It’s a sad day here, over the weekend one of my beloved kitties had to suddenly be put to sleep. It’s been a rough few days and even in a house with 6 other kritters… the loss of one is very noticeable.
We adopted Joey 6 years ago when he was either 5 or 6 years old. One of our cats, Meeko, had passed away from cancer about 5 months prior and the house felt empty with just one cat so we wanted to find another cat. Panther, the cat we had, was 10 at that point so we didn’t want a kitten or a terribly young cat. I went to the shelter and saw a 5 or 6 year old cat in the bottom corner cage. He was a big cat with a unique looking face. His chart said he was good with dogs, good with kids, and was there as a result of a divorce. I asked to see him and they let us into a play room together. He was so relaxed and chill, he played with toys but was largely independent (which is what we wanted, we weren’t looking for a lap-cat). He seemed like he’d be a great fit if he were good with cats. Since his chart didn’t say, I asked if they could cat test him and they agreed. They brought in cat they said was “cat friendly”… the other cat hissed, spat and was NOT happy being near Joey… Joey, in response just looked at the cat and sniffed the air. PERFECT… he was so relaxed he wasn’t even bothered by an angry kitty! I adopted him right then and there.
And the rest is history. He was an amazing companion, a fantastic kitty, and such a unique boy. He couldn’t meow, but instead squeaked and peeped. He LOVED playing fetch with soft kitty toys and would return them time and time again for me to throw again. He would carry around soft “pom-pom” balls … and then drop them in the water bowls (it was not uncommon to find 3 or more in the bowls every morning). He was the pickiest cat I’ve ever met–he would eat NOTHING but dry cat food, one flavor of a preservative free refrigerated wet cat food, and occasionally some dog kibble–no people food, no cat treats, no dairy products… nothing. He liked playing in water and would visit me or my mom for 5 minutes of “lap time” every night. He loved his belly being rubbed and would often lay on the floor on his back with his legs in the air and his belly all exposed.
I only wish we had more time together. It’s sad he was only with us for 6 years, though it feels like he was always part of our family. He’ll certainly be missed… especially at night time when he would come find us for his belly rub and when I’d sing to him the button man song (the only line that I knew): “Hello, my name is Joe, and I work… in a button factory”.
Rest In Peace Joey, Joe-man, Joseph… You will be missed for sure.
Tena, I’m so sorry for your loss. Joey sounds like he was a lovely, unique, fun cat. I’m sure the void he left in your heart is immense. *HUGS* to you and your family during this tough time.
And now I have the “Button Factory” song stuck in my head. 🙂
I’m so very sorry to hear about Joey. No matter the length of time they are with us, it’s never enough. What a wonderful story about how he came into your life. Thanks for sharing it.
I am so sorry for your loss. It always hurts to lose a pet, even if you have other animals around, even if you ‘only’ had them for a few years. Joey sounds like a very cool cat indeed.
Rest in peace sweet Joey. You were very loved and are greatly missed. Tena, know you made Joey one happy cat for the 6 years he had with you. Lucky boy. My heart aches for your loss. hugs. Anne
So sorry to hear about Joey. No matter how many other animals are in a home, the loss of one is a blow, and no one cat can take the place of another. Elizabeth Cady Stanton said: “Nature never repeats herself, and the possibilities of one human soul will never be found in another.” Of course, she was talking about people, and the issue of whether animals do or don’t have souls is not something that needs to be debated here, but nonetheless I find the quote apt in this case also. You loved Joey for many reasons, and his Joey-ness was his alone and you will never know quite its like again. I am sorry his time with you was not longer, and I mourn his loss with you and for you, but he was a lucky cat to have had you for his person. May he rest in peace, and may the love and companionship of Shayne, Rio, and your other cats help to ease your sorrow at his passing.
I’m so very sorry. I cried while reading this post. Of course, dealing with my own grief, it doesn’t take much to get me crying, but there was a lot I could relate to.
Joey sounds like a wonderful cat. I love how mellow and cool he was. Your descriptions really gave me a sense of what a special guy he was. I’m so sorry for your loss.