Condolences, Kevin.

One for Jasmine.

At least she lived to see the Democrats take back Congress.

SP is right - she survived long enough to see Nancy Pelosi become Speaker. Hopefully, she is enjoying Cat Heaven.

Cats are good friends. Sorry you lost a friend, Kevin.

I am so, so sorry. I have 3 myself and one who sleeps between us. May you have peace.

I'm sorry to hear it, Kevin. She was a nice looking cat- with a lot of character to hear you tell it.

My dearest cat, Nabie, died this past summer. My wife and I are still mourning.

Pets bring much joy and sorrow to our lives.

Very sorry for your loss. I know what that feels like.

Sorry to hear about Jasmine, Kevin. We get to love the little furballs, don't we?

Damn. I'm so sorry, Kevin. Two years ago on January 18th, I lost my best friend in the world when my dog died. She was 18. When i say I know how you are feeling, it isn't just words. My deepest sympathies.

Better it happened right in front of you so you know what happened.

I'm about to head toward a funeral myself. Life goes on. So far.

You're a better man than I am. It's been two years since our cuddliest cat died from cancer that Los Angeles's supposedly best vets hadn't detected, and I still can't face seeing a picture of her. Having followed Jasmine's antics since your CalPundit days, I feel like I've lost another cat. I know that no amount of condolences can make up for your loss, but I hope you'll realize from e-mails like this how many people loved Jasmine and are saddened by her death.

there are few friends better than pets..

i'm sorry for your loss...

Condolences.

Sorry for your loss, Kevin. When a pet of long companionship dies, it can be devastating.

How is Inkblot doing? Will you get another cat as a pal?

Very hard to lose a loved one. RIP.
I am sure this was a very well loved kitty.
Now on to kitty heaven

Peace.

Losing a beloved pet is devastating.

It hurts like hell. But it does get better with time. One day at a time.

I am thinking of you and Marian, and of Inkblot, too, and hoping the day comes quickly when the scales finally tip and you feel a little more happy than sad when you remember Jasmine.

really sorry. but i can tell from the pictures
she had a good home and knew how to have a good time. that means everything.

That's sad news. Lost my cat a couple of years ago and it was terrible. Months later I'd still feel her brush by my leg while I was sitting at my desk.

Well, the Dems are in and Jasmine's work is done. May she have eight more lives as good as the first.

It has to be an extreme rarity to actually *see* a cat have a heart attack.

Very sorry to hear about Jasmine, Kevin. My sympathy to you and yours.

12 years ago, our cat Sparky died of some internal injury. Probably she ate a string, which screwed up her digestive tract.

It was not pleasant to see this large, strong cat die.

I am very sorry to hear about your loss.

So sorry. We lost one that way, sadly while my son, the owner, was alone in the house with him. But it was a quick, painless way to go.

I'm so sorry. When they leave us, it really does break our hearts. She was lucky to have you and you were very lucky to have her.
Peace.

Wishing you condolences for your loss, -TTop

I'm blinking away tears. Get a new kitty fairly soon, not to replace Jasmine but because kitties are fun.

My condolences.

Paul

Condolences, Kevin. That sucks.

Sorry, Kevin.

What a beauty. Condolences.

We were a "cat family" growing up and endured the loss of some absolutely wonderful ones over the years.

We took in an old stray cat, and our resident cat (a young male) grew very fond of her. When she died, he was inconsolable -- for weeks, he wandered through the house looking and calling for her.

Finally we decided that if he was going to be so unhappy, let it be from annoyance as much as grief -- so we got him two kittens.

It absolutely worked. They were a constant distraction for him (and ultimately his good friends) plus their insane behavior(!) was a comfort to the rest of us.

I am very sad for your loss. We have had cats for years, but one of the worst aspects of pets is having to put them to sleep. You were spared that trauma. It sounds like Jasmine had a full, if short, life with excellent owners. Both she and you were fortunate to have found each other.

so sorry about your sweet kitty.

My condolences ... consol yourselves with the thought that she lived a *great* life, was beloved by all, and died quickly. But I am very sorry to hear it. I always loved the cat picures.

It's been years since I had to bury a pet, but I still remember the loss.

