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AKA “Good Kitty,” “Little Cat B”; 2000-2007

Henry was euthanized in the evening of December 5, 2007, at Cornell Veterinary Hospital. It was a very difficult decision for Katherine and me, but he had multiple kidney stones including one blocking his urethra, general kidney dysfunction, general gastrointestinal dysfunction resulting in protein loss into his gut, and a substantial node in his liver. With major surgery and energetic management of his various conditions, he might have lived many more months; or he might have been back with another kidney stone obstruction in a week. As all his vets noted, he had extreme distaste for people messing with him, so any management would be difficult. We chose to end his life without all that messing. It didn’t feel like a good option, but it did feel better than the alternative. Not much comfort there.

I do find some comfort in considering his life history. Henry was born in a feral colony in State forest land near Cortland, NY. Periodically, a group of volunteer vets rounds up these colonies, neuters the cats, vaccinates them, and releases them again, after clipping the tips off their ears so they know who not to treat next time. Sometimes, they find cats who clearly want to be with people, and they bring them back and try to find homes for them. Henry was one of these - and he loved people, with a forthright, loud-purring certainty that charmed most people he met.

One consequence of his wild origin was that he brought a tremendous infestation of worms with him when we took him in. We were able to get it cleared up, but he always had a delicate stomach, and it’s possible that the GI issues leading up to his demise were a result.

It seems clear that if it were not for the generous contribution of time by those volunteers, Henry would have stayed in the feral colony, and would probably have lived a short and rough life there. Instead, we were able to experience his wildness as well as his intense affection and what I can only call enthusiasm and joy. (I’m aware that this sounds anthropomorphizing, but I see it as an objective assessment.) So I’m grateful for their contribution, and for his wonderful presence in my life.

Anyone describing Henry’s personality would use words like ‘bold,’ ‘assertive,’ ‘playful,’ ‘social,’ and ‘energetic.’ So I also take some reassurance in claiming that a protracted decline into incontinence, chronic vomiting, and daily injections would not have been his style. He would have hated the discomfort, and I believe he and his family would all have resented the situation. That just doesn’t seem like Henry.

Of course I wouldn’t be supporting the decision so loudly if I didn’t feel bad about it.

Henry, I hope we did the right thing, whatever that was. And one thing I can say for sure is that I will always carry your clear, unique presence with me. You were a tough cat who got great happiness out of the life you had. I love you and I feel richer for knowing you.

Rest in peace.

If you knew him, feel free to add comments below or in the gallery of photos of Henry.