After boasting that I had no cat losses in 2018, Hazel got ill last weekend. She was hacking with what I thought was a hairball off and on for a few weeks but stopped eating. I took her to the local emergency veterinarian on Monday. She had advanced congestive heart failure and a large tumor in her abdomen. The prognosis for either one was not good and combined…really not good. She was ready to go.
Hazel was a planned cat. I decided to get a young companion for Mollie as Jake was older and not into playing. Hazel was one of those cats that was less likely to be adopted. She was part of a feral litter and wasn’t socialized as a kitten. She was somewhere between 6 and 9 months old and looked like a homely adult cat. She cowered in the back of the carrier at an adoption event and was a drab gray color. Nothing about her said “Adopt me please.” That meant I had to adopt her. Fortunately, she grew into her over sized ears and turned out to be a beautiful tabby.
She spent the first two weeks under a bed. I credit Mollie with coaxing her out. Mollie gave her a tour and showed her the ropes (which included how to get anything you want out of the humans).
She never was a lap cat but eventually she was content to sit next to me quietly. She fit in very well. Jake liked her (a miracle!) and she claimed the toys she liked best. When Morgan and Gracie joined the team, she welcomed them without a hiss.
She was the hardest to crate for the trip to the vet. She challenged me to come up with all sorts of tricks but the best was to get the first appointment in the morning and swoop her up when she came for food.
She loved to eat. We discussed diets all the time. She rolled her eyes. We tried different foods. She ate them all but some of them weren’t her favorites and she let me know. Although she was a large cat, she could fade into the wall and slink around to steal the other cats’ food without anyone noticing. She was very stealthy.
She hadn’t been here too long when she leaned on an upstairs window screen, pushing it out of the window and falling out the second story window. I heard the screen snap (I was in the room next to it) and the beloved husband, who was having coffee on the porch, saw the screen fly out followed by a cat.
She fell into a bush, extricated herself, walked to the door and went back up to the same window. What a cat! She had a soreness in her leg but nothing was broken.
Aside from weight issues and battling chronic diarrhea in the past year or two, she has been a healthy and trouble-free cat. She enjoyed watching Morgan catch mice (rather than catch them herself). Her idea of exercise was to use her paw (and not her whole body) to catch something. If it was out of paw range, exercise was over. (Yes, there are a lot of us like that!)
The picture in Sunday’s post was the last picture taken. She was loved. We all miss you Hazel! A lot!
Had a cat named Nermal years back, almost as smart as our Poodle, a close member of the family for over 12 years. You inspired memories, could be twins, I thank you, we are sorry for your loss.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! My cats would tell you they are smarter than poodles! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry about Hazel. It’s never easy to lose them. Thank you for all the stories about her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind words. She is missed.
LikeLike
I’m so so sorry, Kate. I felt I knew Hazel through your words and of love for her. I know she can’t be replaced but all that she gave you will always be there. Stay well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We all miss her even though she was a quiet cat. Sometimes it’s surprising how much a calm presence can add.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kate, I am so so very sorry. You’ve written such a beautiful tribute to beautiful Hazel here. It’s made me cry. She had a very special life and place in her household, thanks to your kindness in adopting her. There is something about an easy cat that is so appreciated by anyone with multiple cats. But who could have known? She could have been a terror. So thank you so much for giving her a wonderful life.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve been very lucky. Hazel was incredibly easy except for eating too much. Had I know she was so ill, I would have given her all her favorite things to eat. Morgan, also adopted because she was less desirable, is a perfect cat too. Gracie can be a handful but it’s her attention craving and not anything truly bad. None of this crew is aggressive or unfriendly to each other. No bites or scratches although Mollie will give Gracie a warning hiss if she smells her butt too long.
LikeLike
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear this! Sending lots of hugs and purrs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. We’ve been needing hugs and purrs.
LikeLike
I’m shocked and heartbroken for you, Kate! How quickly things change! What more can I say except I’m really so sorry. We all know a pet’s life is brief, but there isn’t a one of us who doesn’t mourn when they leave us. Bless you all! Give my hugs to her “siblings.” They must miss her, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. It was so sudden. I had no idea she was so ill. Her sibs are getting more smooches and hugs than they care for.
LikeLike
Kate, I am so sorry. I didn’t know until I read your next post and back tracked, This one didn’t come into my reader.
Thinking of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. It’s been an unsettling week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are the others missing her?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hard to tell. My cats are pretty independent. Morgan smelled all her favorite sleeping spots early on. The eating schedule is thrown completely off and they don’t seem to be eating much. We’re adjusting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can imagine. When I lost my first GSD, the collie didn’t eat or want to go out as they did everything together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is harder on dogs and bonded pairs.
