This is my oldest, best friend. Nearly 18 years old. About a month ago he needed surgery, which on an old cat has an unfavourable rate of survival. Knowing he's a tough old boy and he'd certainly die if we didn't, we decided to give it a shot. Two days later we were sure he was dying. The vet tried to prepare us for it when we took him home: they didn't think he'd survive. The whole family came 'round, everyone in tears; talking about where to bury him. He was too old, sick, and tired to meow, eat, drink, or move, and, though it was there as always, his purr was so quiet you had to put your ear to him to hear it. We thought he wouldn't wake up the next morning.
This cat comes to you when you cry. Ever since I was a kid he'd be there, winding around my ankles, purring loudly, hopping onto my lap - there until I stopped crying. When I still lived at home he'd wait on the front step or driveway for me if ever I was home late. He'd tell me off for being late, then up on my lap he'd go, happy as Larry I was home. He still tells me off now, because I moved out and only visit once a week. But he'll forgive me quickly and start purring to let me know he still loves me. I left him for a whole year once, and he remembered me. Only time he's ever been happy with being carried was that day I came home.
Well, spoiler: he didn't die. He did wake up the next morning, and he had renewed attitude. It was as though we hadn't been offering him every food imaginable to get him to eat something: he - was - starving. And he needed cuddles. I left him the day before as a cat who couldn't get to the litterbox or stand in it, and returned the next day to a cat who greeted me with one loud and demanding meow, stood up, walked over, and eyed the treat packet like I'd been holding out on him. His meow was back, his purr was back, and he would rugby-tackle your ankles if you didn't pat him.
When my brother-in-law heard this little guy was dying his response was "What? No. He's not going to die! That cat's indestructible!" He was right, and he had reason for thinking it. This cat has survived a hell of a lot. We'd never seen him that sick before, but, once again, Mr Nearly-18 has proved he's one tough old boy.
I saw him again today, and though his fur is still patchwork from the vet's clippers, when I scooped him up he didn't feel fragile anymore. He felt strong and healthy, for all his years. He played, he told me once again I sucked for moving out, he purred, and he sun bathed in the dirt, because for some reason that's his thing.
Well that's it. I just wanted to share my little trooper of a friend, because I love him to bits and am so glad for this extra time I get to spend with him. I hope this gave someone out there a smile and a fond feeling for their own furry friends, and here's to as many more years as you can give us my best little mate! We're so glad we took the chance on you! You proved us silly worrisome humans!
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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/it4wgi/one_beloved_cat_on_his_11th_life/
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