Remembering Krista

[daftcat75]

That was probably one of the hardest phone calls I'll ever make.

I just called Trupanion to cancel Krista's policy because I just got billed for another month yesterday. They are issuing me a refund for that premium.

That was just so hard. She asked what was the last day I spent with her. It was such an odd but evocative phrasing that I just lost it. Because we really spent so little time together on that final day. If I knew that was going to be the final time I dropped her off at the vet, I would have spent much more It took me at least a soggy minute or two to collect myself enough to answer that.

I'm not opposed to feeling what I need to feel if it's going to help me past this. Sometimes I wish I didn't have to make my grief public like that.

 

[tarasgirl06]

Them being her paws after all...

But...but we can't help them being irresistible. There's no part of a cat that isn't, IMHO. But especially paws. And tails.

 

[tarasgirl06]

That was probably one of the hardest phone calls I'll ever make.

I just called Trupanion to cancel Krista's policy because I just got billed for another month yesterday. They are issuing me a refund for that premium.

That was just so hard. She asked what was the last day I spent with her. It was such an odd but evocative phrasing that I just lost it. Because we really spent so little time together on that final day. If I knew that was going to be the final time I dropped her off at the vet, I would have spent much more It took me at least a soggy minute or two to collect myself enough to answer that.

I'm not opposed to feeling what I need to feel if it's going to help me past this. Sometimes I wish I didn't have to make my grief public like that.

I know. I'm preparing to receive Tarifa's ashes tomorrow and I am trying to steel myself not to break down into a blubbering puddle of self-pity. Because as well as I've mostly been able to maintain during this past week when my roomies are around --getting that little box.

 

[daftcat75]

I know. I'm preparing to receive Tarifa's ashes tomorrow and I am trying to steel myself not to break down into a blubbering puddle of self-pity. Because as well as I've mostly been able to maintain during this past week when my roomies are around --getting that little box.

I don't know when I'm getting that call to pick up that little box. In Krista's case, it's also her carrier and I'm sure whatever food I packed thinking she was going to stay over for several days. She can ride home once more in her carrier.

 

[tarasgirl06]

I don't know when I'm getting that call to pick up that little box. In Krista's case, it's also her carrier and I'm sure whatever food I packed thinking she was going to stay over for several days. She can ride home once more in her carrier.

I took Tar's carrier and I took off her collar there at the vet's. I always put the collar and ID tag with the urn. And carriers go back on the indoor stack. I have lots and lots of carriers, because our family was once very large. I even have the Furrari that our little white cat rode to Best Friends in. That's the only carrier I have that's individual, because he's the only one who's ever been in it. All of the others are small, mid-size or large and used for whomever needs one at the time.
Baby Su and Elvis STILL aren't eating like they should. I stirred up their breakfast for lunch. It's still there at 1340 hours. It's good food, food they normally like and eat.
Elvis is on my lap, with his paws reachable.

 

[daftcat75]

I took Tar's carrier and I took off her collar there at the vet's. I always put the collar and ID tag with the urn. And carriers go back on the indoor stack. I have lots and lots of carriers, because our family was once very large. I even have the Furrari that our little white cat rode to Best Friends in. That's the only carrier I have that's individual, because he's the only one who's ever been in it. All of the others are small, mid-size or large and used for whomever needs one at the time.
Baby Su and Elvis STILL aren't eating like they should. I stirred up their breakfast for lunch. It's still there at 1340 hours. It's good food, food they normally like and eat.
Elvis is on my lap, with his paws reachable.

I might throw out her carrier. She was soiling it to and from the vet's that last week because of that damned infection. It was dilute so it didn't smell strongly or much of anything at all. But, from any new cat's perspective, that's someone else's pee. That carrier wasn't so expensive that I couldn't buy another one before the next adoption. I think the shelters prefer hard carrier donations because they can wash away the other cats. I don't think they would bother with this carrier if I donated it.

It must be nice to have some furry support even if you're now grief counselor for your cats. Give them a little squeeze for me.

 

[tarasgirl06]

I might throw out her carrier. She was soiling it to and from the vet's that last week because of that damned infection. It was dilute so it didn't smell strongly or much of anything at all. But, from any new cat's perspective, that's someone else's pee. That carrier wasn't so expensive that I couldn't buy another one before the next adoption. I think the shelters prefer hard carrier donations because they can wash away the other cats. I don't think they would bother with this carrier if I donated it.

