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Marthe48

(21,386 posts)
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 10:35 AM Friday

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

Marthe48

(21,386 posts)
9. She couldn't have had a better Mom than my friend
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:39 AM
Friday

The pet universe didn't have a kinder star.

SheltieLover

(72,201 posts)
5. Time for Cleo to join yout frirnd.
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 10:58 AM
Friday

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

(21,386 posts)
8. I'm taking a break from pets of my own
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:37 AM
Friday

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

(72,201 posts)
12. I'm glad you will be sitting with your grand pets in Aug!
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:50 AM
Friday

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

Healing vibes on the way to you & Cleo.

sinkingfeeling

(56,011 posts)
6. Cleo sounds alot like my Andy. Same age, same illneses, same eating and sleeping
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:22 AM
Friday

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

(21,386 posts)
7. I struggled with the options
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:31 AM
Friday

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

(72,201 posts)
13. Deepest condolences on Andy's passing.
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:52 AM
Friday

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

niyad

(125,628 posts)
23. Lady Bast, please take Your Andy gently home in Your loving arms, and
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 01:24 PM
Friday

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

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

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

(19,027 posts)
11. You are doing the best thing possible for her transition
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:42 AM
Friday

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

(21,386 posts)
14. I learned about chakras when my husband had cancer
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 11:52 AM
Friday

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

(19,027 posts)
15. The solfeggios are the musical tones that resonate
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 12:10 PM
Friday

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

radical noodle

(10,306 posts)
17. Comforting hugs, Marthe48
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 01:06 PM
Friday

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

Billsdaughter

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

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

bronxiteforever

(10,651 posts)
20. May this time be nothing but peaceful for you and your kit
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 01:11 PM
Friday

Your compassion is the best gift for her.

niyad

(125,628 posts)
21. Lady Bast, please take Your Cleo gently home in Your loving arms, and
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 01:17 PM
Friday

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

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

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

Diamond_Dog

(37,797 posts)
28. Marthe48, I commend you for being such a good friend and so compassionate to Cleo.
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 02:16 PM
Friday

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

(21,386 posts)
31. Thank you
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 09:34 PM
Friday

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

(21,386 posts)
32. Cleo passed away about 4 p.m.
Fri Jul 25, 2025, 09:41 PM
Friday

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

(21,386 posts)
34. Thank you
Sat Jul 26, 2025, 02:18 PM
Saturday

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

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

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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