Big Kitty

Big Kitty came to us by accident. A mama cat was moving her kittens down the fence outside, when our dog, Lanko jumped against the fence and the ferrel cat dropped her into our yard. (we have an 8 foot fence) Lanko picked up the kitten and brought the baby into the house and dropped her at my feet. Kind of like saying, ok here is my brother and new friend. Big Kitty was only 3 days old. The vet wanted to put her down, but we decided we would try to raise her by hand. We bought the bottles and formula and heating pads to keep her warm and started. Day and night, we fed her. On the days I had to work, we handed her off to my mother who then fed her during the day. We took over all the mamas duties. Lanko even helped. Big Kitty grew, and grew, and grew until he reached 21 pounds and was as big as my dogs. Always feisty, he was a very independent cat but when he came to get petted or sit with you, he was the most loving cat. You could talk to her and she seemed to understand.When his friend Lanko passed away, you could see her going around the house looking for him. She knew her friend had passed. It was heart breaking to see this.

Big Kitty hated vets, in fact she would jump at them with her claws out and try to take them out. The vets dreaded Big Kittys visit, but she was always very healthy, so the visits were very few over the years. (except for shots.)

She was always a fighter!!!

About 3 weeks ago I noticed that she was retreating to be by herself on her favorite covered toilet seat in the bathroom. I noticed her weight began to drop dramatically and she stopped taking food.

We took her to the vet and after a blood test, confirmed that her kidneys were failing and they were only about 10% functioning. Big Kitty let the vets touch her, so they know she was sick. Big Kitty was dying. We tried everything we could to see if we could turn her around, but nothing worked over the next 3 weeks. Yesterday I came home from work and I found her lying in her carrier lying there. I always told her when she was ready to die, to go on there so I would know. I pulled her out and she raised her head and rubbed her head against my chest and died in my arms. She waited until I got home to say goodbye.

Everyone cried last night. Everyone is still crying this morning. Big Kitty was there as my family grew. Everyone is feeling the loss of Biggie.

You gave us 16 good years and for that we will always be thankful for that time. We will remember the good times and bad. We will remember the first time you finally used the kitty litter box and the times we were up all night feeding you. I will miss your big furball body lying next to us keeping everyone warm.

Thank you Big Kitty for all the good years you gave us as a companion and a friend. No need to fight anymore Biggie, just rest now and play again with Lanko in heaven. He will be happy to be with you again.

You will be missed, you are the Best Big Kitty in the Whole World.