It must be nice to have some furry support even if you're now grief counselor for your cats. Give them a little squeeze for me.

TYSM. Will do. Yeah, I have talks with them, I show them how I'm eating even when I have no appetite, and...nothing much. They're eating, just not normally.
Yeah, a soft carrier can be hard to sanitize. I won one in a contest but have never used it. I keep things like that, and the cardboard carriers from the vet, "just in case" someone might need one. We're really fortunate that cat lovers around here seem to keep their cats indoors-only. Since we've lived here, I've seen few cats outdoors than I can count on one hand. You're right -- their sense of smell is SO much more acute than ours - 14 times better, according to some experts. I wouldn't want to be cooped up in a carrier and have to breathe that in, either. All the same, some good sprays of Nature's Miracle, or a good dunking in soap and water followed by a sun drying, might make it okay for emergencies. I almost went ballistic in the Mojave when this good ol' boy brought his cat in in a PILLOWCASE and said his cat had pooped in it. I really had to control myself.

 

[daftcat75]

Even though it's her second or third iteration of that carrier as she used to poop in them at the vet, I think carriers are awfully personal (if you're not in a multi-cat household.) I have a cardboard box carrier from the vet in the trunk in case she soiled her carrier at the vet's. I use that as my emergency box so she doesn't have to ride home in a poop carrier. It takes up little space in my car's trunk. I can hang on to that. Worst case scenario, I can buy a carrier a pet supply store if there was an emergency carrier necessary situation going down.

I just dropped off a bunch of supplies with my cat friend beertender at the taproom. I don't want to be on the clock for when I am getting my next cat. So anything perishable but not expired, I threw into a large grocery bag and brought down to the taproom. He got quite a haul including some not yet expired Stella and Chewy's Freeze Dried, Krista's treats (the flakes and the lamb tripe), and loose catnip used to freshen up toys. But he's also getting Krista's KittyBiome. It doesn't expire until next May. But I don't want to be on the clock in case this crap gets easier and I find merits to not assuming the awesome responsibility of another feline life just yet. There were 29 of 30 pills still left and one test. This is one of the two beertenders who are cat lovers, who I used to trade rabbit meat for beer with. They are both taking care of me buying me beer whenever I show up since they heard the news.

 

[tarasgirl06]

Even though it's her second or third iteration of that carrier as she used to poop in them at the vet, I think carriers are awfully personal (if you're not in a multi-cat household.) I have a cardboard box carrier from the vet in the trunk in case she soiled her carrier at the vet's. I use that as my emergency box so she doesn't have to ride home in a poop carrier. It takes up little space in my car's trunk. I can hang on to that. Worst case scenario, I can buy a carrier a pet supply store if there was an emergency carrier necessary situation going down.

I just dropped off a bunch of supplies with my cat friend beertender at the taproom. I don't want to be on the clock for when I am getting my next cat. So anything perishable but not expired, I threw into a large grocery bag and brought down to the taproom. He got quite a haul including some not yet expired Stella and Chewy's Freeze Dried, Krista's treats (the flakes and the lamb tripe), and loose catnip used to freshen up toys. But he's also getting Krista's KittyBiome. It doesn't expire until next May. But I don't want to be on the clock in case this crap gets easier and I find merits to not assuming the awesome responsibility of another feline life just yet. There were 29 of 30 pills still left and one test. This is one of the two beertenders who are cat lovers, who I used to trade rabbit meat for beer with. They are both taking care of me buying me beer whenever I show up since they heard the news.

Like I said, you're a mensch and may all of these items give good health, happiness and benefit to cats in need. All this is so personal. You've gotta do what feels best to you.
Those cardboard carriers can be flattened, too.
How's the air up there these days? Some containment on some of the fires down in this area, but they're saying full containment on the Lake Fire -- the biggest one in the area -- isn't expected until at least Sept. 2. So the windowsand doors remain closed. Elvis likes to patrol the house at night and he's undoubtedly feeling stir crazy as well as grief.

