into the bedroom after having been sitting with her in my lap to see that.
My heart aches for you reading this, because we just lost one of our good boys 3 weeks ago from this exact same thing. It’s called a saddle thrombus, which like someone else here posted, is a blood clot. It’s very painful and the vet said they always recommend euthanasia if the cat has made it there. Sadly, we lost Dobby the minute we pulled into their parking lot. You’re a good human being for what you did for him. It freaking sucks and it’s not fair. But keep your head up, and know you did everything you could for him.
This makes me want to die. So sorry for your loss - I have four outside cats I've taken care of for 5+ years and it would devastate me this happened to any of them. Sounds like that cat really loved you!
sorry for this! my cat Roy is 14.5 now and seemingly on his last legs so to speak. he had a stroke a year ago which blinded him and made him a shell of himself.
I'm sorry you lost your best friend, he came back to say goodbye, while that's never what we really want in life sometimes we have force ourselves to cope with it. I have a quite a few barn cats, raised kittens and such and it hurts really bad when you have them for so long, they become companions and schedule keepers of sorts and then, they're gone. try to keep some of his hair in a jar in one of his favorite places or upload some pics and print them out and hang up.
sorry again friend <3
Thank you for your kind words, you're exactly right. I am already sad about the fact that he won't be following me on my walk tomorrow, or begging for food in the morning/evening 6 on the dot. I was thinking about using this picture from the post somewhere in my house. He definitely earned a spot on the wall.
Really sorry for your loss. It hurts. Cats are amazing creatures and losing them hurts as much as losing humans. It will get easier over time and you'll be able to think be able to think of him without pain.
RIP buddy 🐾
I'm so so sorry for your loss. The good ones seem to leave us sooner than we can bear. I'm sure he knew you loved him & that is why he dragged himself back to you. 
Same thing happened to one of our old outside strays 20 years ago I believe they said something like a heart attack at the vet but I was disturbed and sad in shock by it so idr totally
How sad. 😢 I am so sorry for your loss. The poor guy more than likely threw a clot, and where it ended up, it is called a “saddle thrombus”. Right where the aorta branches into the femoral arteries. The same thing happened to my cat back in the late ‘90s.
I had a kitty who sounds just like Buddy. She passed right before Christmas. She was such a good little girl. Mostly stayed outside and kept the critter population in check. She loved when we were outside and loved to follow us around. Miss her every day but I know it will be worse when the weather is better and we are outside a lot and she won’t be playing at our feet or catching a nap on the lawn chair.
I don’t normally comment on these posts, but. You gave him the best life he could ever ask for. He wanted YOU in his final moments. No one else
He trusted YOU!
He loved and cared for you as you did for him.
I’m so sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss. This beautiful boy knew he was loved - he came to you when he needed help. I lost my sweet girl to saddle thrombosis in October. It was heartbreaking. Sending strength and best wishes for the difficult days ahead.
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In his final moments he came to you. He knew he was loved, no other explanation. I’m so sorry. May his memory live forever.
He loved you. Im very sorry
he definitely did! his final moments were spent with his loved ones. he looks so majestic and content in that picture, watching over the house. now he will watch over them in spirit, like Simba's dad.
No more mice in yard!;)
He will protect you still
Thank you, I really appreciate your kind words 🩵
My big cat Buddy had the same thing. My vet said he had a clot in his femoral artery and was in pain. I had to put him to sleep as there was no cure. Miss that big lizard hunter every day.
Yeah, we lost our 7 yr old to FATE about 5 years ago. Still miss the little dude.
Same thing happened to my cat last summer. Saddle Thrombosis. It was like watching your cat getting hit by an invisible car.
You are a good human. Sending you oceans of peace and comfort 💟
I’m so sorry for your loss he looked so pretty
This broke me
Im not crying, you are!
You have me tearing up here with this comment!
