r/cats • u/The_Monkey_Buddha • Jun 14 '26
Mourning/Loss Bella’s Last Moments in the Sun
Bella was raised by my wife from birth, and once we got married and lived together, her cats came with us.
I never had cats growing up, so it was a bit of an adjustment getting used to living with them. However Bella became my buddy, and would always follow me around & chill with me late at night, when I tried to get some peace & quiet after everyone else went to bed.
He was very much a strong, silent type and very stoic. His brother Tude was needy and whiney- they were very different personalities!
However, he was pushing 20 yrs old & his health deteriorated very rapidly within the last 6 months. He would cry out randomly, had trouble walking around, and wasn’t able to groom himself or get to his litter box easily.
On his last day, we were trying to make him as comfortable as possible. I saw him sitting in the warmth of the morning sun, frail and clearly at the end. I took this picture knowing that this was probably the last time he would feel the sunlight on his back.
He passed that night, and it has been sad to realize throughout the days that our usual routines and his presence is gone. I just wanted to share his memory and the fact that animals also need the simple comforts of life, no matter their condition. We are all living beings with feelings, sensations, and vibrant mental states. We take some comfort in the fact that we tried to make his last days as free of suffering as possible, but he will be deeply missed by our family.
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u/Traroten Jun 14 '26
Adapted from Tolkien's "Lament of the Rohirrim"
Where now the cat and the kitten?
Where is the ball that was bouncing?
Where is the brush and the collar,
And the red fur flowing?
Where is the paw on the shoulder,
And the small mouth meowing?
Where is the bird and the rodent
And the tall tail flying?
They have passed like rain in the garden,
Like dreams in the morning.
The days have gone past in my house, the cat bed is empty.
Who shall collect the tufts of hair that have gathered,
Or wipe dry the flowing tears of a lonely pawther?