My cat, Pirozjki, will be leaving us next week Monday. A new year… a new home for her. It is a sad fact for us, but it is unavoidable.
More than half a year ago, we started to notice that her behaviour changed. She is afraid of the other cats, especially of the two ex-males. She rarely plays with the others. She often hides under the unfinished kitchen cabinet, beside the mobile pedestal/trolley in Nor’s office, and the latest favorite place of hers is on or beside the TV (a place where the other cats seldom bother her). She doesn’t seem to understand the word ‘play’ in cat language. When Bac or Joey approaches her, they usually want to play. But she seems to translate that into ‘intimidation’. She growls, gets irritated, runs away, and hides. When Bac gives her a cat hug (Bac’s way of showing play mood, usually to Joey but also to others), Pirozjki’s reply is a growl of ‘go away, you brute!’, ‘you’re suffocating me!’ (Bac is heavier and larger), ‘help! I am being strangled’. But she usually doesn’t hiss and doesn’t give Bac (or other cats who is being a pest) a slap or two in his face, just to show his place. I noticed that Red and Salami do this to him or Joey when they are being annoying. However, Pirozjki is apperently not that assertive. Her rank went down to the bottom of the list in our household about 6 months ago, or so we think. We kept hoping that she would somehow ‘fight’ back, but it is just not happening.
So after waiting for months and seeing that the cat is not getting anymore comfortable, we made a tough final decision last week. We would look for a new home for Pirozjki where she will be the only cat. No more cat hugs or attempts to strangle.
We placed an ad online the day after Christmas. Yesterday a young lady called and wanted to take a look. She came with her mom and liked Pirozjki right at once. We like her too and we think she will give our cat a good home. We will take Pirozjki and all her favorite things monday evening next week to her new home and will take a look at her new environment.
NOTE: This drawing is also an entry for Everyday Matters Challenge #44. Coloured pencils on Moleskine. Please click on image for larger view.
Evy, such a sad decision. So sorry you have to give your pet a new home. Hope everything works out. So nice to see your new work!
Beautiful drawing … and sad decision at the same time … this lovely rendering will be a nice remembrance …
Beautiful rendering and hope that Pirozjki adapts to the new environment.
Detlef
http://www.detlefjumpertz.com
Evy, you should be congratulated for your courage to do what is best for your cat. It will be difficult for you to let her go, but take comfort in knowing that she will be happier. This is a beautiful drawing of her too. A wonderful keepsake.
Oh Evy! I’m so sorry that you’ve found yourself in the position of having to give away one of your dears. Some cats just need to be the only, though (I have one of those myself), and she will surely be much happier. You are a kind hearted and, as Terri says, courageous person to put Pirozjki’s best interests first. This is a sweet drawing of her, and will always remind you that you did the best thing!
Hello.
I know I left a comment here yesterday but it hasn’t come up….
I truly love your drawing of your beautiful cat. His face is so sensitive and reflects your emotions. Your story is too sad, but I feel you have done the right thing. He will be happier as King Cat in another home. You will have a beautiful mementoe of a beautiful animal.
MD
Beautiful drawing. I have 3 cats and know how hard this must have been for you. But what matters is that she will be so much happier I’m sure.
And I linked to your blog on mine. Love your journal pages.
Evy, I can only echo what Linda has said so well. I admire your courage and applaud what you are doing for this beautiful creature, so beautifully drawn.
Sorry to hear this Evy, but you are doing the right thing for her. Lovely angle, her eyes are so appealing.
After I saw the drawing and read the story of Prozjki I dreamt about her last night. In my dream we were taking her to our home. I wish that was possible because she looks so pretty. I hope she finds a warm place where she can be happier.
A very good draw. Happy 2006.
Thank you very much everyone for your kind comments. I really appreciate them.
It’s the hardest, wisest decision a care-giver can make, to think first of the welfare of the cat. I totally understand how torn you feel. And this drawing is a wonderful tribute to her soulful eyes.
Evy, you have indeed captured the emotions shared by you and your cat. We have a cat story as well, but it is a long one for another day. I’m glad you found a good new home for her.
How sad, but how wise of you. What a lovely memento this drawing will be for you
You have made a beautiful lasting memory for your cat. Frame it and hang it and remember what a wonderful thing you did for her.
The picture of Pirozjki is beautiful,very soulfoul. I am so sorry that u have to say goodbye. I recently had to make a similar decision for one of my 5 cats. You r in my thoughts and prayers. Our art helps us thru painful times like this.
Nice picture, but… Pirozjki – in russian sounds as “patty”. Hehe.