LikeLike
She’d accepted him as her own, house trained him, and kept him in line. Shortly after she died, I got Kiz. He tried it on with her for dominance, but she was having none of it and sat on his head.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
She’d accepted him as her own, house trained him, and kept him in line. Shortly after she died, I got Kiz. He tried it on with her for dominance, but she was having none of it and sat on his head.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Kate I am so sorry for your loss!! She was a beautiful cat and I will miss her pictures and hearing about her. Thanks for sharing her with us and my thoughts are with you all!! ❤ How are Mollie and Gracie handling it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gracie seems oblivious. Morgan has changed her habits. She and Hazel both took the long morning nap after breakfast on the cat tree. Now Morgan is sleeping upstairs in Mollie’s bed (not sure how Mollie feels about that). Lots of adjustments going on.
LikeLike
Awh! Pets really do have their own ways of grieving. Our dog literally would cry like she was in pain aftet our one dog died. It was heartbreaking!
Hugs to all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know if I could handle that. Last night after we were all in bed, Morgan brought her “blankie” upstairs and whined a bit. She does this occasionally but mostly during the day. Maybe she was lonesome.
LikeLike
Could very well be!
It was very hard to handle for kind of hard to explain things to a pet. You can just cuddle them and give them as much love as possible!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep we are smothering them in smooches. Not sure they are happy about that either.
LikeLike
LOL! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been away from the blogging world for the holidays and just saw this subject heading pop up in my email.
I know what you mean about wishing you had known sooner (in your comment). I think we all feel that way when it comes to our pets. They can’t talk to us, so we don’t know what’s going on in their systems. By the time the symptoms show, it can be too late.
I know how difficult it is to make that decision and then have to miss their large presence in our lives. My heart breaks for you. I always get teary when a friend has to go through this kind of loss. Comforting hugs, Miss Kate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. You have so much going on in your life too. Sad times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s such a large emptiness when you lose a cat.
She was obviously waiting for yo as a kitten – knowing her perfect home would only be with you and those who were lucky enough find your home…some have GPS built in.
Selective eater, and one who exercised by paw – what a great gal.
We’ll miss you Hazel.
Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I was the lucky one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely memorial “essay” you write about Hazel here. I can feel her rubbing against my leg, meowing in a beautiful way. Of course, she’s still there around you and yours – just a shadow in the corners at times. Sending you a hug of love and sorrow.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks! I do keep checking for her in her favorite spots. She’s there but I can’t see her.
LikeLike
Oh Kate, I am so sorry for your loss! I know how hard it is to lose one of your babies! She had a wonderful life with a great human and the rest of her cat pack – though I know that doesn’t make it any easier for you. Hugs to you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks. I appreciate that. I remember your story with Rusty many years ago.
LikeLiked by 1 person
RIP indeed, Hazel.
We’ve just been through all that with Tess, a member of our Pooch Pack. All are aging. On the Kitty Klub side, they keep adding themselves. The latest black has now progressed from under house or bed to coming fairly close and getting on beds at night. No hands to come anywhere near, though! Unless under a blanket when they get pounced on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so sorry. RIP Tess. Sometimes we forget they are aging until one day you see it and wonder where the time went. Good luck with your newest!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, and one of these days the vacancy in the Pooch Pack will need filling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes and that’s a good thing!
LikeLike
Some posts you just can’t “like.” Sorry to read about Hazel. 😦
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know. Sad loss. I’m not sure how long she was ill but for me it was very sudden. I didn’t wake up that morning thinking I would lose her.
LikeLike
I’m so sorry to read your sad news. It’s hard when it’s time to say goodbye to a furry friend. My thoughts are with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. She was an easy friend and will be missed.
LikeLike
Aww, so sorry about Hazel. It’s so hard losing our furry friends. She was just adorable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. It wasn’t a great holiday for sure.
LikeLike
So sorry for your loss.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks.
LikeLike
Pets are our family and I am so sorry for your loss. She was so loved and lived a wonderful cat life thanks to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
In our house, they are definitely family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww, Hazel! So sorry to hear this. What a wonderful cat she was, and THANK YOU for being a woman after my own heart and adopting one of the underdogs (or cats). How lucky Hazel was to find you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She was a great cat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry for you all in your loss. R I P Hazel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry, Kate. Through your words, l felt as if I knew Hazel… I even gave her plenty of virtual ear scratches. She had a good life with you. RIP, Hazel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. She enjoyed her life as a blogging star.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry Kate. I know the other kitties will miss her as much as you do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are working on a new normal here. It’s doesn’t feel comfortable yet but we’re easing into it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh. I’m so sorry. From all of your stories, I identified with Hazel most.
I love that window story. She was Not going to let ANYONE think that was a mistake. Totally on purpose. Act Cool and no one will know. I love that in cats.