 

[daftcat75]

Like I said, you're a mensch and may all of these items give good health, happiness and benefit to cats in need. All this is so personal. You've gotta do what feels best to you.
Those cardboard carriers can be flattened, too.
How's the air up there these days? Some containment on some of the fires down in this area, but they're saying full containment on the Lake Fire -- the biggest one in the area -- isn't expected until at least Sept. 2. So the windowsand doors remain closed. Elvis likes to patrol the house at night and he's undoubtedly feeling stir crazy as well as grief.

I don’t know if you know the AQI (air quality index.). We’ve been in the 100-150 range since the fires started. Today was the first day below 100. It still smells a little like smoke. But I can actually be out in it. I wouldn’t run in this yet though. I’d like it come down to 0-50 range for that.

It was nice to step out to the taproom today. I did some work stuff. But mostly reading/researching for work. my head hasn’t been in the game and I’m sick of my walls. So it was good to get a brief respite. I’m hoping I’ll get to some real work done this week instead of just going through the motions. Maybe.

 

[tarasgirl06]

I don’t know if you know the AQI (air quality index.). We’ve been in the 100-150 range since the fires started. Today was the first day below 100. It still smells a little like smoke. But I can actually be out in it. I wouldn’t run in this yet though. I’d like it come down to 0-50 range for that.

It was nice to step out to the taproom today. I did some work stuff. But mostly reading/researching for work. my head hasn’t been in the game and I’m sick of my walls. So it was good to get a brief respite. I’m hoping I’ll get to some real work done this week instead of just going through the motions. Maybe.

Wow! We're actually a "moderate" 54 right now! I guess we both have something to celebrate in that way.
That's great that you got out for a bit. I know the feeling -- a lot of my work could probably be done in my sleep, especially since COVID, and I keep trying to give it my all, but yeah, this past week I've been zomboid.
Elvis is purring on my lap. I keep checking their food levels, which are not great. No matter what, I'm going to throw out what is left of brunch and hope dinner will meet with more enthusiasm. *Look, y'all, I don't want to eat, either, but I have to and besides, Tarifa would be polishing HER breakfast and dinner plates AND what's left of yours. So don't let her down.*
Hoping and praying for that! and maybe to be able to open some windows and doors later this week...

 

[daftcat75]

Just some goofy angle Krista selfies.

 

[tarasgirl06]

Just some goofy angle Krista selfies.
View attachment 348562View attachment 348563View attachment 348564View attachment 348565View attachment 348566View attachment 348567View attachment 348570

*Every aspect of the cat is adorable!*

 

[daftcat75]

I’m figuring out how to make these videos now. Expect more! I’m sure none will mind.

 

[tarasgirl06]

I’m figuring out how to make these videos now. Expect more! I’m sure none will mind.

Loud-meowing. With teeth! And deep rumblings! What a wonderful video. Keep 'em coming. *And no, we don't mind*

 

[daftcat75]

Yesterday was two weeks. I'll likely never get around to a single tribute. Instead, you'll get stories, videos, and pictures if you continue to read this thread.

I shared this in her health thread but I'll share it again.

How did I come by Krista?

When Cabbie passed, my girlfriend at the time saw me miserable and moping within my empty walls. She told me, "Let's go to the shelter. You're no good without a cat. I'll pay the adoption fees as a belated birthday present." While the other cats looked resigned to their fate at the shelter, Krista was the only one who looked like she wanted to come home with me. We met eyes and she started circling, trilling, and dancing for me in her cage. "Choose me!" She was so beautiful but also so exotic looking. When the shelter worker brought her into the socialization room, Krista was trilling up a storm. "Trillin' like Dylan" is how I like to put it: I can't always make out what she's singing, but I like her sound. I had never heard a cat trill before Krista. I asked the shelter worker, "what is that sound she's making and is that a healthy cat sound?" Meanwhile, Krista was doing her best cat dog impression. She was circling my legs, brushing my legs, bunting my hands, climbing into my lap, licking my fingers. If cats are supposed to be skittish and standoffish, Krista didn't get the memo. "Alright. This one has clearly chosen me."

Krista was the only cat I looked at during that shelter visit. Krista was the name she had at the shelter. I liked it. We kept it.

There was no adjustment period. She was bonded to me from the start. And me to her. This video was probably recorded within the first few days of bringing her home. This is typical Krista. Always spoiling a photo or a video by wanting to come up and greet me.

https://thecatsite.com/media/little-lion-trilling.423447/

Best birthday present ever!

