Violette

R.I.P.   Our dear, sweet Violette.   1993-2010

VIOLETTE CAT

This is our old lady cat, Violette.  For months now we have been having trouble with her refusing /forgetting to use the litter box.  (We now have four boxes.) We took her to the vet and after all the blood tests and exams, they determined that she was a healthy old cat, especially since she is 16 years old.  Five oriental rugs have been ruined, hardwood is smelly and I am getting ready to have wall to wall carpet torn out in a bedroom.   I now have a complete arsenal of cleaning supplies and anti-cat urine products.  I finally had reached my breaking point and made an appointment to have her put down this week.  The vet had told me that even though there is no physical reason for her habits, if she can no longer fit into our lives, then we could have her "put down."  I made the appointment, but my husband and I were so upset that morning, that I cancelled it.  I continue with the numerous puppy training pads all over the house, cleaning up constantly and now trying to limit her territory.  And no, nothing has changed in the house over the last four or more months to cause this.  I researched it online and have made my own diagnosis (with no help from the vet, thank you) that she is suffering from senility.  Yes, cats can have this when they are old.

We are trying to be patient with Violette and give her love and attention since, of course, she is not doing this on purpose.  I remember when Beau was a puppy and all the accidents he had.  The difference is that we knew he would learn to go outside.  Violette is just old.  Wish me luck.

THE STORY OF VIOLETTE

Today I thought I would share with you the story of my oldest cat, Violette. (I used to spell it Violet until I realized that the other three four-footed babies in my house have French names, so hence "Violette."

Once upon a time a very nice lady and her new husband lived in a condo just off the beach in a small town. There were many wild cats in this little beach town.

One day through the back fence appeared a little gray striped wild kitty. She was as wild as the squirrels who lived in the trees. The nice lady wanted to feed the kitty, but the kitty was so wild and shy she would not come close even though she was very hungry.

Each day the lady would put a can of tuna through the fence and the little kitty would eat her fill. Each day the lady moved the can closer to the back door. After many days the kitty would eat from the can while the lady sat beside her. After many more days the lady was allowed to touch the kitty and pet her.

But one day was different. On this day the lady picked up the shy, wild kitty and took her into the house. The kitty was so scared that she ran from room to room and cried to get out, but the lady would not let her out.

Finally, the kitty thought that this was not a bad place after all. The lady and the man were very nice and always fed her. She was no longer hungry. A big, old boy cat also lived there and he became her friend. He took care of her and showed her where she could sleep and even washed her ears for her.

The wild, shy cat was given the name "Shy Violet" by the nice lady. As the years passed, Violette was no longer wild and she was no longer shy. She loved her new home and she loved the nice lady and the nice man and she also loved the big, old boy cat who washed her ears.

They all lived happily ever after because that is how nice stories are supposed to end.