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Joepie 4 years ago (at 17) in the garden
I think she was 6 weeks old when I first ‘got’ her and we actually assumed that she was a little boy. It’s notoriously hard to see with little kittens if they are male or female, so we mistakenly named her Joepie, thinking she was a boy. But the first visit at the vet it turned out to be a little girl and not a little boy. As little as she was, she kept chasing after Lapje my older cat (2 years at the time) to Lapjes’ irritation. She was covered in fleas that little kitten, as she came from a – well, let’s say – less then clean family. I always like to think that I rescued her from a life of misery…. I mean; if you let your animals shit in the living room, there must be something seriously wrong with you, don’t you think?
She never was a cat to sit on your lap, but she would always sit very close instead. Either on the edge of the seat or – if you were cooking – right behind you on the floor. You learn to make sure that you do not step on the cat! When she was 6 months old, she got pregnant. Far too young for a little kitten to have a nest of little babies and also too young to be sterilized but out of the two the sterilisation was the better of the two, so that had to happen and is part of the reason why she always stayed fairly small for a cat.
See the black and white behind me? That's Joepie! 9 years ago
I am guessing that you must know by the title, that she is no longer here…
Last night we went upstairs and out of habit Tom always checks the spot where Joepie sleeps which is in the attick. She was there allright and at first we laughed because of the silly way she was lying, but then Tom noticed her making little noises and she had her eyes open. We knew then that it was trouble. It was late so we had to call the emergency service and had to go to a vet that was on call duty. I mean, we knew straight away, that it was the end of the line. It was clear from the way she was lying that she had a stroke or something along those lines, as she couldn’t get up and was basically almost paralyzed. And even though you know that after 21 years it is bound to happen sooner rather then later, the actual event still catches you by surprise.
We loved her dearly and will miss her enormously as well, but she had a good life, a great life and will always be remembered. For some reason she never really photographed very well, so not a lot of good photos of her, but here are a few of our little black and white monster.
I am sad too when my sweet cat Whiskie left due to old age few months ago. I remember my cat and dog always play and sleep and of course fight together. There are always laughter in the house when we saw these two sweeties together.
I am so sorry about your cat. I too have pets and I will never be prepared for that day. She had a good life at 17.
I am a fairly new reader to your blog, and I’m enjoying it very much. I am so sorry for your loss. I recently lost my 17 year old girl too. It’s wonderful that we get to have them in our lives for so long.
Oh Simone! I’m really sorry to hear about your cat…take care and I’ll be sure to say a little prayer for her.
It’s so sad to hear the lose of Joepie, as you said it, she has had a wonderful life, loved by your family. When I read things like these, me eyes start watering and remember my cat died last year after 16 years. Please be strong and think that Joepie is playing in heaven with other friendly cat.
I’m so sorry about Joepie! Losing a pet after that much time together is such a hard thing to do.
I’m so sorry to hear about your beautiful cat. I don’t think there is anything harder than an animal passing- you don’t always get the same treatment as if it were a human leaving…though sometimes it can be so much harder with a pet. I’ve had my dog since I was 6 and I know she is getting very old now, she recently became unconscious for several minutes due to a heart attack and I don’t think I have ever been so scared in my life. Wonderful tribute to your cat and one that all pet owners can understand.
I’m so sorry about your sweet cat. We lost our kitten unexpectedly in January and it broke my heart, so I know how you feel. They really are such a part of the family.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your cat. I’m in tears after reading this. It’s sad to think that we find an animal that fits into our home and hearts and at some point we have to say goodbye. I would say by looking at the pictures she lived a very good life. Her beautiful yellow eyes and adorable black nose will never be forgotten I’m sure. When the time is right you will bring home another kitten and give it a great life.
This post breaks my heart! She looked just like my kitty Salchicha and it sounds like they have similar personalities and stories. We saved her from a barn, she was covered in fleas and she is not a lap cat either, but is always very close to us and she’s also a black and white kitty. I know how hard this is for you, but I am sure she had a great life and that’s the way she needs to be remember. Farewell Joepie
My moms cat lived to 19, and in the end, we had to put him down. I know Joepie will be with you for a long time – Looks like a sweet cat =D.
I am so sorry for your loss. My kitty lived for 20 years – 21 is a long time!!! She’s a beautiful girl. What a wonderful life you gave her and she gave you in return. My thoughts are with you guys. <3
I’m so sorry, Simone. It’s so sad, losing a pet. At least she had a great life with you.
My deepest condolences on the loss of Joepie. No matter how much time we have with our fur kids, it will never feel like enough. Hugs to you during this time.
That’s so sad. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Hi Simone – so sorry to hear about Joepie’s passing away. She did live a long time and I am sure you gave her a really good life. Having had the experience of watching 3 of my dogs die – I can relate to how you are feeling now. It never gets easier but the pain does pass. Take care.
What a beautiful kitty! I’m so sorry. Hugs from me and kitty hugs from Moon.
Oh, oh oh. I don’t know what to say, I am so sorry for your loss. I can hardly breath and am holding back tears just reading your post, I know how much your cats mean to you and Tom. It’s great that you have such wonderful pictures to remember her by, all those amazing years.
My condolences to both you and Tom, that is very sad news indeed. You gave her a wonderful life though, and so im sure she was a very happy cat
Hugs to you
You gave her a great life indeed, I am sure she shared in many of the culinary delights form your table too!!!
I’m sorry for your loss, but at same time, I’m happy for the life she had and the joy she brought you.
Hoi Simone,
Heel triest van Joepie. Ik mail je nog wel.
Sterkte enne … had ik het in het Engels moeten doen…
I am so sorry about your cat. Losing a pet is always difficult but I am sure she had a great life as you say. Hope you feel better soon.
I am so sorry you lost one of your furry babies. They truly are four pawed family members and the loss is true.
My poor chubby kitty Saffron must be wondering why I just hugged her so tightly.
I am sorry to hear of your baeutiful cat!!
But she had a great life & she was truly loved,…
It is so hard losing a pet. But, wow! She lived a long life for a cat. She was obviously well taken care of and loved.