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Marthe48

(21,678 posts)
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 10:35 AM Jul 25

My kitty is close to crossing the bridge

I adopted Cleo last Oct. when my best friend passed away. My friend lived in Cleveland her whole life, and I moved to s.e. Ohio when I was 17. We always stayed in touch, and over the years, we both had many pets. My friend adopted Cleo when she showed up as a stray where my friend worked. Over the years, I got to know Cleo when I visited my friend. Cleo's vet records put her age as 19, but she might be older. Cleo has kidney and thyroid disease. She had been on a special diet for some time, and took prescribed thyroid medicine.
I knew my friend wasn't going to survive her illness, so the end of September, I took Cleo to her Cleveland vet, and made sure she was healthy enough for the drive to Marietta. I got her updated vacs, had her bloodwork done, and we were good to go. I told my friend I would take care of Cleo, so she wouldn't worry. The day I came home with Cleo, I drove without stopping, about 2.5 hours. We 2 old ladies really had to peeby the time we got to my house! I had brought Cleo's litter box, and a couple cups of her used litter, and rushing into the house, dumped the litter into the box, showed it to Cleo and got to my bathroom. My friend and I both had ranch style homes with a basement, so Cleo adapted really well. I asked my daughter to recommend a local vet, and was able to get into a vet who is close to my house, and was taking patients. I used my friend's prescriptions until they ran out, and then got prescriptions for food and medicine through our new vet.
Cleo has been eating less the last month or so, and finally on Wed. stopped eating. I had gotten some lickable treats, and offered them to her more frequently the last week or so. I even sauteed a little piece of chicken breast, which was the last thing she wanted. She continued drinking water. I laid out newspaper in the living room, and put a large trash bag over it, and put litter on it. God love Cleo, she used it like a champ. She is in her final stage now, sleeping away on a bed by my feet. I used a dropper to moisten her mouth with water. I am playing calming cat chakras, and she really likes them. I put them on yesterday, on my tablet, and she moved to be closer to the sound. The chakras are pulling my sadness out, so I took a break.
I'll have Cleo cremated when the time comes, and will take her ashes to my friend's sister, who will put them alongside my friend and her other pets, who are also cremated. I'll be spending time with my friend's sister, who is having surgery in Aug.
It is a tough day, breaking off another link in the chain.

38 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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My kitty is close to crossing the bridge (Original Post) Marthe48 Jul 25 OP
The many cat people here at DU (myself included) are with you.... Blue Owl Jul 25 #1
Thank you Marthe48 Jul 25 #2
Cleo has had a blessed life ! Karadeniz Jul 25 #3
She couldn't have had a better Mom than my friend Marthe48 Jul 25 #9
She will always remember your love. I'm so sorry. CurtEastPoint Jul 25 #4
Time for Cleo to join yout frirnd. SheltieLover Jul 25 #5
I'm taking a break from pets of my own Marthe48 Jul 25 #8
I'm glad you will be sitting with your grand pets in Aug! SheltieLover Jul 25 #12
Cleo sounds alot like my Andy. Same age, same illneses, same eating and sleeping sinkingfeeling Jul 25 #6
I struggled with the options Marthe48 Jul 25 #7
Deepest condolences on Andy's passing. SheltieLover Jul 25 #13
Lady Bast, please take Your Andy gently home in Your loving arms, and niyad Jul 25 #23
I'm so sorry and also so glad you got to share time with Cleo EverHopeful Jul 25 #10
You are doing the best thing possible for her transition alittlelark Jul 25 #11
I learned about chakras when my husband had cancer Marthe48 Jul 25 #14
The solfeggios are the musical tones that resonate alittlelark Jul 25 #15
I am so so deeply sorry. I grieve by your side. irisblue Jul 25 #16
Comforting hugs, Marthe48 radical noodle Jul 25 #17
Safe journey over the rainbow bridge Billsdaughter Jul 25 #18
Welcome to DU Marthe48 Jul 25 #19
Thank You ❤️ Billsdaughter Jul 25 #24
May this time be nothing but peaceful for you and your kit bronxiteforever Jul 25 #20
Lady Bast, please take Your Cleo gently home in Your loving arms, and niyad Jul 25 #21
I am so sorry, Marthe48 Grim Chieftain Jul 25 #22
It is hard saying goodbye to a family member LetMyPeopleVote Jul 25 #25
As a cat person, may I say: johnnyfins Jul 25 #26
Hugs...the links are never really broken, they just get longer. cayugafalls Jul 25 #27
Marthe48, I commend you for being such a good friend and so compassionate to Cleo. Diamond_Dog Jul 25 #28
Thank you, DiamondDog Marthe48 Jul 25 #29
I wish a peaceful passage for Cleo Ocelot II Jul 25 #30
Thank you Marthe48 Jul 25 #31
Cleo passed away about 4 p.m. Marthe48 Jul 25 #32
My kitty and I are holding you in love and light. niyad Jul 26 #33
Thank you Marthe48 Jul 26 #34
So sorry to hear this bif Jul 26 #35
Thank you Marthe48 Jul 26 #36
I am so sorry for your loss. MIButterfly Jul 26 #37
Thank you Marthe48 Jul 26 #38

Marthe48

(21,678 posts)
9. She couldn't have had a better Mom than my friend
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:39 AM
Jul 25

The pet universe didn't have a kinder star.

SheltieLover

(73,308 posts)
5. Time for Cleo to join yout frirnd.
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 10:58 AM
Jul 25

So sorry you are going through this, Marthe, but we are here for you.

It was just 1 yr ago yesterday that my beloved Trixie departed for the Bridge...

