I found my sweetie Rayna passed away yesterday after church. I adopted Rayna (Tortie) and Rhett (Brown Tabby) about 5.5 years ago from one of San Diego's animal shelters.
About a year and a half ago we moved about 55 miles outside of town where I was able to find a house on about a 1/4 acre in the mountains. The house has hardwood floors with windows and sills all around. They took to it fairly quickly and seemed very happy. Unfortunately with the move, house hunting, work etc I hadn't brought either cat to the vet for a checkup in about 2.5 years, thinking they were still young and in good shape. I'm not sure exactly the cause of Rayna's death, but believe she had a heart attack, blood clot, or somehow choked to death. After looking into sudden death in cats I found out about 20% of felines have at least 1 of 3 types of heart disease. When I found her, the rigor mortise had already set in. I feel responsible for her early demise, something that probably could have been delayed, maybe even doubling her life span or more.
The weather has warmed up and I had been letting both out which they liked and I'm glad I did.. Rayna seemed so happy only a couple days ago laying in the sun and rolling around. They mostly spend time inside the house, especially in winter when its cold, neither wanted to go out then. Losing a pet is tough, what I will always remember is her unconditional love and how she liked to follow me around the house, even keeping me company while I was working from home.
I originally adopted two cats so they could keep each other company while I was gone, mostly at the office 5 days a week. Now because of COVID I'm working from home a lot. I am thinking about adopting another cat, but am unsure how Rhett will react to a new feline in the house. Both Rayna and him were adopted at the same time and got used to one another and myself during the same period.
I buried Rayna yesterday between two plum trees in the backyard. Rhett saw me carry her out and was crying last night by the laundry room door we exited from, then again about 3AM near where she used to sleep next to my keyboard.
I will be taking Rhett to the vet soon for a checkup.
Rest in peace sweet girl, we won't forget you and already miss you.
About a year and a half ago we moved about 55 miles outside of town where I was able to find a house on about a 1/4 acre in the mountains. The house has hardwood floors with windows and sills all around. They took to it fairly quickly and seemed very happy. Unfortunately with the move, house hunting, work etc I hadn't brought either cat to the vet for a checkup in about 2.5 years, thinking they were still young and in good shape. I'm not sure exactly the cause of Rayna's death, but believe she had a heart attack, blood clot, or somehow choked to death. After looking into sudden death in cats I found out about 20% of felines have at least 1 of 3 types of heart disease. When I found her, the rigor mortise had already set in. I feel responsible for her early demise, something that probably could have been delayed, maybe even doubling her life span or more.
The weather has warmed up and I had been letting both out which they liked and I'm glad I did.. Rayna seemed so happy only a couple days ago laying in the sun and rolling around. They mostly spend time inside the house, especially in winter when its cold, neither wanted to go out then. Losing a pet is tough, what I will always remember is her unconditional love and how she liked to follow me around the house, even keeping me company while I was working from home.
I originally adopted two cats so they could keep each other company while I was gone, mostly at the office 5 days a week. Now because of COVID I'm working from home a lot. I am thinking about adopting another cat, but am unsure how Rhett will react to a new feline in the house. Both Rayna and him were adopted at the same time and got used to one another and myself during the same period.
I buried Rayna yesterday between two plum trees in the backyard. Rhett saw me carry her out and was crying last night by the laundry room door we exited from, then again about 3AM near where she used to sleep next to my keyboard.
I will be taking Rhett to the vet soon for a checkup.
Rest in peace sweet girl, we won't forget you and already miss you.
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