It’s so painful when they leave us. It’s so unfair that they can’t live longer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t lost a cat to illness at such a youngish age so it was a shock. She was a cool cat. She went wherever she wanted but very quietly so we didn’t know she was where she wasn’t supposed to be. She was a smart cat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My condolences. Sending you love and positive energy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. We could sure use it.
LikeLike
So sorry to hear about the loss of Hazel. Though I haven’t been following you long, it is easy to see how much you love and adore these kitties and the feeling is mutual. I’m sure it is not just you and your husband feeling the loss, but the other kitties as well. I remember Carol told me that after Harley June was gone – it made her sad to watch them looking lost and prowling around the house looking for her or gazing up at the cat tree as if they hoped to see her materialize. You’ll always remember this loss at the holidays going forward.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The holidays are the worst time for a loss of any sort. We had the decorations up but there was no happy. The first thing I did when I came home was to throw the poinsettia in the trash. Everything is down and boxed now and surprisingly that feels better. I don’t want twinkling lights when my heart is hurting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean Kate. I live alone and work from home and have no family – I lost both my birds, just before Christmas. I did not have them at the same time either, so sad timing. Both of them sang their hearts out to Christmas songs – I have not listened to Christmas music in two years -I just don’t want to be reminded of my loss. And when I lost Buddy two years ago, I decided no more pets – too much pain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need to have pets. It’s painful when they pass but give so much before. My life would be too lonely without them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what people tell me is that I need a pet again, but I am so reluctant – that is why I spoil the squirrels so much … I figure I can interact with them and spoil them and no ties (though I worry about them between the hawks and the coyotes, both which seem to be absent at the present time). I am soft-hearted and actually wanted to become a veterinarian, except my grades were not good in maths and sciences, so I had to abandon that dream. I’m not sure I’d have had the stomach for seeing animals in pain though, so maybe it is best that was not my chosen career.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It would have been hard for me to be in veterinary services in any capacity. I was in the waiting room when another client had their cat put down. I could hear her crying in the room and I was crying in the waiting room. I’m grateful for the time I had with Hazel and try to focus on that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree – I am empathetic myself. I could not have had that career. My vet’s office was super – a husband and wife team, and when I went in, both times with tears streaming down my face and trying to talk, the vet techs and receptionist started to cry as well. You have good memories with Hazel and memorialized the good times in your blog and will dwell on those moments to get through this sad time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It just takes time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it does.
LikeLike
I’m so sorry to hear about Hazel. I felt she was part of my extended family! My heart is heavy for you, and I’m sending you tons of hugs and lots of love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. We appreciate them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Kate, I’m so sorry to learn of this loss. May all the years of tender memories provide you with a measure of comfort. 💔
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I am so sorry about Hazel. A sad way to end 2018 but she was as lucky cat to have been rescued by you. She was a happy cat for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It wasn’t a great year. I hope she didn’t suffer much.
LikeLike
So sorry Kate. And on behalf of your cats, thank you for being the one that takes the ones that no-one else will take…jx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those cats that don’t show well at adoption events make great pets once settled in a home. She grew to be quite a character.
LikeLike
I know Hazel was a much-loved member of your family. My condolences to you and the BH, both.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. We appreciate that.
LikeLike
So sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful, sassy girl.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. She will be missed.
LikeLike
I am so very sorry to hear this, Kate.
Sending your big hugs and warm wishes across the miles.
Hazel worked her way into all of our hearts. She will be missed by many.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! She would appreciate that especially if you have treats.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous girl. Sounds like you turned her life round rather well! What is it about rescues and dieting 😉 She was however beautiful at any size. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Our vet says that feral cats that didn’t have enough to eat often overeat if they can to protect them for when food is not available. In all her years here, that never happened but she continued to eat anyway.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Giving you a cyber hug from across the pond. It is a difficult time of year to lose someone, animal or human.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is. There have been a lot of losses lately.
LikeLike
I’m almost certain Jake and Hazel are together at some pond, fishing. She was a funny. and as you say, sassy kitty. It’s always the downside of loving an animal who loves you no matter what.
RIP Hazel
LikeLiked by 1 person
Last thing I said to her was to say hi to Jake.
LikeLike
You just made me cry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well that’s going around these days here.
LikeLike
I know. Just so touching you thought to say that to her. Here I go again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She got along well with Jake. He wasn’t so fond of Morgan. She was too active for him. He was gone before Gracie came but he would not have liked her at all. She is one overactive bundle.
LikeLike
They were of a different generation Jake and his sister.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As he got older he didn’t like active cats, especially when they were trying to engage with him. Morgan learned fast not to pester him. Hazel was never a very active cat. She played when younger but not the craziness I see with the grays.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, his tolerance went down a quart. I so get it. As for Hazel, I remember when you had to put her on a diet. It reminded me of a Lucy episode when everyone at the table had steak, and she got celery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t see that episode. I had been easing off of the dietary restrictions for her lately. Had I know she was that ill, I would have given her anything she wanted.