My condolences Kevin. And I hope Inkblot isn't too lonely.

Condolences. I hope the fact of all the people taking the time to write helps you at least feel you aren't alone in this. And I hope that helps.

awful sorry to hear it. we lost our Echo last winter, in a similar way. our consolation was that we didn't have to make the dreadful decision to put her to sleep, as we'd had to do with our beloved Comrade some years ago. oh man... weeping in my office.

After a lifetime of hating cats, I finally found a cat I like, in a kitten we adopted/rescued this past summer.

Normally, my position on medical treatment for pets is; spaying, yes. neutering, yes. Anything else? If it costs more than euthanasia, NO. (Knowing friends who have been socked with tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills for pets).

This cat is the first pet I've ever had that made me violate that rule, when he came home one day with what turned out to be a swollen, infected, dog (or coyote?) bite. We took him to get diagnosed and treated, ch-ching $100. Madness.

I would be unhappy to lose Stanley, he's a great cat. So, my condolences on the loss of your friend.

I'm more of a dog man, but I know that both cats and dogs can be man's best friends. My condolences.

As a fellow cat lover, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family and my deepest condolences.

I am so very sorry for your loss.

She had a good home. RIP, Jasmine.

I'm sorry, Kevin.

I think that all of us who have lost a beloved pet at some point are feeling your pain right now. Condolences to you and Marian and Inkblot.

Kevin,
While a dog owner today I had the wonderful opportunity to share my house with a huge orange tabby many years ago. A gentler cat soul I never knew and his death opened a huge, sad void. Now, what I remember is the huge orange tabby that chased and retrieved bottle caps like a dog chasing a ball. And I smile.
I am so sorry. Best wishes.

I'm so sorry for your loss. We lost our cat Natasha to cancer last spring -- got the bad news right around Christmas 2005.

On a Sunday night in March, she heard our other cat, Boris, eating in the other room, and went in there to shove his head aside and eat her share of the food. The next day, my husband came home from work and found her dead in her cat tower. We still have no idea HOW she managed to get up to the third tier of a six-foot cat tower in her condition. I guess we'll have to ask her when we see her on the other side.

Be prepared for Inkblot to be very clingy. We took her to the vet's to be cremated and Boris spent the next three hours searching the house trying to find her.

I have to stop now.

You have my condolences, Kevin. Our cat passed away in a very similar manner, sudden and unexpected, and it was a difficult thing to wrap our minds around. The grief we feel for our pets is one that is very real, as real as any loss of a being some intwined in our lives. It was nice to know that our friends understood our need to grieve.

Thanks for sharing Jasmine's life with the rest of us.

Oh, how sad and how hard for you! You'll miss that gentle soul.

& thank you for all the lovely portraits.

A loss for all of us.

Oh, no.

I'm sorry to hear that, Kevin. My condolences.

Jasmine was special to all of us who read your blog. Please give Ink Blot a big hug. This is really sad to hear.

I feel for you man. There's just nothing quite as painful as losing a beloved pet, and having lost a few over the decades, I know it hurts deeply, even years later. The therapy that's worked best for me: get a new kitten soon.

Kevin and Marian,

Condolences on your loss. I've so enjoyed the catblogging pictures of Jasmine and Ink Blot that you've put up over the last couple of years. I miss my two Siamese -- they sure do leave a big hole.

Take care!

We have an 8-year-old cranky male cat (Hep), a 6-year-old wiener dawg (Julie), and two six-month-old female kittens (Dido and Chloe). I've been following Jasmine's antics for years. We are so, so sorry for your loss, Kevin.

Jasmine was a beautiful kitty, and no doubt she's already trying to curl up on a pillow somewhere on the other side. Give Inkblot some extra lovins for a while.

WF

My condolences on the loss of Jasmine. I went through this last summer when my cat Cita died of cancer at 14. It's awful but at least I had some warning. I've very much enjoyed the pictures you've posted of her and I will miss seeing her on the blog.

So sorry. Try to think that you had her a long time, that you were good to her. I have found that thought personally consoling in my time and experience.

