Today, we say good-bye to our cat Pirtuk.Oh, no. Don't worry. He's fine. Healthy as a horse. Fat and sassy.
And still pooping and peeing on the basement carpet despite three litter boxes and a prescription of kitty Prozac. And we can no longer deal with it because the behavior has escalated to the point that our basement, no matter how much it is cleaned, stinks. And we don't want the main floor to become a minefield where our children can't play.
And so today, I'm driving Pirtuk 25 miles to Hiram, Georgia, to a local purebred cat rescue organization. And I'm dropping him off so that hopefully, he can find a better home, a home without toddlers who are constantly terrorizing him. And I'm most likely, at this moment, crying and making a blubbering idiot of myself over a cat.
We still have Andy, sweet steadfast Andy who is a senior citizen but has stuck by us for 11 years with no fuss. But I know the kids will ask about "Tucker" - where is he, what happened, why did you take him away? And what do I say? Well, Pirtuk was pooping and peeing on the floor, so we gave him away to another family. And this is a warning! If you starting pooping and peeing on the floor, I'm dropping you and a bag of food off at DFACS! I just don't know how to explain it to them without sounding like a failure. A horrible failure.
I'm just crushed. Pardon me if I use up a box of Kleenex because I truly feel like the worst cat-mom in the world.
15 comments:
Oh honey, I'm so sorry. You know this is not your fault. Some cats just NEVER adjust to sharing a home with kiddoes. It sounds like he is one of them. I'm sorry.
((((HUGS))))
The last year of our dear "Gracie Baby's" life, she started making "Deposits" on the kitchen floor, right smack in front of the kitchen sink. It was inevitable that either my son-in-law or I would end up stepping in the puddles she would leave there and we'd end up with a very wet foot. I don't know if Gracie's problems came from a physical issue or perhaps she was getting a bit senile. She was, after all, 16 years old then. But a year ago this April it got so bad, plus it was evident she was getting weak and was ill, that Mandy took her to the vet and had to have her put down. One of the saddest days of my daughter's and my life then to have to say good bye to this beautiful cat who had always given so much love and comfort to us. I can relate totally to how you felt having to take your cat and give it up.
Heather,
Hang in there! There comes a point when it's best for your family and the cat to part ways. It sounds as if you've reached that point. Who knows? Maybe when he's in a home with no toddlers he can come off the Prozac.
Thinking of you and yours.
Oh, Heather. Unfortunately, I have been in your shoes, except that I had to give away 2 naughty little kitties that I brought into my relationship with my husband. They were destroying EVERYTHING. They peed and pooped ON MY BED. When I had Sarah, the fun and games had to stop.
I'm so sorry. I still get misty eyed when I think of them. I still carry the guilt. But that doesn't mean it wasn't the right thing for them or for us. Sometimes doing the right thing sucks.
Heather,
I was watching Paula Dean the other day and her little dog died but she didnt say that. She said that a talent scout saw her and wanted her to come live out her years entertaining people. Maybe you can tell them that Tucker went away because there was another family with no cat that needed him/her.That is tough. I had one go crazy and gave him to the humane society who found her a home. Now she lives like a fat cat and that is how it should be.
That just sucks. I take in strays and find them homes far too often, and I would just tell the kids, "We're taking them to a place that will find them a good home where they won't pee and poop on the carpet." - I mean, I give my daughter the truth with a positive spin. Kids can handle the truth if it's dealt with someone in control.
Hope you get through the day okay.
xo
Sorry to hear it, but he will probably hit the jackpot and find a little old lady to sit on all day. Isn't that every cat's fantasy?
Seriously, you know it is what is best for him, no matter how it feels. It does suck to do the right thing.
It's tough, but you're doing the right thing for you guys. And you're finding her a new home. That counts for a lot.
I think you've made a good decision. It's better than resenting the pet. Just tell your kids that Tucker turned invisible, and he's still around, but they can't see him.
Years ago I had a dachshund that was like my child. He suddenly began to resent the kids that I watch and started nipping. We sent him to obedience school but it never worked. I had to send him away and it was very hard. But I know it was the right decision.
I'm sorry for your heartache.
Huge HUGS to you Heather! You're not a horrible cat mom, I swear! These things happen. I had to do it myself just last year, because one of our cats whom we'd had since he was 6 weeks (then 1 1/2) was soooooo demanding that whenever we couldn't play with him (he wanted playtime ALL DAY) he would act out by pooping and peeing all over the house and biting us. Nothing we tried could correct the problem (not even kitty Prozak). So we found him a home with a college girl who had alot more time to devote to him and last I heard he was doing much better. It tore my heart in two, but in all honesty it was the best thing for HIM as well as for us.
Just tell your kids that Pirtuk wasn't really happy in your home, that he needed to be somewhere quieter with less playtime. He'll now be able to just sit at the window and watch the birdies and squirrels and relax and he'll be much happier.
Much hugs to all of you!
Honey, I had to do this with one of my cats once. And you know? When he got into his new home, he never did it again. But before we rehomed him, he made our place into a real stink-pit. So many boxes of keepsakes were RUINED, which was the worst part of all. The carpet got replaced and the enzymatic cleaner got the smell out of everywhere else, but my long-held papers and stuffed animals were gone.
You did the right thing. He (and you) will be okay....D
Other Heather - I know. But I still can't help thinking that maybe I could have done something more. I don't know.
Jeni - It broke my heart to have my cat Pounce put to sleep six years ago. This has almost been as bad.
Tuli - I hope he does find a good home.
MommyCosm - Doing the right thing does suck. I hate being an adult.
Beverly - Yeah. I think I'm going to have to tell them that story. That would be good, that we're helping another family who was lonely.
Sybil Law - You're so right. The truth is best.
Beth - Wouldn't that be awesome? He would so dig some senior lap.
Patois - The farther away I get from dropping him off this morning, the better I feel about the whole thing.
Avitable - I could tell them he's living with Santa Claus. :)
MetalMom - Thanks, hon.
Giggle Pixie - Honestly? I think that's why he's unhappy. That I can't give him the attention I used to give him. And I feel so guilty about that. And I think that's why I'm so sad.
RiverPoet - Oh, I can't wait to replace the carpet downstairs. I can smell the stench as I type. Drives me nuts. I just hope he's happy wherever he goes. Thanks, hon. :)
Ah damn, Heather. I am sorry I missed this post. You are doing what is best for the cat and your family. Love you and try not to beat yourself up over this too much. This was not a decision you made lightly.
NATUI - Thankfully, since I posted this, I've found out that he's found a good home. I spoke to the woman who is his new mom and she seems like a really nice lady. I think he's made out like a bandit!
Post a Comment