We inherited Purrl (fully, “The Black Purrl”) just over four years ago when she arrived as an elegant 11-year-old (full story). She easily made her way into our household over that time — never being lovey-dovey with Neko and Kunoichi, the other cats, but always ready (and willing (and demanding)) to plop into a lap, eat any greenery she could get to, get a drink from a sink, come sit in bed at our feet (or between our pillows), or climb to the highest point on the kitty tree and take a nap.
She was always a featherweight, and in the last year or so she’s had some health problems, including some liver disease, that made her a bit skinnier — but never slowed her down, made her less ornery to other kitties getting in her personal space, or kept her from jumping wherever she damn pleased.
Before we left to take James to college, she started having a few mouth problems, a bit of drooling — we assumed a dental issue and made an appointment for after we returned. When we went in, though, the word was more dire, and went with the now-visible swelling in her jaw: bone cancer, already well progressed and spreading quickly.
It’s not been a constant distress for her, but its made eating progressively more difficult and uncomfortable, so, to take care before her life did become a constant pain, we put her to sleep this afternoon.
Even if that now puts us at human:cat parity in the house, she will be missed. For a stand-offish cat with strangers, with friends she could be a major purrbox far beyond what you would expect from her tiny frame. And she was limber and quick to the end in going after her treats.
She was a good kitty, and we were privileged to be able to share our home with her for these last years.
2018-09 Farewell to Purrl
24 new photos · Album by Dave Hill
Sorry for your loss, she was a good kitteh and she will be missed.
Also, you all made a good home for her to enjoy and be a part of.
I'm sorry she's gone. It looks like she had a good life with you.
It’s such a tough thing to lose a pet. Every sympathy.
Sorry to hear this, Dave. Sending your family my sympathy.
My condolences to you and your family, Dave. You took Purrl in when she needed a home, and helped her go when she needed to leave. That's what love looks like.
My deepest sympathies.
I’m sorry for your loss.
We are the family from whom Dave/Margie/James inherited Purrl after another cat in the household made rehoming necessary. We will forever be grateful to them for taking Purrl and for giving her such a good and loving home in her final years. Purrl made 3 separate households very happy. We had her as a tiny foster kitten and adopted her from Dumb Friends. I cried when Dave told me the news about Purrl’s cancer and that she would need to be put to sleep. Although I am sad, I know they did the right thing and Purrl is no longer suffering. Thanks again Dave and Margie. RIP Purrl.
@Laura – We’re happy we were able to help. Purrl gave at least as much back as we gave to her.