Average Jane Says Goodbye Again

Written by

Kato
December 16, 1989 to February 17, 2007

Well, now we’re down to two cats again. I’m sad about Kato; I’d had him since he was very small. In fact, I got him as a Valentine’s Day gift from an old boyfriend, so
he was with me exactly 17 years and a couple of extra days. Still, as
with Friday, I’m relieved that he’s no longer suffering. His decline
was swift and shocking.

Losing Kato and Friday, one right after the other, feels a lot like
losing my youth. They were with me from the time that I first moved out
on my own, and they were a constant through various boyfriends, moves,
jobs, friends, and every other life change since my early 20s.

My husband is taking Kato’s death extremely hard. They had a special bond and spent a lot of time together. As much as Friday was my favorite cat, Kato was his.

Now I’m really glad we have the kitten, because her liveliness brightens the mood in the house. By the way, the name Xena seems to have stuck to her. The fact that it works in the Name Game (Xena, Xena, Bo-beena…) may have been a factor as well. Every cat needs a theme song.

Xena and Velcro aren’t exactly best buddies yet, but I think Velcro appreciates the idea of having another cat to play with. She’s always had to struggle for her place in the household and now she gets to be the dominant cat by default. I don’t think it will be much longer before they’re playing and snuggling together.

I hope this is the last of the gloomy posts for a while. We’re due for happier times.

Comments

8 responses to “Average Jane Says Goodbye Again”

February 19, 2007

Yvonne DiVita

The whole life and beyond thing is so confusing and hard. I’ve been reading and wondering when this post would come. Not everyone understands the bond we petlovers have with our pets, but it’s just as strong as the ones we create with each other.
All we can do is allow our grief to run its course. Here’s a big virtual hug: (((((( )))))))

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February 19, 2007

Blondie

You POOR thing. Two so close like that is just horrible. You should read Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant to your hubbie. It will make him feel a little better maybe. 🙁 So sad.
Instead of a squirt gun, you should get a water bottle like you spritz your hair with–they have a spray feature and work quite nicely.

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February 19, 2007

cagey

Damn, girl.
Hang in there. Kato was a sweetie. ;-(

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February 19, 2007

digidrum

Kato, I will miss your upside down looks every time you beg me to pick you up. You will always be in my heart, and mind. You’ve been the best pet in my life in a time where I never thought I’d get attached.
You will be missed, and I’ll never forget you. You were the best.
:(…. (virtual tears)

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February 19, 2007

MLE

Oh, Jane, I’m so sorry about your kitty. I’m sure Kato and Friday were both much-loved.
My favorite book to help anyone of any age with this issue is “The Tenth Good Thing About Barney” by Judith Viorst. When my family’s old kitty died a few years ago, the one that was born in my bed when I was six years old, I pulled out my dogeared copy of this book and it helped me feel better. I even made a list of ten good things about Pansy.
*hugs* for you, and I’m glad you still have two kitties to keep you company.

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February 20, 2007

Joolie

Oh, no! I’m so sorry, Jane.

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February 21, 2007

monkey

I’m so sorry, Jane. 🙁

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February 22, 2007

Rozanne

I’m sorry. That’s really tough to lose Kato so soon after losing Friday.

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