 

[tarasgirl06]

Yesterday was two weeks. I'll likely never get around to a single tribute. Instead, you'll get stories, videos, and pictures if you continue to read this thread.

I shared this in her health thread but I'll share it again.

How did I come by Krista?

When Cabbie passed, my girlfriend at the time saw me miserable and moping within my empty walls. She told me, "Let's go to the shelter. You're no good without a cat. I'll pay the adoption fees as a belated birthday present." While the other cats looked resigned to their fate at the shelter, Krista was the only one who looked like she wanted to come home with me. We met eyes and she started circling, trilling, and dancing for me in her cage. "Choose me!" She was so beautiful but also so exotic looking. When the shelter worker brought her into the socialization room, Krista was trilling up a storm. "Trillin' like Dylan" is how I like to put it: I can't always make out what she's singing, but I like her sound. I had never heard a cat trill before Krista. I asked the shelter worker, "what is that sound she's making and is that a healthy cat sound?" Meanwhile, Krista was doing her best cat dog impression. She was circling my legs, brushing my legs, bunting my hands, climbing into my lap, licking my fingers. If cats are supposed to be skittish and standoffish, Krista didn't get the memo. "Alright. This one has clearly chosen me." Krista was the only cat I looked at during that shelter visit. Krista was the name she had at the shelter. I liked it. We kept it.

There was no adjustment period. She was bonded to me from the start. And me to her. This video was probably recorded within the first few days of bringing her home. This is typical Krista. Always spoiling a photo or a video by wanting to come up and greet me.

https://thecatsite.com/media/little-lion-trilling.423447/

Best birthday present ever!

That's how it is when you KNOW. Krista knew. And fortunately, you knew she knew. And took her up on it. Such an adorable mew!

 

[daftcat75]

All this smoke in the air from the wildfires reminds me of our road trip to the dentist last year. It was the wildfire near Santa Rosa that evacuated the dentist’s schedule and we were seen in two weeks instead of two months. A truly lifesaving wildfire!

 

[Antonio65]

I might throw out her carrier. She was soiling it to and from the vet's that last week because of that damned infection. It was dilute so it didn't smell strongly or much of anything at all. But, from any new cat's perspective, that's someone else's pee. That carrier wasn't so expensive that I couldn't buy another one before the next adoption. I think the shelters prefer hard carrier donations because they can wash away the other cats. I don't think they would bother with this carrier if I donated it.

It must be nice to have some furry support even if you're now grief counselor for your cats. Give them a little squeeze for me.

I have never got rid of what was my cats'.
Each of my two cats' stuff has been carefully stored in boxes up the closet, two identical boxes.
So, each box contains one cat's dishes, toys, items. And because they were sick in their last months, those boxes also contain their meds (they will end up expired eventually, but who cares?).
Their litter boxes have been stored away, as have been their carriers.
In their little boxes with the ashes I put little ziplock bags with their whiskers (those I found in the house during my life with them), some tufts and in one case two nails as well.
These are their relics, they are sacred to me!

 

[daftcat75]

I have never got rid of what was my cats'.
Each of my two cats' stuff has been carefully stored in boxes up the closet, two identical boxes.
So, each box contains one cat's dishes, toys, items. And because they were sick in their last months, those boxes also contain their meds (they will end up expired eventually, but who cares?).
Their litter boxes have been stored away, as have been their carriers.
In their little boxes with the ashes I put little ziplock bags with their whiskers (those I found in the house during my life with them), some tufts and in one case two nails as well.
These are their relics, they are sacred to me!

Litterboxes, food dishes, and trees can all be reused. Her favorite tree was secondhand. The carrier has been soiled too many times to ask another cat whether I’m washing it properly. As for storing it, I live in an apartment. I don’t have the luxury of a lot of storage. And besides, I need to be reducing the cat pee in the apartment. Not hanging on to it. My fear with my next cat is that I won’t get all of Krista’s pee scent out from either the teeth episode or her recent infection. And the new cat will just go nuts trying to reclaim the apartment.

And although I have some happy memories about our pred routine, it was both this routine, and the pred itself that ultimately weakened her too much. So I’m not hanging on to her meds. They don’t hold enough good memories to outweigh the bad.