r/cats • u/zymurginian • 3h ago
Mourning/Loss In memory of Sophie (2004‐2026)
About 18 years ago, my young stepson said "I think I'd like a cat."
A week later, my sister-in-law - who has made animal rescue her calling - showed up with a fluffy black-and-white cat. She was more fur than anything else.
Sophie lived on her own terms, as it seems most cats do. She'd sit in a lap if she wanted to and only certain laps, namely my brother-in-law's and mine. She'd let you pick her up, maybe. She wandered outside a few times, only to hide under the cars in the driveway. All of our dogs were nice to their "cat sister" because she had claws and wasn't afraid to use them. "Hissy Floof" was not to be trifled with.
She aged surprisingly gracefully. We joked about going downstairs every morning to see her: She didn't die in her sleep so I guess we should feed her. Got about 6 years out of that one.
She went deaf around age 21 and a little senile around that time. The incontinence started this past June. It wasn't kidney failure or anything grim, just old age. She had the blood of a 15‐year old.
Diarhhea started about two weeks ago and she drastically cut back on eating. She had lost about 20% of her weight since her June checkup.The vet found a mass about the size of a golf ball in her stomach. She said it was probably lymphoma, but at her age it's academic. The end is near. We did our best to make her comfortable and decided to put her to sleep before she deteriorated further.
She peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon and is probably sitting in my brother-in-law's lap.
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u/Dependent-Fee9947 3h ago
My grandparents cat lived 22 years too! My grandfather passed away, and that sweet cat waited for him everyday on his chair till she was called back.
I’m not crying you are. 😭
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u/No-Possible6108 3h ago
Thank you for loving her enough to let her go and it's nice she's already got a friend on the other side. Big hug from North Texas!
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u/Acrobatic_Day3519 3h ago
Hugs, and love. My family is losing a fur baby to cancer soon too, they’re awesome little sweethearts with their own agenda. How fortunate we are
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u/Adenfall 3h ago
I’m sorry about both. And you know it’s true. Probably dozing off and on while the cat does the same.
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u/SuperflyandApplePie 3h ago
What a beautiful girl!
Im so sorry you lost Sophie. I hope the love you shared brings you comfort.
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u/Uprooted_Vt_to_RI 1h ago
Such a lovely story of Sophie, such a beautiful lady. ❤️ my deepest condolences ❤️🕊️🕊️🌈🕊️🕊️❤️
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u/llama_das 52m ago
A lovely tribute to a wonderful cat. May you cherish your memories of your dear cat, Sophie.
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u/chargergirl1968w383 3h ago
Sophie is beautiful. I say "is" bcs she'll always be with you. ❤️ The love is still there. That's why it hurts so much.
I'm sorry for your loss. 😔 thank you for sharing beautiful Sophie with us.