Cat Memorial: Basil from NE PA

by Tami
(NE PA )

Basil snuggling in a basket next to Daddy

Basil was the prettiest kitten you ever saw. Beautiful soft fluffy light gray fur with snow white tuxedo markings, the biggest greenest almond-shaped eyes. Simply adorable. That is how I want to always remember my best guy. Always the dignified gentleman, even then.

My husband brought Basil home as an 8 week old kitten from a co-worker as a surprise to me when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. I think now about how he was with me as I sat alone and cried over her illness and then death. He sat with me silently and provided comfort to me in my darkest hours when no one else was there for me.

I had Basil for 1 month shy of 16 years. He was always MY cat. He loved the ladies! We often joked if he was a person, he would wear a tuxedo and drink martinis, he was such a sophisticated fellow. Yet he was still playful with me when I changed the sheets, and he would chase the wrinkles in the sheets and chase his little white mice toys... even just 2 months ago.

Basil crossed the rainbow bridge today. He was at the vet clinic for a scheduled surgery to remove a mass on his hip/spine. Later tests revealed it was a sarcoma, possibly caused by his vaccinations. The Dr. ran a scan and called to tell me the surgery would not be performed, he had masses in his lungs. And so we made the decision to let him go, as he was in pain from the mass on his hip and could no longer enjoy life, and would die soon.

I feel badly I was not with him, but the vet said he was already sedated and peaceful from the x-rays, and I don't know if I could have done it had I been in there with him. I say that guiltily as he was always there for me. Basil will always be my special guy. His love for me made me feel important and special. I hope sometimes I made him feel the same way.

I try to remember he had a good life. He was treated with love and kindness and lots of food and pets. He has a brother, Brooksie, who he played throughout his youth with, a constant companion, even to his annoyance! He lived 99% of his years never being sick a day in his life.... until this last 3 weeks.

Tonight, I will go home and wash his food bowls and his blanket and try to imagine how to live without his constant presence and comfort.

I will never forget you or the exquisite softness of your fur, your loud purrs of contentment, and your answer back to me when I called your name. Tonight, for the first time, when I call your name to let you know I am going to sleep, you will not call back to me or run to me.

I love you Basil.

Your Mom