On Saturday 17.09.05 I had the incredibly hard decision to have my little cat Minky put to sleep. Due to failing health and her age catching up with her, it was the kindest choice. I had only had her for two and a half years but she was an old lady from the Cats Protection League so I had no idea of her age. I estimated at about 15 years +
She had been on treatment for about a year for a thyroid condition but this week she developed breathing problems and it was a losing battle as she was going downhill rapidly. It was heartbreaking seeing her go to sleep but I know she isn't suffering anymore. I keep finding myself near to tears and there are reminders of her everywhere. I spent her last night on the sofa with her and gave her cuddles til the end.
In the time I had her, she was the most affectionate, funny, sweet and regal little friend a person could have and I know I gave her a good life in her latter years. Minky used to belong to a neighbour, having originally come from a rescue home. The first time I ever saw her she was sat in my car parking space and wouldn't budge. In the end I had to get out of the car and move her. She was terribly thin and I thought she was a stray. I fed her that day and she wolfed a bowl of Whiskas down like she hadn't eaten for days. Every day for a few months she would be at my front door the feeding pattern continued. I had wanted a cat for some time and didn't have the heart to turn her away. Eventually I found out in June 2002 that she was my neighbours cat. As it turned out, Minky didn't get on with my neighbours other cat Max and refused to go in her own house, thus she wasn't eating. When my neighbour realised where Minky had been all that time, she asked me if I would like to have her, as she looked much more content in my house and seemed a different cat to the one she had brought home from the shelter. So in a way, Minky adopted me too.
Once she had settled in (which didn't take long), she used to wait by the front gate for me to come home and greet me vocally with squeaks and miaows. She had a knack of timing it to the exact minute my car pulled up. Her favourite spot was to lie hugging the back of the sofa. She would purr away and watch the world go by with one eye checking what was going on. Her other favourite place was my bed. Quite often I'd find her curled up or spawled out on my duvet. She was a great alarm clock as she used to jump on my bed anytime after 6am and either paw me or nudge me in the head until I woke up. Her breakfast needed making!! She could be quite inisistent at times, especially if I had a hangover or just wanted a few more minutes kip. Eventually the nudges would turn into gentle nips and then I soon got the hint. When I used to pick her up and cuddle her she would nuzzle into my shoulder and 'knead' with her paws. (Cats do this as they see you as their mum, and that is truly how I felt about her) She would get really purry the more fuss you gave her and would even dribble and give little nips on your chin in cat ecstasy! When she was chilled on the back of the sofa she loved her front paws being played with and would curl her claws around your finger. I used to say that she was holding my hand when she did this. She loved tuna and would miaow enthusiastically the moment the tin was opened.
In the last year my neighours got two young kittens who found her fascinating. As Minky preferred to "Rule the roost" she quite often put them in their place with a well aimed swipe if they got too close (as nosy kittens do) but as the kittens got older they formed a truce Minky tolerated them a bit more. It was quite comical to see them lie in the garden a few feet away from each other, watching each other intently, Minky occasionally giving the evil eye if one of them got too close. I would kid Minky saying she had 2 toy boys.
I miss her terribly but I know in my heart I made the right, although very difficult decision. Saying goodbye to a loved one, is never easy and she was a loved one, one who kept me company and gave me unconditional love in the short time I had her. Wherever she is now, I know that she is sleeping soundly and purring contentedly forever more.
RIP Minky little friend - I will never forget you xxx
Her online memorial is at the link below:
http://www.bluecross.org.uk/web/site/pm_preview.asp?pageid=2349
All in all, she has filled the gap that Minky left. I will never forget Minky as she was my first cat, one who was so affectionate and who I loved very much. It was heartbreaking to lose her and it left the house (and me) feeling empty. I couldn't continue like that as I was missing her company. So, I adopted Maddy to give another little cat a second chance, and to have a little welcoming face to come to again. She has already done so many cheeky antics that you can't help but smile. I know I am going to love having her around and hopefully she will feel the same.
