Kat May
Kat and I found one another when my beloved cat of 14 years, Lucky, passed last year. In my grief I was led to a website called Forgotten Felines - Vintage felines for vintage people. Kat was 14 years old and had been surrendered by his family for euthanasia because he was urinating outside of the box. The director of this program worked for the vet clinic. She refused to let him be euthanatized and brought him into the rescue program. I contacted her to thank her and asked how difficult was it going to be to place Kat. Very, she said, because we do not have a physical location and he dislikes staying at the vet clinic. He gets very hateful. I asked would she let me have a try. Kat was in another state an hour and a half away. I picked him up in June 2023 and he was indeed very unhappy. He was a big boy. Appearing so much more strong and healthy than Lucky had been at nearly the same age. It took some time for him to trust me - and me him because he could have a very intimidating growl. He would not make eye contact with me. Hated to be picked up. They had also removed his claws on all 4. We got past all of that and became great friends. He began to trust me by greeting me when I came home, sitting with me when reading or watching TV, lots of head butts and finally by sleeping with me every night. He also loved to help make the bed and would want to play fight or wrestle when doing so. He was my constant companion. He loved sitting by the screen door, in the sunshine, while I worked in the kitchen. I quickly fell in love with this special boy. I would take him back to the clinic for check ups over the year and learned that he loved to ride in the car - as long as he was not confined to the carrier. I knew he was older, but I thought Id have much more time with him. He got sick so quickly. They were trying to find out what was wrong and to help him but it happened so very fast. They suspected some type of cancer. He had been at the clinic for 2 days when the director called and said he was doing no better, refusing to eat and that she feared he would die alone in the clinic. She knew how I felt about him and thought I would want to come get him. I left immediately to get him. I was sort of surprised when I saw him because he seemed alert. I brought him home and tried once more to get him to eat, and nothing. He refused any food I tried. He had been eating less and less each day. He retreated to a special bed I had made for him. He had lost 2 pounds in the last few weeks. I called my local vet and asked if they would help us get past his suffering and move on from this life. Kat hated the vet and became very agitated - it was pure terror for him. They agreed to come outside to perform the service. The rescue vet clinic had left the port in to make it less traumatic. My local vet is a country vet in the middle of a field surrounded by mountains. I had made him a very soft bed where he could lay. We sat and looked out at the field and mountains. I kissed my friend, told him I loved him, and we said our goodbyes. He was at peace. I hope he knew how much he meant to me and how much I loved him. It was just not enough time. I had planned so much more for him. I hope he felt safe and as loved in his last year as he had made me feel. He was a great big beautiful special boy. And I love him and miss him so much.
Remembering and honoring you every day, in many different ways
Traci May donated in honor of Kat May