Lost My Feral Friend Leo Yesterday

[ Tell a friend | Save to your Corral | Make them Catster Feline Friends ]
[ See the full Gigunda page ]

[See the entire diary archive for Gigunda]

October 20th 2011 2:03 pm
[ Leave A Comment | 9 people already have ]

The photo at the bottom is of my feral pal Leo, who I knew when I lived outside. It was taken this fall, so it captures him in old age. In his prime, he was an amazing sight -- all blazing red coat and mane! You just don't see a lot of cats like that, let alone in an alley in Washington, DC.
In November of 2008, just after I moved indoors, our human companions took Leo to get neutered and vaccinated. Leo had always been quite a fighter, though he and I always got along. Unlike me, Leo clearly wasn't going to be happy living inside with people; after his neutering, he was returned to the alley where we'd all lived. That's called Trap/Neuter/Return, and it's done a lot here in Washington, DC. For almost 3 years, Leo has continued to live in our alley, and our human companions fed him every day. But by the end of this past summer, Leo's health began to fail visibly. He'd always kept his coat looking splendid. By August, however, Leo was scruffy and thin, and looked worse by the week. About a week ago, our human companions noticed he was unsteady on his feet. There was no sign of him on Monday or Tuesday, which is unheard of -- Leo loved to eat! Then yesterday he reappeared in the alley for breakfast. As he ate -- his appetite stayed strong -- they noticed a serious wound on his leg. Leo was so weak that they had no trouble getting him into the cat carrier, and they took him to the vet. Before then, it had been impossible to catch him without a trap! The medical news was the worst -- not only was his leg injury serious, but the vet could feel tumors in Leo's abdomen. The vet said Leo was in pain and there was no chance he'd recover from his injury. So our human companions made the hard choice to have him euthanized. They spent a some time with him in the vet's office to say goodbye, and let him go. I was very sad to hear that mighty Leo the Lion Cat is gone, but I know very bad things can happen to a dying cat alone outside. Reluctantly, I've concluded they made the right decision for Leo, and I hope they do as well by me if the time comes to face that decision. Rest in peace, friend.

Leave A Comment | 9 people already have

Purred by: Zeke (Catster Member)

October 20th 2011 at 4:47 pm

Oh no we are so sorry to hear this, another kitty going to the rainbow bridge, we know he was welcomed with open wings at the bridge as all of our angels were there to greet him...he is a handsome angel now, watching over you because you and your family were so loving and caring...

Zeke

Purred by: Tutti (Catster Member)

October 20th 2011 at 5:21 pm

We are so sorry for your loss of Leo. He will live on in your hearts furever. He was loved and taken care of by you, so he was not alone in his life. Godspeed on his journey to the bridge. We are sending purrs your way.

Purred by: Tigger ~ Dreamboat #33a (Catster Member)

October 20th 2011 at 6:16 pm

Thank you to your parents for taking care of Leo. His life was so much better because of it. I am sorry Leo crossed the Bridge.

Purrs,
Tigger

Purred by: Nikolai (Spay & Neuter) (Catster Member)

October 20th 2011 at 8:47 pm

Aw. Glad to know he was loved in his final days. Tumors developing so rapidly like that, I'm sure the vet was right and nothing could be done. R.I.P. kitty.

Purred by: WeBeesSiamese (Catster Member)

October 20th 2011 at 9:56 pm

RIP, Leo!
We have asked our 4 angel furblings to help with the Bridge welcoming.
Thanks to your furmily fur taking such good care of eo during his earthly life.
RIP, Leo!

Purred by: Norman (Catster Member)

October 21st 2011 at 9:50 am

So sorry to hear about Leo. He was lucky to have your pawrents looking after him as he lived his life the way he wanted to. I am sure he felt their love always.

Purred by: Kallie (Catster Member)

October 22nd 2011 at 3:02 pm

We're sorry to hear about Leo. He was lucky to have ur family with him at the end, and to have cared for him thru his life as he did. RIP Leo the Lion Cat

Purred by: Fluffy (Catster Member)

December 12th 2011 at 5:29 pm

We are so glad to be friends and read about your life and friend Leo. RIP..Leo.

Purred by: Gigunda (Catster Member)

December 12th 2011 at 10:36 pm

Can't tell you all how much we appreciate your comments about Leo the Lion Cat. Our human companion says she still expects to see Leo in our old alley every day. It's cold outside in many places, and we hope you remember the stray and feral cats in your community during the holiday season. Put out some food. Donate to a local rescue group. If you can, even foster or adopt another cat! Leo was unique, but lots of cats out there need our help. Thanks again for your kind words and support.