Of course there's a cat heaven, Kevin. And she's there, bossing the joint.
We inherited a cat when we bought our house. He has a similar trick, pushing me out of my pillows at night. We don't know his age, although the vet thinks 6 or 8. He's taught me -- a dog person through and through -- how much fun a cat can be.
Hugs to you, Marian and Inkblot.

Kevin, what a loss! I'm so sorry. It's good that you had her with you all those years, and were with her to the end.

I'm very sorry for your loss. I was one of those who urged you to post more cat pictures, and am sorry Jasmine won't be gracing the pages any longer.

If it's any consolation, at least she didn't suffer: a quick exit is how we'd all like to go.

So sorry about your cat. That sucks. My dog, Pretty Boy Floyd died, two years ago today after a year long battle against lymphoma and $10K worth of chemo. My son who was only 3 at the time is still trying to figure out a way to visit him in doggie heaven.

I'm so sorry to read this. My sympathies to you, Marian, and Inkblot.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have a cockatiel hen that will be 20 years old in April. Simone has lived four times longer than the average cockatiel, and she's showing her age. She can no longer stand for long periods of time but she still flies around the house, and eats like a horse.

I know I'll cry for three days shen she passes. Simone is standing on my shoulder as I write this, and I cannot imagine a time when she will no longer be there. My wife's bird died two years ago this month. She was devastated, and swore she'd never have another pet. She now has a beautiful black cocker spaniel.

Get another kitten. Jasmine would want you to.

Sorry about the sudden loss of your kitty. Our beloved 7 year old collie, Abby, died on Dec. 20th after the quick onset of autoimmune hymolytic aanemia. It was all very quick, 3 days, and expensive, as we tried to save her. But, mostly just a lot of grief and sadness over the holiday. But, slowly, it is getting better.

Blessings and Peace

My dog passed away quite suddenly on the 22nd. Brain tumor and massive internal bleeding. It's like losing a child. I am so sorry for your loss and so happy that you had 9 years with Jasmine.

I'm so sorry, Kevin and Marian. It was a picture of Jasmine that first led me over here when my then BF (who visited your blog for the Friday cat-blogging) forwarded along a link with pics of Jasmine and Inkblot.

Here's to fat lazy mice, catnip on demand, tuna, and all the adoration and pillow space a puss could possibly want.

I lost a beloved feline to old age a couple years ago, and it is so hard.

Take care.

Kevin,

Very sorry about your cat. We put our beloved 17 year old cat to sleep the day before Thanksgiving. For weeks it was hard to imagine the house without her presence. Still is.

Robert

Losing a beloved pet is so hard. But there is the one comfort that she died quickly instead of suffering through illness.

My best wishes, Kevin.

Very sorry for your loss. My 14 1/2 year old has some kind of stomach cancer, and I'm struggling with when to put him down. Though I might appreciate the clarity, I don't know what I would do if he keeled over in front of me. Get a kitten when you're ready, keep up the cat blogging and your other good work. Best wishes.

My condolensces to both of you. Losting a pet is of course very difficult. We lost our cat, Fritters, 2 summers ago to a coyote and it's very sad still when seeing pictures of him. Wait awhile then head to your local non-profit shelter and get yourself a new companion.

All the best to you, Kevin - I hope that Inkblot the Cat soldiers on well.

Oh, that is such sad news. I too enjoyed the kitty pix from the CalPundit days. She'll always be watching over you.

My sincere condolences, Kevin. We almost always outlive them and it never gets any easier to say goodbye.

:-(

So sorry for your loss Kevin.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

A lot of people will be telling you you should get a new cat. I humbly suggest that it's a good idea, though there's no hurry. Jasmine cannot possibly be replaced, but she can have a worthy successor.

Strange how attached we can become to animals. My hearfelt condolences.

A day doesn't go by that I don't shed a tear for my sweet little Tammy, a Burmese who I had to euthanize about 8 months ago. I can't get over it, probably never will.

Kevin, you have the best blog on the net, bar none, and I hope that makes you feel a little better for a short moment, because the hardest thing for a cat lover is to lose their best little friend.

My sympathies, Kevin. God knows we've gone through enough of them over the years.