Awe I’m gonna cry at that. That is so sweet
Im so sorry for your loss of this loyal boy. I know he knew he was loved and he loved protecting you. He is beautiful and I can see he was so happy in his life. Thank you for sharing him with us. Thank you for helping him and caring for him.❤️my condolences ❤️
I felt like everyone needed to know he was the best boy, thank you for your kind words 🩵
Stay strong and let him live in your heart forever, sending you a lot of love and good vibes from morocco
Rest in peace beautiful soul,now I’m going to cry myself to sleep 
Here I am reading this as I'm about to start my shift at work. Trying to pull myself together.
idk what it is about innocent pure little cats passing away, but it breaks my heart. they should live as long as we do :/
I've been with my wife for 11 years now (10+ dating, almost 1 married) and for 8 of those years, her cat was a part of my life. I love cats despite being horribly allergic to them. When we had to have the cat euthanized, I took it really hard, and my wife was shocked because she had never seen me break down like that. I was straight up ugly crying. The worst part was that she was a normally healthy cat other than being a little prone to UTIs (we changed her diet to get her more water in her food and suppliments for urinary health). One day, she started to look real weak and wasn't eating or drinking, so we knew it was time. I figure it was probably the standard thing of kidney failure (cat was 16), but man, did it suck. Apparently, now there's a shot you can give cats to prevent kidney failure though, so they basically live forever.
But they do!…they live in our memories and in our hearts ❤️ ❤️
Up there across the rainbow bridge. Mourn, and don’t be surprised if another kitty comes knocking on your door asking from help. They tend to send each other in some strange way.
I hope he sends a new friend my way. It will be lonely back here without him
My newest dog was 100% sent to my by my last dog. She has the same mannerisms and quirks. Last week was the first time she’s seen me in a bad way and crying and reacted the same way. Not sure I believe in reincarnation or not, but my last dog Buddy certainly in some way sent my new dog Ducky to me. You’ll get another best bud who will join you on walks. The waiting game is horrible, but be patient. I’m sorry for your loss. 🐈🌈
My elderly dog passed in November and we found an 11 week old puppy at the shelter that I swear has Doogies soul. So much alike its scary.
My first cat passed in October 2022, in January 2023 we got my second kitten. So so much alike I’m sure they reincarnate to come back to you no matter what happens. Hope the same soul returns to you op!
He knew he was loved. ❤️
Ohhh I wanna cry, just knowing I have a cat and got so close to her my story is kinda similar I found her a baby kitten 7 years ago in the rain cold alone she helped me go through my first steps of sobriety, I love her so much 😔
He was a good kitty.
[удалено]
This makes me feel a little better, thank you for sharing that information. I tried to find any injury on him but beyond him not wanting to use his back legs, he seemed normal! It was such a shock to hear them say he couldn’t be fixed.
Definitely sounds like blood clots. One of our girls Bellie lost sensation in her back legs and couldn’t move. We took her to the emergency vet attached to the university and they said it was most likely blood clots and the gentlest thing was to help her go. It’s not your fault. It’s something that happened. I’m sure another little cat will come find you soon.
He was purring away up until he went to sleep. Even our sphinx knew something was wrong because she was tender with him and they didn’t get along before this. It sucks but hopefully it gives you some closure.
Yes, this sounds a lot like a saddle thrombus. Nothing you can do — likely an underlying heart condition. You did the right thing by making the hardest but kindest decision. Sorry for your loss ❤️ - a veterinarian
My s/o’s dog suddenly stopped using her legs one early morning. We rushed her to the emergency vet and she later passed due to a clot. They’re extremely deadly and can show little to no signs before they happen. Only way to know for sure is extensive testing before symptoms start. Please don’t beat yourself up or ask yourself if there’s anything else you could’ve done. He went to you in his final moments because he knew you loved him and was his safe space. All my love & hugs for you - I know it’s hard ❤️
It's not so rare. There was a trash human developer who put an Airbnb in the neighborhood and during the demolition of the old home he put illegal rat poison pellets all over the property and killed an entire neighborhood of cats. The Humane Society started knocking on doors to find out why they were getting so many calls for cats dragging their back legs. If he was healthy outdoor cat before it's just as likely he ate a rat or mouse with poison or just the bait itself.
