Community Chat

[lvenjay]

Hi,

Just asking for a few good thoughts and/or prayers for my cat, Kenya, that recently passed. I rescued her 14 years ago and she was 3-6 years old then, so had a long life. A rescue group I work with asked me to do a pick up of a cat. She had been left behind by an owner, who knows how long ago, and a neighbor wanted her "disposed" of. Upon arriving at the house, the guy told me she was tame, proceeded to pick up big barbeque gloves and show me Kenya in two laundry baskets held together with wire.

I suggested he step out of the garage, undid the baskets and placed Kenya in the carrier I had brought. She was understandably upset, but I was able to scruff her and rescue her with just a few scratches on my arms. Other neighbors said she had had several litters of kittens which she was forced to scavenger and forage for any food to have milk to feed them. No one stepped in to help her. No kittens were still alive when I rescued her.

Kenya was a fighter. I was led to believe she had been kicked many times in her life as she attacked my feet and ankles so badly I was forced to wear boots around her. The vet said she must have had many litters of kittens because of her condition when he spayed her. The rescue group could not adopt her because of her temperment, so I adopted her. I worked and worked with her, giving her love and attention, but many times, she was unwilling to believe in me.

Kenya bit and scratched me many times. She probably bit and scratched every friend and relative that tried to pet her. She hated my other cats. She lived mostly in a bedroom, by herself, with a window and a bed she loved to lie on. It was difficult, if not impossible, to take her to the vet. Luckily, she was a very healthy, chubby, grey tabby. She had a sense of herself and what she would and would not tolerate. No trimming of the nails, no petting by the tail, no getting my face next to hers. This was reinforced with scratches and quick bites.

Recently, she had been wanting out of her beloved room and put up with the other cats to sit on the couch with me in the living room. She was having health problems and medicine from the vet that worked earlier had stopped being effective. A cat that used to eat everything had to be tempted to eat and I knew the time was near.

One would think it would be easy to let a difficult, ornery old cat go. It was not.

She now has a place in my urn with many of my other cats that have passed and I honor her memory. She lived her life on her terms and her terms only. I have prayed that she is fine and healthy now and MAYBE getting along with all my other cats on the other side. I am certain she is still bossy.

Thanks for letting me share her story. She was just an old, contrary cat, but I loved her.

Lvenjay

[Mominohio]

Bless you for caring for an animal that most others were willing to throw away. I write with tears in my eyes, as we have adopted animals with similar pasts and problems. They tend to be the kind that "only their mother could love", and love them I do.

My she rest in peace, and be whole and happy at the rainbow bridge. May you find solace in knowing you did a fine thing.

[emmysmom]

What a wonderful mommy you were to this kitty. She is no longer in torment from her former abuse. Bless her heart and yours too!

[MoJoV]

Bless your kind spirit for caring for and loving such an abused animal. You must be a very special person. Kenya was so lucky to be loved by you and having so many years being treated with kindness and love. I'm so thankful for people like you.

[MoJoV]

Bless your kind spirit for caring for and loving such an abused animal. You must be a very special person. Kenya was so lucky to be loved by you and having so many years being treated with kindness and love. I'm so thankful for people like you.

[DorothyL]

Ivenjay, what a wonderful thing you did for Kenya. I really have no idea why people are so mean to animals. Hopefully, they will get their reward in the end.

It sounds as if you did win over Kenya. She probably knew her time was coming, and she wanted to be near you until the end. You gave her a room, her own bed and a window to look out of. She knew she was safe. She now finally had a good and safe place to live out the rest of her life. And,food and water. And you gave her Love.

Kenya is now at the Rainbow Bridge with her babies, never to be abused again.

I am so sorry for your pain.

Take care.

[Sheltie Mom]

lvenjay, I'm sitting here with tears rolling down my face... your Kenya knew she was loved and safe all her years with you and I'm sure she wanted to be close to you when she felt she was near the end.

I will keep you in my prayers and say a prayer and light a candle for Kenya on petloss dot com in the qvc group. Sending a caring hug to you.

Godspeed Kenya

[lvenjay]

Thank you for your kind replies. I knew animal lovers on this board would understand.

I was with her when she passed. After the first shot, which is meant to knock them out, I cuddled her and petted her. The vet said he wasn't sure if she was aware of anything, but then I saw and felt a light push on my hand from her forehead. She would do this when she wanted me to continue petting her. I believe this was her way of telling me "thank you" and "I love you". I think she knew I was there for her on her final journey.

[candys mine]

Peace

[emmysmom]

On 2/16/2014 lvenjay said:

Thank you for your kind replies. I knew animal lovers on this board would understand.

I was with her when she passed. After the first shot, which is meant to knock them out, I cuddled her and petted her. The vet said he wasn't sure if she was aware of anything, but then I saw and felt a light push on my hand from her forehead. She would do this when she wanted me to continue petting her. I believe this was her way of telling me "thank you" and "I love you". I think she knew I was there for her on her final journey.

OMG! How precious! I am sure thats what she was saying, and you were there with her at the end! If only everyone was as caring and loving as you! I think you are an angel!