Regular readers will know of Ashbutt, our farm kitten that we adopted back in 2016.
He would have celebrated his tenth birthday in the second half of this year . . . but sadly, that won't happen any more.
We have a couple staying with us, along with their two cats, which we've segregated in a room behind a closed door, because Ashbutt is very territorial and possessive. Last night, it got much worse than that. He was trying to open the door to the guest cats' room, yowling loudly, and behaving very aggressively when we tried to stop him. Finally, when one of our guests came out of the spare bedroom too close to him for his comfort, he must have been startled, because he attacked her, biting and clawing, drawing blood. When I ran over and tried to shoo him away from her and the closed door, he tried to attack me! He's never behaved that way to us before, but once was more than enough. (Last weekend we had a family staying with us, including an eighteen-month-old infant. We segregated our cats to avoid issues with small children, but even so, what if Ashbutt had got out? The thought of what a big, aggressive cat could do to a toddler is just too scary for words . . . )
With my wife's help, Ashbutt was shut in the garage for the night. She and I talked about it, but it was obvious what had to be done. We simply can't risk the injuries he might inflict on our next guest, or even on us, if this sudden violent, aggressive streak continues. With great sorrow, I took him to the vet this morning and arranged for euthanasia. His body will be sent for rabies testing (which is apparently a legal requirement in cases like this), and his ashes will then be returned to us.
I absolutely hated having to say goodbye to Ashbutt. He's always been a "daddy's boy", as opposed to our older cat, Kili, who's definitely my wife's cat. He would jump on my lap at every opportunity and snuggle for a while. That won't happen any more, and I know I'll miss him very much . . . but . . . there's the "but" for you. When an animal turns aggressive towards you, you absolutely cannot take the risk that he'll do the same towards others. The injury aspect is only part of the problem: there are legal exposures involved when it comes to damages, reimbursement, etc. Tolerating that sort of behavior could cost a whole lot of money down the road. (Our current guests have been very gracious in assuring us they understand, so that won't be a problem in this case; but that doesn't prevent possible future recurrences.)
Goodbye, Ashbutt. We'll miss you very much.
Peter
14 comments:
Farewell, Ashbutt. I hope you have all the lizards to chase across the rainbow bridge.
My deepest condolences. It is always hard to have to euthanize them when they are old and miserable but to have to do it for this kind of situation is just heart breaking. We do kind of forget that, for all that we live with cats, they are far less domesticated than other animals we live with, and can slip back into their more natural state. And cat bites, even without threat of rabies, are bad news and best treated medically except in the most minor of nips where the skin wasn't broken.
You did him wrong, bringing in other cats to create aggression and territoriality in him (and never letting him meet the other cats, making it even worse) and then expecting him to behave as normal, and then killing him for it.
You should never get another pet. You don't deserve one.
Sorry to read this, but having had a cat that went psycho, I thoroughly understand where you are coming from.
As a kid, we took in a neighboring farmer's dog. He was moving into a retirement home that didn't allow pets. After some time went by the dog started roaming and turning feral, so we had to put him down. It's a sad time, so more prayers for you.
I'm sorry for your loss, but you made the correct decision.
I am so sorry. What a heartbreak.
I'm sorry for your loss, Peter. You did the right thing, even though it hurts.
Well,bringing in other cats and strangers seems to have been the problem in my opinion.
Sorry this happened and wish I was around,would have given Ash a home without competition.
I like having other critters around as feel they keep each other company but would also if needed run solo.
RIP Ash,look up Warchild,he will give ya a tour in the next chapter and then if you wish leave you alone.
Hard circumstance. Hard decision. I hope it won't stop you from giving another cat a home one day.
Condolences and God's blessings to you all.
I agree completely. It can take months for a cat to accept another cat. I am sorry for Ashbutt.
Sorry for your loss and farewell to Ashbutt. You've done the only responsible thing you could do.
I wanted to ad while a tough situation/decision that hope others never have to make will say any folks who I even thought might sue me due to a cat scratch/bite are only not ever welcome in me home but folks I would go out of way to avoid.
Any who would possibly hurt me four footed friends/family would be at best fertilizers for a tree.
With that said,many of me friends(bless them)feel I am insane at times.....,am good with that and feel they are as they know I would show them the same loyalty.
Damn,this is just freaking depressing and wish the best to all involved,especially Ash.
You don't know the years of background that led up to this, nor are you familiar with Ashbutt or his behavior patterns. There are many details I haven't included here, for lack of space and time. I suggest that unless and until you know them, it might be better to withhold judgment.
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