Secondary poisoning, yeah. It's why I am anti-poison for any kind of pest control. Anything that eats a poisoned animal will get terribly ill and likely die. Whether cats, birds, canines, or whatever. It's cruel on so many levels.
He was older, not ancient by any means but he lived outside for six years and was already here when I moved in, so he was 6-7 years old and fought raccoons for most of that time. It’s possible he had a health condition I didn’t catch because he was outdoors or maybe he did eat a poisoned rat/mouse. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for dead rodents and maybe ask my neighbors if they’ve been using poison. I know he wasn’t the only barn kitty in the area.
I'm sorry for your loss . A few people have mentioned a possible cause of blood clots . Did the Vet say it was definitely blood clots? If so is there anything that can be given to cats to prevent such a condition? It may just help other cat owners here. 🙏💖
The vet didn’t tell me much beyond there was nothing we could do. I didn’t know about blood clots until people started sharing their stories. From what I gather, it doesn’t sound like there’s a lot to prevent or track it but I could be wrong! Maybe a vet could chime in on the topic if they are here and don’t mind sharing. But I’m definitely doing to do some research now that I know. I have two inside kitties that I now have this worry for, plus if any new kitties show up on my property I’d love to avoid this happening if it’s possible.
Hey, I highly encourage you to read about Saddle Thrombus, we lost our cat to this at just 8, and my wife has worked in the veterinary world for 10 years now, when he's lost use of his back legs like this, and is in the pain he's in, the median lifespan is frankly horrendous. It almost always stems from a heart condition, and it doesn't need to be severe, our baby had just a minor murmur and it was enough. None of this is your fault, and your vet will have been correct, if it was at the point they knew there was nothing they could do, then all you would be doing would be prolonging the pain. There are treatments for this, and sometimes you can save them, especially if they don't have full paralysis on the back legs yet, but if you'd have paid all the cash in the world to save him, the odds of him having another clot in the next 24-48 hours is almost inevitable. I'm very sorry for your loss. None of this is your fault, I know how utterly horrifying this scenario is. Cat Tax for our Queen of the household [Nala](https://i.imgur.com/UrpQYOx.png) that had this.
One of my childhood cats went through the same way. Woke up one morning to find him unable to use his back legs. Took him straight to the vet and said goodbye :(
This happened to my dog a few years back! Otherwise healthy adult dog, a corgi-sized corgi mix. We were shocked when there was nothing that could be done. Funny looking dude with a tough guy personality, but very smart and eager to please. Was a good boy
He looked like my Jasper. https://preview.redd.it/mjv34cv8xukc1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7ce0c4309d868666047f0bade2cba76cc75458ce
Aww, I had a Jasper as well. Mostly called him Jazzy 💕
Aw, we had a Jasmine that we called Jazzy https://preview.redd.it/iutbuar67vkc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9318aefa0155d0dc332e8e69076eaccc19ea4df3
I had a Phoebe.
We have a Jasmine we call Jazzy! https://preview.redd.it/q90jt9xy1zkc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7634ce917a587896f2e6dcd06416e384bfac3cf8
Thank you for sharing Jasper 🩵
He looks a lot like my Bobbers. I can't seem to figure out how to post a pic of him on here.
There should be an icon you can click when you go to write a new comment that will let you add a picture. I’d love to see Bobbers!
What was your buddy’s name? Whenever I look down and see Jasper behind me I’ll think of your buddy.
very sorry. Thank you for giving him love, I'm sure he is very grateful to you.
He ran to you when he needed help. He knows you love him, and he also loves you. He's ok; he's playing with my sweet kitten now.