Marthe48

(21,678 posts)
8. I'm taking a break from pets of my own
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:37 AM
Jul 25

I'll be staying with my grand pets in Aug. and then pet sitting while my friend's sister is in the hospital.

Sorry for your loss. It is hard to find a way to accept when we lose a pet. My last kitty died last year in May. Cleo has filled in for many loved ones and has been a comfort.

SheltieLover

(73,308 posts)
12. I'm glad you will be sitting with your grand pets in Aug!
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:50 AM
Jul 25

Then sitting with your friend's sister's pet(s).

Healing vibes on the way to you & Cleo.

sinkingfeeling

(56,271 posts)
6. Cleo sounds alot like my Andy. Same age, same illneses, same eating and sleeping
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:22 AM
Jul 25

patterns. Andy also was FIV positive. I'm leaving the country today, so my vet and I thought the best option for Andy was a humane euthanasia.
He left me on Monday afternoon. Broke my heart. Still crying.

But there comes a point when you know they are ready and slowly leaving you.
Peace to both you and Cleo.

Marthe48

(21,678 posts)
7. I struggled with the options
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:31 AM
Jul 25

I've had pets euthanized, but it was for their comfort. I let my last 3 kitties stay home and sleep away. Two were 17 and my last kitty was 22. I've stayed home with Cleo to keep her company until she meets my friend.

I'm sorry for your loss. You gave Andy a good life and kept him healthy as you could. Safe travels.



SheltieLover

(73,308 posts)
13. Deepest condolences on Andy's passing.
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:52 AM
Jul 25

Best of luck in your big move! Please let us know how you are settling in.

niyad

(126,755 posts)
23. Lady Bast, please take Your Andy gently home in Your loving arms, and
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 01:24 PM
Jul 25

send peace and comfort to his grieving loved ones.

I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious boy. Such monumental changes in top of each other must be rather overwhelming. Safe travels, and know that your DU family is here for you.

EverHopeful

(590 posts)
10. I'm so sorry and also so glad you got to share time with Cleo
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:41 AM
Jul 25

A friend died during the pandemic and I couldn't bear to take my current guys in because it felt somehow impossible with the Gracie-shaped hole in my heart. I also felt sure someone more ready to love them would welcome them.

After their year in foster care I finally came to my senses and it was one of my best decisions. They are a daily reminder of my dear, lost friend and I really function much better under feline supervision.

Sending love and hugs to you and so glad you were able to allow Cleo into your life despite the pain her loss will bring.

alittlelark

(19,051 posts)
11. You are doing the best thing possible for her transition
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:42 AM
Jul 25

The chakra music creates an almost sacred shift. I have used solfeggios to support the passage of my pets in the past. The tones help both of you 😇

Marthe48

(21,678 posts)
14. I learned about chakras when my husband had cancer
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:52 AM
Jul 25

I found some that helped with nausea.

When my last kitty got sick, I found cat chakras and played them. That kitty snapped out of her illness and lived another 7 months. I thought they'd comfort Cleo, and I think it is helping her.

Thanks for telling me about solfeggios. I'll look into that later.

alittlelark

(19,051 posts)
15. The solfeggios are the musical tones that resonate
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 12:10 PM
Jul 25

With specific chakras - just musical terminology for the same conceptualization of energy. You are holding space for a sacred transition. 🙏🏻

radical noodle

(10,382 posts)
17. Comforting hugs, Marthe48
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 01:06 PM
Jul 25

Cleo is so blessed to have had you and your friend in her life all these years.

Billsdaughter

(43 posts)
18. Safe journey over the rainbow bridge
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 01:10 PM
Jul 25

Sweet baby Cleo. We are collectively holding you both close to our hearts. Sending you love and calm.

bronxiteforever

(10,746 posts)
20. May this time be nothing but peaceful for you and your kit
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 01:11 PM
Jul 25

Your compassion is the best gift for her.

niyad

(126,755 posts)
21. Lady Bast, please take Your Cleo gently home in Your loving arms, and
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 01:17 PM
Jul 25

send peace and comfort to her grieving loved one.

Please know that your DU pet family is here for you. Lean as hard as you need.

Grim Chieftain

(545 posts)
22. I am so sorry, Marthe48
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 01:22 PM
Jul 25

Losing a beloved pet is beyond sad. You and your sweet kitty are in my thoughts.

Diamond_Dog

(38,349 posts)
28. Marthe48, I commend you for being such a good friend and so compassionate to Cleo.
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 02:16 PM
Jul 25

Your friend was so fortunate to have you. And losing a beloved animal under any circumstances is never easy. Please be kind to yourself.

Marthe48

(21,678 posts)
31. Thank you
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 09:34 PM
Jul 25

Cleo passed about 4 p.m. I was holding her on my lap when she crossed the bridge. I will imagine that she went from my lap to my friend's arms, and they are both full of joy and restored health.



Marthe48

(21,678 posts)
32. Cleo passed away about 4 p.m.
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 09:41 PM
Jul 25

I was holding her when she crossed over, and it was very peaceful.

The support I got today from DUers was so strengthening. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to post or rec and once again, you've made a bad time easier to face.

Marthe48

(21,678 posts)
34. Thank you
Sat Jul 26, 2025, 02:18 PM
Jul 26

My local daughter and granddaughter drove me to the place for cremation. We made a couple of stops on the way home, which was cheering

You are so kind

MIButterfly

(1,194 posts)
37. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sat Jul 26, 2025, 04:55 PM
Jul 26

How kind of you to take your friend's cat and keep and love her for the rest of her life. You have a good heart.

I hope you find comfort in knowing that you gave Cleo a good life for as long as you had her and that she and your friend will be together again. What a joyous reunion that will be!

I extend to you my deepest sympathy and hope you eventually find peace.

Love,
MIButterfly

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