RIP: Nick – 2016-2017
This morning the risk with outside cats became a reality for our household. As near as I can pinpoint it, an hour and a half ago, Nick was running across the street toward the house and got hit by a car. He was killed instantly.
At 9:40 this morning, Mr. L called to tell me he thought we lost Nick last night because there was a cat in the street in front of the house. Sure enough. It was Nick. Thankfully, he hadn’t been run over again yet, so I was able to gently load him into a plastic bag and carry him back to the house. He’s buried by the fence in front of the side yard pecan tree. This is one of the final photos the game camera captured of Nick and Daisy at about 8:45 this morning.
Zelda and Daisy both watched respectfully while I took care of Nick’s burial. I’m going to miss his inquisitiveness. I believe he would have become quite a snuggle cat. He wanted to be petted but didn’t quite know how to let himself enjoy it. Now he won’t get that chance. Here he was last night on the porch.
In September 2016, when he first saw us looking out the side door window at him. He ran but came back to see:
Also in September when he first braved eating Fancy Feast when I was nearby.
Nick was always watching out for Zelda and Daisy. The devotion of the three of them to each other was a joy to observe. We’re going to miss this sweetheart of a cat.
So sorry!
I love the way you love your cats. RIP Nick. Thank you for sharing the photos. He was beautiful.
I am so sorry ….I love this tribute to this beautiful fur baby. May he rest in peace and meet you someday at the rainbow bridge
I’m terribly sorry for your loss. I know how much you love your cats. Hugs.
Thank you. It’s the terrible risk of having outside cats, and why I don’t recommend it for pets, but so far, Nick, Zelda, and Daisy don’t fall into the pet category. I was hoping Nick would decide he wanted to be a pet, but he’ll never get that chance now. Getting hit by a car is only one risk. There are so many others for an outdoor kitty. I do what I can for this clan, but the rest is up to nature.
I’m so thankful we were able to bring Sneaky into the house — the one cat who wanted to be with us deserved the chance to be safe and indoors, and she has that. She has comforted me several times today. Even Rossie willingly placed herself at arm’s length and asked to be petted (she’ll only concede so much). I think she knew it would be a comfort for us.
I went outside a couple of times today and sat on the steps. Each time, Zelda and Daisy chose to sit near me (not close enough for me to touch them, of course). They watched me carry Nick in from the street this morning, cradling him in my arms (in the platic bag). Both of them came within ten feet of where I was digging his grave. They watched while I laid him to rest and carefully covered him. His mission on earth is complete.
Poor Nick. Jean I’m so sorry. Hopefully Daisy and Zelda continue to make progress. 🙁
Thanks, Dawn. I still miss the little guy. Daisy has moved into the house. She’s been at boarding with the rest of the herd for the last month. I’m looking forward to bringing them all home tomorrow. I hope it doesn’t take them long to forgive us. Zelda was here at the house when we got home, and she responds to our voices and will come back to within about ten feet of us when we call her.