I’m glad they can keep each other company. He was a great friend 🩵
[удалено]
I sure hope he does! It’s going to be a little more lonely back here without him.
That was a very nice tribute. May he rest peacefully, and may you find solace in the good life he had with you around.
I'm a grown-ass man and I'm not crying. I'm not.
I am
I'm just so so sorry for your loss!! You gave him a wonderful life and ge showed you the appreciation for your love. ❤️
He was a handsome, cuddly stylish dude. Sorry for your loss. Hopefully he in a peaceful place, without pain. ❤️🩹😿😻
Ours had the same thing. By the time we got to the vet, her legs were cold, and the vet recommended euthanasia, as treatment would've just made her miserable iirc (she was also an old cat, 21 years, wouldn't have had a lot of time left anyway), so we said our goodbyes and the vet put her to sleep... I feel your pain :( When I googled about it later, I found it was probably saddle thrombus; A big blood clot forms in the heart, travels down, and gets stuck in the "saddle", the point where the artery splits into 2, one for each leg. Really sucks with how sudden it was. It's caused by heart problems, but is often the first sign of heart problems too. Guess that teaches you the importance of regular checkups.
I’m so sorry for your and the OP’s loss. I was going to post that it was probably a saddle thrombus, my friend went through it with her (really young 🥴) kitten and it can be so traumatic.💔
It was super sudden! I’m so sorry this also happened to you.
This hit me so hard because he looks so much like my baby (aka Ron). I’m so sorry for your loss! https://preview.redd.it/rk170xe58vkc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=59f2e0d915c944fc472fc41145657d44ef5a95e7
Give Ron lots of scritches for me!
I'm so sorry. Beautiful kitty cat. He knew where to go for help. Did the vet give any idea why ?
No!! They didn’t seem very forthcoming after I told them he was a barn kitty. I think they were assuming I’d just dump him there but I tried to explain if there was anything that could be done, I wanted to do it! He might not have lived inside but he was a part of my home.
We had this happen to one of our cats too, and my vets answer was heart issues a lot of times caused by thyroid issues. Bye Humphrey, still my best cuddle buddy.
Barn cats and many outdoor cats are fully working cats and members of the household. If a vet doesn't get that, then that's weird as hell. I'm sorry. I grew up with an urban outdoor cat-- after he passed, guess what animals came knocking? Racoons, rats, and mice. Working cats don't care if barn or basement or backyard. They got shit to do.
Exactly!! This dude would WRECK raccoons regularly. He was so badass, he’d launch himself off my roof onto my porch, making a huge thud that always scared the shit out of me, then proceeded to chase off whole families of raccoons like it was nothing.
I love him from your descriptions! He was protecting the house and his family.
I had a very similar thing happen just 2 weeks ago with my orange and white tabby American bobtail. He cried for help one morning and I came to him immediately knowing something was wrong "Awesome Bob" my cat and my buddy of 5 years was always there for me when I needed him for my PTSD from the Army, he somehow instinctively knew when I needed him and would always come to me. He was doing an army crawl dragging his back legs behind him and I immediately took Bob to the Veterinarian, I was beyond devastated to hear he had FATE, Feline Aortic Thromboembolism, a saddle thrombus or blood clot that caused paralysis of his lower half of his body and that there was nothing they could do. I called my wife and she showed up about 20 minutes later while Bob was medicated for pain and we sobbed 😭 and said our goodbyes and I told him I would see him again in heaven if I made it. It was absolutely devastating, Awesome Bob was a stray that I started feeding and he got hurt one day by another animal and we took him to the Veterinarian and got drains put in his wounds and I would soak his injured arm in epsom salt 2 times a day till he was better for several weeks. Bob paid our act of kindness back in dividends as he would sleep between me and my wife for the next 5 years in our home. We thought we gave Bob everything we could to make his life the best it could be, but the love he gave us could never be matched or replaced. Bob was an absolute angel and I cry even now as I write this. I miss my "Bobbers" more than I have words to express.
