The Nest Is Empty #socs

Stream of Consciousness Saturday 1 Minute

I’m feeling a little emotional today: Molly, for the last couple of years our only cat, died yesterday. We noticed on Monday that she wasn’t eating and not gobbling up her treats like she usually did. Mary brought her to the vet on Monday, who found a mass in her abdomen. Mary wasn’t ready to say goodbye and I hadn’t had a chance to, so she brought the kitty home and we had several days of watching her fade slowly, until last night, when she joined the rest at The Bridge. If she hadn’t gone last night, we’d have brought her in and had her euthanized.

We decided that we’re going to wait a year before considering taking on the responsibility of another cat. As I’ve explained before, I’m handicapped and can’t help with a cat like I used to, and Mary is tired of lugging pet supplies around. But, we’ll see.

We got our first cat, Kismet, on New Year’s Eve 1977. Since then, we’ve had at least one cat (and usually more) until now. It’s sad, yes, but also a little weird…

Linda is the host of Stream of Consciousness Saturday. Now a word about Lucky Strike cigarettes. Light up a Lucky!

(Yes, they used to have doctors and nurses advertising cigarettes.)

Published by John Holton

Internet disc jockey, lover of old TV (especially the commercials), inveterate wise guy.

Published

47 thoughts on “The Nest Is Empty #socs”

  1. Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I missed this. I’m so sorry to hear about Molly. Our animals are such nice little distractions and a huge part of the family. It sounds like she was very well-cuddled in her final days. I’m glad you both had a chance to say goodbye. It must feel quite empty without her. If you’re ever up for fostering, I know the shelters are often looking for temporary care for adult cats as they wait for dental surgery etc. Might be a nice way to get a cat fix without committing to another 15-20 years.

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    1. We said we’d give it a year, and if we do it, we’ll adopt an older cat. But right now, neither of us is going through withdrawal. If we get to that point, we’ll talk about it. I’m following lots of cats on Instagram and Reddit, so I get my fix that way, and Mary’s doing the same. We counted: we’ve had 37 cats in those 45 years. I think we’ve done our part…

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  2. So sorry to read this John. Having lost 2 cats I know how hard it is – they are part of the family. It will feel strange not having her in the house.

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    1. It is, but we have lots of practice. The tough thing about this one is that we now no longer have a cat. Up until Friday night and for the last 45-plus years, we always had at least one (and often many more than one). It’s going to take some getting used to…

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  4. I’m reading this now and am sorry for not seeing this sooner. You pussy cat’s face reminds me of my Lucy who passed away on Easter Sunday last year. It’s hard because they are family and it gets lonely. They can’t be replaced but the emptiness can be filled with another that needs love. Too many animals are neglected etc.. and all they want is to ve loved. I’m so sorry for you and your wife. My heart goes out to you

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    1. Thanks… that’s the thing about pets: you take on the responsibility knowing that they’re going to get sick and die eventually, but the time you spend with them is great and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

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  8. Aww, John and Mary, I am sad about your loss. When our 19-year-old cat died in 2020, we were hesitant in getting another cat. The void was heartbreaking and we had a new cat in a week. As far as getting another cat, do what’s best for you and Mary.

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  11. I’m sorry John…they are part of the family. Some non pet owners don’t get how big they are in our lives. I can see why you both want to wait…

    When our dog Molly passed we said we would wait a year…that turned into 10 months and we gave in. Now we are looking for two prairie dogs to add to us all.

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  13. I’m so sorry for your loss of Molly. Thank you for giving her a loving home. We tried to be pet free for a while, but it didn’t last long.

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  14. I am so sorry for both you and Mary, John. I know this heartbreak too well. Cats are so unique in their personalities. Take your time to grieve. The right cat will find you when you are ready.

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  17. So sorry for the loss of your dear Molly. Our pets are family and we do grieve when they cross that bridge. I’ve always told mine when their time came that I’ll see them later. What a reunion that will be. Our last kitty left a couple of years ago. We won’t get another, even though we love them so much. At our age they would probably outlive us. It is strange to have the house empty of pets, though. I’m sure y’all will make a decision that is right for you both. 💔

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  19. Oh John. I am so sorry for your loss. It must seem very strange for you both, but good that she died at home in familiar surroundings. I had so wanted that for Maggie, for me to wake up one morning and she didn’t, but it wasn’t to be. RIP Molly. Be young and healthy over The Bridge with your furry friends.

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  26. John, I’m so sorry about Molly. It’s gotta be extra hard since she was your last, at least for a while. We’ve made a similar decision about dogs; once Max goes to the Bridge, we’re going to wait through at least one full winter before deciding whether to get another one. We know that any beyond him would have a higher likelihood of needing to be re-homed, maybe in their later years, which would be hard for them and us.

    From what I’ve read of your relationship, you and Mary will probably enjoy sharing some of your “cat attention time and energy” with each other.

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  27. I’m sorry, John, for your loss. I miss my kitties immensely — have rarely been without one or more all these decades (and neither of us wants to walk a dog again!), but I seriously can’t do any more goodbyes. The last one (my daughter’s cat, and the one before was my son’s) just did me in on it. Getting wimpy in my old(er) age. 🌹

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