Friday, June 21, 2013

Sirius Black


Alas, Sirius's x-ray on Wednesday revealed that his lungs are considerably more obstructed than they were on his previous x-ray some weeks ago, leading to the diagnosis of lung cancer. The vet said that it's very unusual for a cat to have primary lung cancer - which this seems to be - and even more unusual for it to strike a young cat. He's only just six.

It didn't come as a surprise to us, since he's losing weight quite rapidly, is breathing fast and is less active than he used to be. But we're very very sad. Of course, one has to be realistic. He's a cat, not a child (which would be much worse). We always knew that pets don't live as long as humans. But he's such a good-natured cat. He never objects to being picked up and cuddled; he gets slightly bullied by his smaller sister and never retaliates; he's just a kindly furry presence around the house.

He's on a double dose of steroids to relieve his symptoms but we know this is just prolonging things a bit. Meanwhile he lies in the sunshine in the garden all day; and sits on the sofa with his head on a lap, purring loudly, in the evenings. We stroke his lovely dense glossy fur. And any time he seems hungry, we give him Dreamies, his favourite treat. And prawns.

We're going through a lot of paper hankies.

26 comments:

  1. Dear Isabelle, what sad news. I am so sorry. He seems such a lovely cat - and as a cat lover, although for years having been without one, I know how attached you can be to cats. Give him sone pats and strokes from me.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh i'm so sorry to hear this news. Pets are absolutely members of the family and it's heartbreaking when they're ill.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so sad, yes it's not a child, but he's a piece of your heart. Hope his passing will not be too painful for him or your family.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Strokes from me too, and lots of sunshine for him.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Poor Sirius. This is such sad news. But he's with his people and in good hands.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very sad news, but a lucky cat to be in such a loving environment.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am truly sorry to hear this sad news. I'm sure he is somehow aware of your love for him, but having lost several pets myself I know that will do little to ease your grief. So sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  8. So sorry to hear this bad news about Sirius....my 14 year old cat has similar symptoms but can't put him through too much invasive testing...he is happy most of the time. You have given him a lovely life.

    ReplyDelete
  9. So sad for you. There's nothing more beautiful and alive than the warmth of the sun on glossy, purring black fur - and life is full of death. Hugs and strokes to all of you.

    ReplyDelete
  10. So sad Isabelle....enjoy the cuddles and continue the fussing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous7:39 pm

    That is sad news - I know you will keep him comfortable and content with whatever time is left. He will surely feel that love.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am so sorry for the trouble your kitty is having. Keeping you close as you care for him and enjoy all the days with him.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous9:04 pm

    So sad to hear this news. Having a bonded pair and one is serious trouble is heartbreaking. I am so happy to hear he gets all the treats and prawns he can muster. Hugs, pets and best wishes,
    Kitty

    ReplyDelete
  14. So sorry to hear the news about Sirius. He seems such a lovely furry friend! Cassie may push him around but you will have one very sad girl-cat on your hands when he goes. Give him some extra pats from me---and a high five from Casper....

    Have you watched "Diary of a Sad Cat" on u-tube?

    ReplyDelete
  15. that's just too sad for words ... i love both Sirius Blacks - Harry's and yours

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm so so sad to hear this, Sirius and Cassie have been my friends s ince you brought them home. Glad you are spoiling him.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh, sad. I know from experience that you will be watching his every move and his every breath. My little chap went in his sleep, in the sun, on his favourite patch of grass. They know when they are loved!

    ReplyDelete
  18. So sorry, Isabelle.....he's such a beautiful boy.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh Isabelle. I was hoping that maybe it was just allergies or asthma. It's just not fair. Wow. I remember when you brought Sirius and Cassie home. {Sniff}

    At least you must know what a wonderful life you've given him -- if ever there were two cats who were loved. Scruff and Paul both wish they lived in your house -- where they could go in and out freely and dine on prawns. Give him a dangle of a yarn ball for me ... ;-(

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh Isabelle, I am so sorry to read this post. Like so many others here, I have enjoyed reading about Sirius and Cassie ever since you posted the first photos of them. Six years old is not old for a cat - ours have all lived into their late teens, but it was just as sad to lose them at that age as it would have been to lose them when they were younger.
    Dammit my eyes are filling up....

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm very sorry to hear about Sirius. We do give our hearts to them and the hole they leave is a big one when they depart. I'm glad you have a chance to spoil him a bit longer.

    ReplyDelete
  22. The Lass7:52 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear this. Sending you big hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm so sorry. Just lost one of my granddogs to bone cancer that spread to his lungs. He also was only 6 years old. Family is very upset, grandkids lost a good friend.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous3:52 am

    Oh my. I am so sorry to read of this tragedy. When Sirius has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, please keep a special eye out for his sister, who will be grieving as well... When my own boon companion of nearly 18 years passed, his brother grieved for about six months before asking me in his feline way for a companion, which was provided in the form of an 8-week old kitten. Much grumpy grandpa antics later, he and the youngster formed a bond. Life always goes on, one beat of the heart after the other; one dancing leaf on the wind on a breezy day.... It just goes on and on.xxxooo

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh dear, Isabelle! I am just catching up on blogs and saw this post-I am so sorry to hear!! I send you caring hugs, and Sirius some ear scratches too!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh dear - I am only just catching up on blogs and saw that Sirius is unwell. He does look so much like my own Sirius Black. We are sending huge hugs and sympathy from Kent - it is so clear that he is a much loved friend and I know we'll definitely shed a tear for him.

    ReplyDelete