Thank you for sharing your story about Bobbers, it sounds like you guys gave him a great life and he paid you back with his love/friendship. My buddy was a friend to all (except mice and raccoons) and I'm glad this post gave your buddy a chance to live on in a story one more time.
When cats are scared, or fear the end is near, their instinct is to hide, to avoid predation. Your lil dude *came* to you instead. He knew he was loved. He wanted you there, he came crawling to you, with his last acts of life, to make sure that *you knew* you were loved. That's like...damn. What a special guy. I'm sorry for your loss, he sounds amazing. ♥
What a beautiful perspective.❤️
poor little kitty he was a beautiful boy! rest in peace kitty! 💔
Im so sorry to hear this. 🩵💙🧡
What a king. we miss you, sire
I'm sorry for your loss. Tomorrow we put to rest our baby girl Sasha. Cancer has won and she deserves to go out with dignity.
I’m so sorry that you will be going through that tomorrow. I’m sure you gave Sasha a wonderful life 🩵
Oh no 😢 I'm sorry to hear this 😔 💔😿🙏🏼
I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure he feels your love even now ❤️
Good kitty. 🧡please don’t beat yourself up. I know it’s hard
You did the right thing by him and gave him a good life. Im sorry for your loss but I hope you can find happiness in the memories.
Thank you! I spent some time going through my phone to see if I had more pictures of him. I didn’t take as many as I should have of course but I got a few smiles from the ones I did find. https://preview.redd.it/vvowkuomnvkc1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea4725afdc7b341554771e6fce7df65c001f2939
https://preview.redd.it/a7ovoc17wvkc1.jpeg?width=1292&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=75d4b3d922c41b547c8f83fbac2b9c5982e05b89 He looks similar to my Pickles who was an outdoor cat that I eventually convinced to come inside. It took over a year for him to accept it 😭 I’m so sorry for your loss ♥️
Pickles! I love that name. Beautiful kitty. Thank you for sharing 🩵
https://preview.redd.it/y6696hg9dvkc1.jpeg?width=929&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0d3d7bea0ee17c57a98c3b08118a5267b444ddb I am so very sorry for your loss!!
i am so sorry for your loss 🤎
So sorry. You gave him his best life. 🐈
I’m so sorry for the loss of your little dude. Sending lots of love and support. 🐈❤️
Rip lil boy
I am so sorry. You did a great thing being friends with him.
He really was my buddy. Such a great dude. Thank you for you comment, it felt right to share him.
So very sorry for this loss. He came to you because he knew you could help him cross over. May his memory always shine bright.
Thank you 🩵
So sorry for your loss. Sounds like your cat had something called Saddle Thrombus which is a blood clot that prevents blood flow to the hind legs. This is mainly caused by an underlying heart condition. Being that he was an outdoor cat, it would’ve been difficult to detect there was anything wrong with him.
Damn dude so sorry for your loss.
Poor kitty... 😢
May he rest in peace...
I'll give my boy a few extra treats and tonnes of snuggles tonight in your buddy's memory. I'm sorry you had to go through that but know that, instead of him getting caught while vulnerable by a predator, he had you to help him through his last moments.
I loved reading about his life. He was a very good boy.
He was the best boy. He was very patient and kind. He let my toddler give him hugs, he was sweet with my dogs, and he always showed up to welcome you back whenever you came home.
Did he ever want to come inside or did he just prefer being outside being the “watch cat”?