LikeLike
Sending sincere regrets. I think a lot of us could relate to Hazel. Her battle with weight. Her refusal to compromise with what the world expects of us. I’ll miss your stories of her exploits. RIP, Hazel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She was her own person..umm…cat.
LikeLike
Oh Kate, I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s so difficult to lose them. I loved reading about her escapades (along with her siblings)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks.
LikeLike
Hi Kate, So sorry to hear about Hazel. She was obviously loved and I know she’ll live in your heart forever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She will for sure.
LikeLike
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl. XO
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Hazel liked your tooth fairy toys!
LikeLike
I’m so sorry, Kate. I’ve lost many kitties over the years and I know how hard it is. Hazel was a beautiful kitty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. They are all hard to lose. They leave an empty hole.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kate, I am so sorry for your loss of Hazel. She will be missed by all as well as her antics. She had a great life!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Sad loss. So sudden.
LikeLike
Oh so sorry to hear that. It is always hard to see them go. She will be missed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She certainly will. She was the one who rang the alarm for dinner.
LikeLike
I am so sorry, Kate. So many things you shared to love and smile about with Hazel. I loved that she loved to sprawl out on the dining room table.. you know, where she wasn’t allowed. Love the picture of the synchronized gazing with Morgan. You have so many great photos and memories. She will stay close to your heart. A very sweet tribute to your Sassy Cat. I am so happy she had a home with you to the very end. All kitties deserve that kind of love and respect… ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. When a cat walks in the door, they have a home for life. It’s the way it should be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I’m so sorry and so sad to hear about Hazel. She was lucky to have had a good life with you and the rest of the gang. Hopefully she is somewhere where the word “diet” will never be spoken again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so. She loved her food. And everyone else’s too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
OH NO!!! Not Hazel! Yes, I’m all welly too 😢
What a little sweetheart to give you no trouble right to the end. She had a very good life, thanks to you, and I believe she knew it … the proof was laying on the dining room table 🙂
We shall all miss her 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Because she was so easy, I let her get away with things and you know it is. Once you let one get away with something, the other three aren’t far behind. I rarely see any other cats on the table though. That was her throne.
LikeLike
I know how it is 🙂 I have only one – and he feels like a lot more than one!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The good thing about multiples is when you are annoyed at one, another is being adorable!
LikeLike
❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Kate, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Hazel looks (and sounds) a lot like my tabby girl Jazzy that I lost this past August. 2018 was a bad year for cats in my circle of friends this year. My best friend lost her tabby kitty (Millie had symptoms like you described for Hazel) just two weeks before Christmas and I know of 4 other cases of cat loss this past year. I have decided not to get another cat but I won’t say never…..I still do miss her presence. Enjoy your other kitties for as long as you have them Kate – in my experience there are no two alike.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are no two alike. I am lucky to have three other cats to give me comfort. My heart goes out to anyone who loses a pet and especially if they only have one.
LikeLike
This is me seeing the notification for this post in my inbox: “NO! NononononoNO! NOT HAZEL!”
This is me reading your post: “Sniffle, sniffle, of course you had to let her go. The right thing to do…sniffle, HAHAHAHA, out the window, so awesome…HAHAHAHA, diets, yeah, that’s me, too Hazel, sniffle…”
This is me typing my comments: “Waaaaah, damn it, I need more tissues.”
What a great cat, and what a great cat mom. So sorry for your loss.
Sniffle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds a lot like writing this. I have a lot of goofy pictures of her. She was slower than the younger ones so at least some of her pictures aren’t blurred.
LikeLike
She was my kind of cat. Still sniffling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never regretted adopting the homely older one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never once regretted adopting the one who hid under the bed, or the not-so-smart one, or the homely one with oversized ears, or the one who was too fat to chase the string.
But I’ll admit that I had second thoughts about a dog occasionally. Like when I was dragging rogue dog out of middle school science class by his front paws.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is a story there! That made me smile! Woofie?
LikeLike
Always. Always Woofie. Such a character. Such a goofball.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love him through your stories!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to hear your news Kate, but you know that you gave her a good life. Be happy in your memories of Hazel. She clearly had quite a unique personality.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. It takes a little bit of time to get perspective.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful tribute, Kate . . . it made me cry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too.
LikeLike
Oh gosh, I’m so sorry. RIP you beautiful, sweet cat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. The house is quiet.
LikeLike
Aw…I’m so sorry to hear this, Kate. She had such a great life, because of you. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
She was such an easy cat. Wish I would have known sooner.
LikeLiked by 2 people
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person