Our beloved Cassinova Felix passed away on Thursday. He was 13.5 years old.
In September, we found out he had Kidney Disease. Our vet told us it wasn’t time to put him to sleep. She said with some medication, flushing out his kidneys and by keeping him very hydrated, he may make a full recovery. We fought for him for 4.5 months. He also fought for himself during that time. And, for a while, he improved and did okay. But, last week, we decided that his quality of life was such that it wasn’t fair to him to keep putting him through the regimen he was going through just to stay alive because we didn’t want to say goodbye. At the end, he only weighed 4 lbs and could barely walk. … We’re trying to remember him as he was before he got sick.
We found Cassie in July 1998, four months after we were married. At the time, we couldn’t see any sign of his manhood so we named him Cassie thinking he was female. When we got him fixed, we were surprised to find out he was male. We lengthened his name to Cassinova. (We know Casanova is the proper spelling, but we like our spelling for him.)
Cassie’s name fit him to a T. He was the most loving, friendly kitty anyone could ever meet. Even people who hated cats liked him. He was always so inquisitive and excited to meet new people.
In fact, Cassie turned Corey into a cat person. Corey didn’t much care for them when we found him. But, he was so cute and acted kind of like a dog. He would always fetch his toy mice. Soon, Corey fell in love with him and now would rather have a cat than a dog.
Although our kitties are inside kitties, Cassie loved to play outside. Every now and then, we’d go out with him and let him play in the grass and run around. It was fun to watch him have so much fun. He also loved strawberries, particularly strawberry yogurt and creamies.
We miss Cassie dearly. We miss his presence. All the places that he used to sleep in seem empty. Our two other kitties are missing him too. They keep looking for him, not understanding why we don’t bring him home. Right now, we can’t get through a day without crying or feeling depressed in some way because we miss him so much. The only comfort and peace we have is that we’re happy he’s no longer suffering and that we’ll see him again someday. For now, I guess that’ll have to do.
*huge hugs* I’m sorry for your loss. Cassie was so handsome.
My family lost our older kitty late last year, he had gotten really skinny too. It does feel empty when you lose a pet, I still have dreams where they’re still alive. I think that it was kidney failure with one of the cats we had when I was still a teen. It’s always hard to deal with. That’s why my mom won’t let me adopt any more cats for the time being. Hang in there!
Thank you. He was really handsome.
It’s very hard to lose a pet. I understand where your mom is coming from. But, I wouldn’t trade this extreme heartache for not having had Cassie in my life.
I’m so sorry about your cat Jenni. My cat and dog are my children, so I can’t imagine how painful it would be to lose one of them.
Thanks, Alison. That’s how Corey and I feel about our kitties. It’s very hard to not have him around. I know it will get easier, but it is hard.
So sad to hear of your loss. You were so brave and kind to put his happiness and quality of life ahead of your need to keep him with you.
Thank you, Beverly.
He was very handsome! I’m so sorry, Jenni. Non animal people just don’t get it but it’s like losing your own flesh and blood. Hang in there. *hugs*
Thanks, Jenny. He was very handsome. There were so many things about his appearance that I just loved and I miss them. And, thank you for the hugs.
Jenni, I am so sorry to read this. Losing a family member is never easy, and losing someone who loves unconditionally is harder still. Cherish the good times you had together. You are in my thoughts today
Thank you, Julie. I really appreciate your kind words.
I’m glad you and Courtney got to meet him that one time. You could see how cool he was, even if you do like dogs better.
I’m so sorry about your cat. Animals really are a part of the family & I can’t imagine how hard it was to make the decision to let him go. *hugs*
Thanks, Kathy. It was a very hard decision. But, although we miss him, we’re sure me made the right one.
Aww..he was a cutie. Our dogs are like our children, and we’ve been through losing one before — you are in my thoughts.
Thanks. Our cats are like our children too. It’s so hard to lose one. I’m sorry you lost one of yours.
awe he was so dashing! what a great way to honour him!
Thank you, Alana!
If you need any more distracting, you can always come over. I am so sorry. He was such a cute cat and I know how special he was. I’m glad you can be happy for him. That’s a hard feeling to accept after a loss, but I know it will help you through it. Love both of you. Hang in there.
Thanks for your comment, Aymee. It means a lot to me and Corey. We really appreciate it.
What a beautiful cat. I feel for you – I expect he had a wonderful life with you.
Ann
He really was beautiful. And, he was happy while he was alive. It has helped me through this, knowing he knew he was loved.
What a beautiful kitty. So sad for you.
I dread the day this will be my story, even though my kitty makes me crazy! She will for sure leave a hole in our lives.
Thanks. And, I understand what you mean about leaving a hole in your heart even if the cat drives you crazy. They know how to get their hooks into you and cause mayhem at the same time.
I’m sorry you had to make such a difficult decision. I know it wasn’t easy & was very heartbreaking. Thinking of you.
Thanks, Christie. I appreciate it. I really do.
I just realized I never made it official and told you on your blog that I’m sorry for your loss. I hope you are doing ok this week. I’ve been thinking of you.
Thanks, Debbie. I appreciate it.
What an adorable face. So sorry to hear the news.
Thanks, Amy. We’ve been a little distracted lately because of it.
Sorry to hear of your loss. He looks like a lovely cat.
Thank you. He was.