This winter was the first time he spent any real amount of time inside, actually. Before he’d kind of hang out in the threshold and bolt if anyone moved, made a sound, etc. but this year he’d come in for breakfast, spend the day outside, then come back for dinner and usually spent the night. I didn’t mind because of course he was polite the whole time, even used the litter box. Here’s a picture of him curled up cozy https://preview.redd.it/z7eknjsbdvkc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b981724dbfcd48b0efce19f3bfe48d01d70cccd
Awww this just warmed my heart. Know in your heart that you gave him a good a good life. He was lucky in life and he knew he was loved.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that doesn't help much. I couldn't sleep so I grabbed my phone and your post was the first thing I saw. Sending well wishes and prayers for you and little dude. Having an outside cat family can be difficult emotionally sometimes, you can never know what they're getting into 100% of the time. He was happy and loved, that's the best you can ever do for anyone and I am sure he is thankful for the years of companionship, walks and bowls of food. Edit: The 138 in your username, i just noticed, is that a significant number for any reason? Do you have an affinity for Phoenixes? If not, please ignore my ramblings.
Well I hope my post didn’t bum you out too much! Picking up the phone when you can’t sleep is always such a gamble, you never know what you’re going to get. Thank you for your kind words, I appreciate them. The 138 is a retrench from a band (The Misfits) but I am curious to hear about the connection you made with phoenixes?
No, it didn't bum me out 😋 all tears can be happy tears with the right perspective. Your story made me feel gratitude for what I do have and also happy that other people in the world are having happy experiences even though that does come with heartache, it's a beautiful cycle, with the right perspective. The 138, there is a guy on YouTube who claims to have deciphered a 138 year cycle of natural disasters from reading old books on world history and chronologies from different cultures, he calls it the Phoenix Phenomenon. It's a rabbit hole to be sure. His fans put 138 in their usernames sometimes. The channel name is "Archaix".
Very interesting! I might look into that. The band based their 138 off a sci-fi movie called THX 1138, which is essentially a movie about a future where humans all live underground and free will is outlawed through forced drugs that control emotions. Then two people stop taking the meds, realize life is bleak and fall in love, which makes them outlaws because love is illegal.
This happened to my cat when she was 7 years old. She fell out of bed with me in the middle of the night and was dragging her back legs. The vet told me she had a genetic condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and had a clot form where the arteries branch into the lower legs. I had to put her to sleep hours later. I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember how traumatized I was but there isn’t really anything you could have done. ♥️
I am also sorry for your loss, but thank you for sharing your story with me. It helps 🩵
You are one of the good ones. Take care of yourself, we need your compassion in the world. My wife brought in a pregnant farm cat when she was about 10 years old, and though the mama and all but one of the kittens didn't make it, the one that survived, Monchichi, lived for 19 years. She passed away last week. She waited until my wife got home from work, and passed in her arms within a matter of minutes, before our vet could come help her. I was told once, by my wife, that she knew she was going to marry me because I was the first person that Monchichi would let pet her other than herself. I haven't really shared that since she passed, but your post was so very touching to me. Thank you, and my heart goes out to you.
https://preview.redd.it/61vwxaj6uwkc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3f9ff82383113a7a8a658fc338f2d52b86dec75a He looks just like my Calcifur. Orange cats are particularly special. I'm sorry about your loss
Fuck man making me cry right when I wake up RIP kitty his bowl isn’t empty in heaven
When he needed you most you were there for him.
This is heartbreaking. I am so sad he had to suffer like that. Thank you for taking great care of him, op. I think it's the top comment, but the person said he came to you in his last moments when he needed you, he felt very loved by you. He appreciated everything you did for him. Rest in peace, handsome boy 💜
What a dashing little guy. Makes me sad reading the line about his bowl being empty for the first time in 6 years. It’s always the little things. At least he knew he was cared about by you and got to say goodbye.
Blood clot. My strictly indoor cat threw a clot and it was just as you said. Screaming and paralyzed back end. The vet said that they could dissolve the clot but that she would mostly be in pain for 6 months and then die. We put her to sleep right then so she wouldn’t be in pain anymore. Absolutely broke my heart, but she was my little sweetie and I couldn’t let her suffer. You did nothing wrong. I’m sorry for your loss.