Your hopes for her afterlife, however, remind me of a comic strip that Alan Moore (of "Swamp Thing" fame) used to write called "Maxwell The Magic Cat", in one episode of which Maxwell described to his owner what Cat Heaven is like: "There are no dogs, and Elysian Fields of catnip everywhere, and giant scratching-post trees..." When his fascinated owner asked what happens to mice and rats when they die, Maxwell casually replied, "Oh, they go to Cat Heaven too."

That pretty much sums it up. What IS it that we find so charming about the little egotists? Maybe (as W.H. Auden said in his poem about babies) that their judgment "is so frankly subjective that it carries no personal sting." Or maybe it's just that we envy them.

I'm so sorry, Kevin.

So sad, Kevin & Marian: condolences all around: weird that Jasmine would just up and die like that: but I suppose it was better than a protracted illness. We just had our "baby" (a pygmy Himalayan) back from the vet: it was endlessly reassuring that nothing (despite our fears) was actually wrong: but still an unwanted reminder of frailty/mortality - all of ours, feline & human. Sorry.

Kevin, a very big thanks to you for sharing Jasmine with us here all these years, and my condolence on your sudden loss.

Bruce, thank you for the wonderful mention about Cat Heaven too. If they have anything to say about it, we'll be there too as staff.

Sorry to hear Kevin.

My cat is getting up there in age and I'm getting worried about the changes in his personality. Suddenly losing a pet is worse. I had to put down my previous cat because a sudden intense illness (we believe he might have eaten an animal that had been poisoned). He wasn't very old. A really cool, mellow cat. He was a gentle giant; about 23#s and not very fat. We had a cool picture of my sister picking him up over her head with his feet still on the ground.

I send my deepest sympathies for your loss.

Farewell, friend, yet not farewell.
Where I go, ye too shall dwell.
When ye come where I have stepped,
Ye will wonder why ye wept.

-- Edwin Arnold

So sorry, Kevin. As one who has lost a number of pets to deaths both quick and protracted I empathize. I will never get over any of them, which is both sad and reassuring - its the price we pay for forming strong emotional ties.

As a fellow cat person I know how heartbroken you are. The nights will be restless for awhile. Jasmine and her friends comforted many when you did some cat blogging the day after the 2004 election.

That's awful. I've also known Jasmine since you were running Calpundit. That's over four years of missing her from all the way over here.

Man, that sucks.

Too young to go.

I know it's too soon to think about it, but I volunteer at an animal shelter here in Baltimore. There are literally hundreds of needy cats in every city and town that need a good home. In her heart of hearts, I'm sure Jasmine would want you to give another lucky cat a forever home.

Good luck.

Very sad news. She will be missed by many people she never got a chance to sniff. Goodbye, little girl.

Kevin, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I hope you don't mind my prayer for your family and for Jasmine.

† Most high, almighty Lord, our Creator, Yours is the praise, the glory, the honor and all blessings! To You alone do all things belong. Be praised for giving us the animals, birds and fish which fill Your world. Grant our petitions through the intercession of Your Son and good St. Francis of Assisi, who honored You through all Your creatures.

We remember before You, Jasmine, the Drum family's cat. Jasmine had trust in them as we have trust in You; We are on this earth together to give one another friendship, affection, and caring. Take my heartfelt prayers for Kevin and his family as they grieve this loss.

Your goodness is turned upon every living thing and Your grace flows to all Your creatures. We thank You that when You deemed it time, Your will freed Jasmine from all earthly ill, and released her from pain and suffering. Help the Drum family to not be overwhelmed by loss, but have confidence in Your goodness, and strength; through † Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We've had 9 cats in the past 15 years. Counting the four living with us. It's sad that we outlive our friends and glorious if we can outlive our enemies.

My sincere condolences to you and Marian. Jasmine will be fondly remembered.

Couldn't find a Eulogy to a Cat so I slightly changed George Graham's Eulogy to a Dog from the story of old Drum:

Eulogy to a Cat:

The best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it the most. A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads. The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his cat.

A man’s cat stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that encounters the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.

If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful cat asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies. When the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble cat be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.

Peace Be With You and Yours

kittykitty cat scratch.sorry kevin.

Deepest condolences, Kevin.

I'll never, ever forget the loss of my beloved Hobbes seven years ago. The "objectively good cat" as my non-cat-person friends used to mock me for calling him, but they agreed nonetheless.

