Sunday, April 24, 2011

Goodbye to my Baby

In 2005, I adopted two adorable kitties - Gigi and Mousse. They were about a year old when they came home with me and have always been a bit skittish - Mousse more than Gigi. This past Friday, I had Mousse put down. It was an awful decision to have to make and I am heartbroken. Over the years, Mousse had become increasingly aggressive. He used to play with Gigi, chasing her around the apartment, playfully swatting her. But as they've both aged, what he may thought of as playing was definitely not fun for Gigi. She'd frantically run away from him and I worried he'd either hurt her directly or indirectly as she tried to get away. He'd also grown increasingly aggressive towards everyone but me. All my boyfriend would have to do is glance over at Mousse and he'd be rewarded with a hiss or a growl. When Mousse had to pay a visit to the vet, everyone on staff had to be on alert because he would lash out at them. He had surgery a couple of months ago to have some (more) teeth pulled and when I picked him up, the vet tech gave me an account of their entire day together, including showing me the scratches he'd given her. Even while he was still waking up from the medicine, you could hear him growling and hissing from the other room. His cage had to be labeled "Dangerous!" every time he went to the vet and was known as "the cat".

Last weekend, Mousse went after Shadow and scratched her. Nothing too serious, but as easily as he'd scratched her nose, he could have gotten her eye or mouth. And not only did Mousse grow aggressive when Shadow went towards him, he would charge her without warning. We'd tried everything we could think of to modify his behavior, but I truly feel he had an aggressive personality. Most times, we would shut him in the bedroom with his own litter box and food/water bowls. He'd cry and cry to be let out, but we just couldn't trust him. And anyone who has owned cats knows how fast they can move. One minute he'd be snoozing in the sun and the next he'd be across the room going after Shadow or Gigi. I also think he was in a great deal of pain because of his teeth.

After discussing the options with the vet and countless hours of soul searching, we decided that our most humane option was to put him down. Adopting him out or giving him to a shelter just wasn't an option. I couldn't in good conscience give him to someone else without knowing how he would behave. My vet will never come out and say that he thinks we should put an animal down, but he was very supportive and I think he agreed it was really the only thing to be done.



I will miss that little furball so much.

24 comments:

The Coupon Goddess said...

Ugggh. I'm so very sorry. What a tough decision to make. My heart aches for you.

Sarah said...

I'm sorry you had to put your baby down. :(

Pubbler said...

Awww Frugalsuz, I'm so sorry to hear about your furbaby. I know how hard it is to let go. Just remember all the special times you had together. Sending hugs your way.

Sheila said...

Suz, I am so sorry to hear about Mousse - what a beautiful cat. I have been there too and hope you find comfort in knowing you gave him the best of everything...

Anonymous said...

I'm so so sorry for your loss.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. He was very handsome. You were a good mama to him, the poor guy was probably suffering from something mentally. :(

Stephanie said...

((((((((((((((((Suzanne)))))))))))))) I'm sorry you had to make such a difficult decision. Your in my thoughts.

Unknown said...

I'm so, so sorry for the pain and sorrow you are feeling...

Amanda Grant said...

I am so sorry, Suz. Hugs!!!!

Elizabeth said...

So very sorry for your loss. What a tough thing to do, even when you know it's right. So sorry for you.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry. I dread the day when something happens to one of ours. They definitely become like kids to us, at least. God bless.
Deb

kadywood said...

My heart feels for you. What a difficult decision to make but necessary. I, too, had to put a beloved pet down due to aggression towards others. I keep my favorite photos of her at her best on a bulletin board in my office.

Shelly said...

I'm very sorry you had to make that difficult decision. Mousse was so handsome. I never realized how much he look like my Max that passed in July 2009. I hope you happy memeories of Mousse will ease you pain.

Bonnie said...

I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you. 6 months ago we had to make that awful to have the "love of my life" dog put down, for his best interest. Even though he was old, and sick, I think I have cried everyday since for my lost, and for having to make that difficult decision. I cried again as I read your dilemma. I am so sorry for your pain (but you did your best for all your fur babies!)...Hugs!...

Mary said...

I'm so sorry to hear that! I have two babies too, and I love them both very much. Such a hard thing to do, at any time.

Laurie said...

So sorry for your loss Suz. He was a cutie pie :(

Melanie said...

I'm so sorry. :( It is hard to say goodbye to a furry friend.

Thrifty T said...

So sorry for your loss. I know this is a painful time for you because pets are just like any other member of the family.

frugalsuz said...

Thanks for all the kind words and support everyone.

jeri said...

I know this was so very hard for you to do. I really feel you made the right decision. Remember the good times and hope you have a good day.

Mary said...

Da boyfriend and I send you positive vibes babe!!! ----->>>>>Suzanne

I had to give away my baby boy Ethier (Beautiful Siamese) because he became jealous of my infant son. I completely understand.

Unknown said...

I'm very sorry, losing a pet is so hard.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I had to put down one of my kitties last year and it was so difficult, even though it was clear it was the best thing to do. I'm wishing you lots of comfort.

Sexy Coupons said...

SO sorry hon :(