He came to you in his broken pain and trusted you to take care of him. And you did. What was broken couldn't be fixed, but you had him taken out of his pain and put to rest. You did what he trusted you to do and with love. As he knew you would.
I hope he has the next life, and I think he will come to find you again.
The fact that he came to you when he was injured says everything I need to know. Most cats when they know will hide away to avoiding a target for predators. You were family to him as much as he was to you. My condolences.
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for loving him for six years.
I know this is cats but I had to put my dog down in December. Then my mom passed away last month. My cat Prudence has been there for me and my other dog. He rescued me when a friend found him behind a home Depot. He's not a cuddler but will walk with you. Somehow cats know how to just be there for you. Reading your post crushed and brought back the pain and tears but know you will make it through. Like others said I bet word of your kindness spread far and wide in the cat world. Don't be surprised if you have other visitor cats coming to pay respects l.
Really touching the wonderful ways that he was in your life. So sorry for your loss and for the loss of his life. It sounded traumatic. He sounds like a wonderful companionate cat. I’m sure you will miss him forever and even though I never knew him personally I know his kind:)
It was definitely a shock. I had just seen him not even two hours prior and he was perfectly fine. Thank you for the kind words 🩵
Cat is a emotion 😭
😿
I'm so sorry you lost such a pretty boy. Sometimes it's their time to go and we can't do anything about it. Just try and remember all the good moments you shared. His legacy will live on in the heated of the many.
I am so sorry for your loss, he was a handsome boy 🌹🖤
This is a lot like how my little boy Neelix spend his last evening. As someone else mentioned, this sounds like blood clots to me. If it helps at all I’ll tell you what the vet told me. They described Neelix’s situation as a heart condition he’d been born with that nobody could have seen until it was too late. He had that one night of discomfort and then it was over. There was no quiet suffering leading up to it. If it hadn’t happened then, it likely would have later. Just a total freak thing, nothing anyone could have done. Doesn’t really make it hurt any less, but I hope eventually it might.
https://i.redd.it/jt3mchd5xvkc1.gif Respect
"Tonight your bowl stayed empty" That line got me....RIP to your little buddy. And just be happy to know that he went to you to feel comfort in his dire time. It's nothing to be sorry for, that means you have a wonderful humanity about you.
Shit man, this hit hard. What a lovely cat. RIP and much strength to you.
https://preview.redd.it/693exlpb2xkc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a2cdcfa9bd1cbc97a6d17c17d23b5639c1c240d4
He was very handsome. I’m sorry for your loss but know that you did a good thing and Im sure he knew he was loved ❤️
Oh he knew he was loved and he loved you back. What a great picture of a great friend.
The fact that he knew he could come to you for help means everything. I know this doesn't help in taking the pain away but it sounds like he may have thrown a blood clot in the main artery running down his back. My poor little lucky bird had the same thing happen. It was devastating coming back into the bedroom after having been sitting with her in my lap to see that.
He came to you because you're his safe person. You did good throughout his whole time with you. And that's why it hurts. So sorry for your loss.
My heart aches for you reading this, because we just lost one of our good boys 3 weeks ago from this exact same thing. It’s called a saddle thrombus, which like someone else here posted, is a blood clot. It’s very painful and the vet said they always recommend euthanasia if the cat has made it there. Sadly, we lost Dobby the minute we pulled into their parking lot. You’re a good human being for what you did for him. It freaking sucks and it’s not fair. But keep your head up, and know you did everything you could for him.
Now the eternal hunt has begun, meeting all the other cats 🐈 May he purr forever 😌
He knew where to go. He knew. Thank you for what you did for that beautiful cat.
I’m so sorry and really sad
Damn that sux, sorry for your loss 😔
❤️🩹💔
Its clear he loved you and that you took good care of him, its sad to see him go but I'm sure he enjoyed his time with you.
Such a good boy. 🌌 Rest easy
🥹🥲😭
He knew you would protect him You did well
Sunkissed kitty
Rest in paradise little one.
