On August 31st, I said goodbye to my sweet baby Cleo. It was her 13th birthday. She was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on October 30th 2023 and given only 2-3 weeks to live. She exceeded all expectations by not only living, but thriving for 10 more months! In the past few weeks her health started to decline and we knew our time together was running out. I knew I had to make a very hard decision.
Cleo died at home in my arms this past weekend. Her passing was calm and peaceful and she did not suffer. My husband and I are absolutely heartbroken by this loss. I’ve had Cleo since she was a tiny little baby. She was born at my aunt’s house when they took in a street cat who turned out to be pregnant. I’ve had her since she was about 10 weeks old and I’ve loved her so deeply, the loss feels significant.
After her terminal cancer diagnosis I was shocked and distraught. One of the first things I did was record her purring so that I’d always have it available to listen to. I really believe cat purrs are healing. This is the audio you’re listening to now.
I know many of you have gotten used to seeing Cleo in my videos over the years. I’m so thankful I have those to look back on. She died right in this yoga room, in my arms on the green and white blanket I always keep in the corner. It feels surreal to know that she’s gone. Grief is not easy.
I’ve spent most of the past year in anticipatory grief. I’ve been afraid to leave the house for too long and constantly worrying about whether or not she was in pain or if the end was near. I was terrified of her dying while I wasn’t home and really worried the end would be traumatic. There’s a part of me that is lighter now, knowing that it’s done and that it was peaceful and without pain. Of course the rest of me feels heavy with loss.
I loved her so much and miss her deeply.. Putting this little montage together was therapeutic for me and I thought I’d share it here since many of you had gotten used to seeing her periodically on my channel.
I believe she was ready to go and knew what was happening. I’m grateful to have had so much more time with her than the vet’s thought was possible and know we gave her the best life. I can’t believe she’s really gone.
Rest in peace sweet angel Cleo.