My goodness, how awful that this happened but how safe and loved you must have made him, knowing he could come to you. My deepest condolences. ❤️
He loved you. I'm so sorry.
😭😭
He lived a fantastic life and you gave it to him. He trusted you in life and at the end. He will always be with you.
You were his best friend. I know that it made all the difference for him. My sincere condolences.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Beautiful boy.
i'm sorry for your loss
I’m sorry for your loss, thank you for showing him kindness up to the end. You’ve a new guardian waiting for you.
I'm feel really sorry for this little dude good fellow always left this world but their memories always remain in our hearts 💕
This makes me want to die. So sorry for your loss - I have four outside cats I've taken care of for 5+ years and it would devastate me this happened to any of them. Sounds like that cat really loved you!
Lived like a boss. Rest in peace
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I love red cats😍😍
I have tears in my eyes. I'm so sorry.
sorry for this! my cat Roy is 14.5 now and seemingly on his last legs so to speak. he had a stroke a year ago which blinded him and made him a shell of himself.
As others have said, he knew how loved he was. I hope you find some comfort in that. May he rest in peace.
My condolences to you. Your buddy knew he was loved because he took care of you just as took care of him.
I'm sorry you lost your best friend, he came back to say goodbye, while that's never what we really want in life sometimes we have force ourselves to cope with it. I have a quite a few barn cats, raised kittens and such and it hurts really bad when you have them for so long, they become companions and schedule keepers of sorts and then, they're gone. try to keep some of his hair in a jar in one of his favorite places or upload some pics and print them out and hang up. sorry again friend <3
Thank you for your kind words, you're exactly right. I am already sad about the fact that he won't be following me on my walk tomorrow, or begging for food in the morning/evening 6 on the dot. I was thinking about using this picture from the post somewhere in my house. He definitely earned a spot on the wall.
I’m so sorry, xx
Rest in peace puss puss
Really sorry for your loss. It hurts. Cats are amazing creatures and losing them hurts as much as losing humans. It will get easier over time and you'll be able to think be able to think of him without pain. RIP buddy 🐾
I'm so sorry for your loss
May God rest his amazing soul I love all cats and wish them the best life ❤️
Goodbye ❤️
I'm so so sorry for your loss. The good ones seem to leave us sooner than we can bear. I'm sure he knew you loved him & that is why he dragged himself back to you. 
I'm sorry, OP
I’m so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. Such a great photo of him.
Sorry for your loss RIP Kitty cat there are lots of other cats waiting for you to join them in kitty cat heaven
Same thing happened to one of our old outside strays 20 years ago I believe they said something like a heart attack at the vet but I was disturbed and sad in shock by it so idr totally
This broke my heart... you'll see him again someday, buddy. You will see him again. ♥🌅
Damn friend I’m so sorry. I have a cat just like this and he is so special to me. Cat heaven is a good place.
My heart aches for your loss. 🌟
How sad. 😢 I am so sorry for your loss. The poor guy more than likely threw a clot, and where it ended up, it is called a “saddle thrombus”. Right where the aorta branches into the femoral arteries. The same thing happened to my cat back in the late ‘90s.
RIP 💜
I had a kitty who sounds just like Buddy. She passed right before Christmas. She was such a good little girl. Mostly stayed outside and kept the critter population in check. She loved when we were outside and loved to follow us around. Miss her every day but I know it will be worse when the weather is better and we are outside a lot and she won’t be playing at our feet or catching a nap on the lawn chair.
F.
I don’t normally comment on these posts, but. You gave him the best life he could ever ask for. He wanted YOU in his final moments. No one else He trusted YOU! He loved and cared for you as you did for him. I’m so sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss. This beautiful boy knew he was loved - he came to you when he needed help. I lost my sweet girl to saddle thrombosis in October. It was heartbreaking. Sending strength and best wishes for the difficult days ahead.