You loss has brought back those memories, as they have for so many of us on this thread who've been through it, too.

At this moment we are all mourning with you.

*choking back a tear*

Bob

I'm so sorry. Those damn cats do burrow deeply into our lives, don't they?

Sorry about your cat. There were many fine photos. The last photo is a perfect send-off.

My sincere condolences for your loss. It's hard to lose a friend, furry or otherwise. Be thankful for the time you had together - and thank you for sharing her with all of us.

Kevin, I am so sorry for your loss. Each pet brings joy and their own unique personalities into our lives, and there is always an empty spot when they leave us.

My condolences, Kevin. May she rest in peace.

Kevin,
I'm so sorry for you and Marion and Inkblot. We had one terrible year where we lost all our old ones, an ancient Great Pyr and 2 cats. It took 10 years to let another little furry into our lives but it was worth it when it happened. Like another poster, I got hooked on the Friday cat blogging as well and enjoyed the pictures. Please let Inkblot continue when you can and know that you are loved by cats and humans alike.

That's awful, Kevin. Sorry...

Deepest condolences on your family's loss because losing a beloved pet is losing a family member. All your readers including me will miss her as well

Hell, Kevin, I'm sorry. It's a great big hole in your life when you lose a pet.

I am sorry.

My cat Ezra died in November 2005 very similarly to what you described. I'll never forget walking into my living room a minute after hearing odd noises from the living room and seeing him convulsing on the floor with my other cat staring at him with the most profound look of horror I have ever seen on animal or human. Autopsy revealed an enlarged heart.

Oh Kevin, I am so, so sorry for your family's loss.

Nine years isn't enough. Sadly, we don't get to know when our furry friends will leave us; the best we can do is love them as much as we can for as long as we have them.

Jasmine was a well-loved cat, and I'm sure she knew it.

My deepest condolences, Kevin.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Kevin. I hope she's somewhere in a sunny catnip patch. The picture is lovely -- she looks like she's guarding the ham.

I am sorry for your lose Kevin. There is nothing like the love of a pet, or the hurt of losing one.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Marian & your pillows this evening.

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your kitty. My dear Smokie died a little more than a year ago, and it still hurts. They really do become members of the family.

I'm so sorry. My thoughts are with you, Marian, and Inkblot. I know Jasmine had a good kitty life. How sad.

Kevin,

I'm so sorry to read of yours and Marian's loss. My cats are my family, just like yours. In the 6 years since we've moved into this home, we've lost a 20 year old cat we had since birth, a 15 year old cat we brought with us, a toothless ~15 year old cat that came with the house, and are about to lose another 16 year old cat. We love our babies and it's extremely hard to see them go.

I'm hoping Jasmine didn't suffer and the end came quickly. We've had a few whose death dragged out and a few who went instantly. I've felt it's always better for them to go quickly...

Best wishes, and condolences.

Bigcat

My condolences to you, Marian and Inkblot who no doubt has already taken over Jasmine's territory.

Sorry about Jasmine, Kevin.

So sorry to she her go. She will be missed.

What a gorgeous kitty. I have one who looks very much like Jasmine. My heart is breaking for you. I have loved and lost a number of pets and if I had it all to do again I wouldn't change a thing. As painful as it's been at times, I'm glad I chose to share my life with these delightful animals. Bless you.

Deepest sympathy from an owner of many cats.

Nothing sadder than the loss of a family member; thank you for sharing, and I hope the warm wishes give you a small bit of comfort.

My condolences, Kevin. she was beautiful animal, and your pictures of her gave me a great deal of pleasure.

And of course there's a cat heaven. You think they're going to miss out on heaven - you never met a cat.

Condolences from a fellow cat person to both you and Marian.

kevin, i'm sorry too and always enjoyed the pictures of the "kids". we have a big maine coon cat(35 lbs) and gizmo is getting up there in age. don't know what it'd be like without our sweet boy around.

That's sad, Kevin. My condolences.

My deepest condolences on the loss of your faithful longtime companion, Kevin. Now her spirit can return to the cosmos with the memories of your love and friendship.

Oh poor Jasmine.

You'll have to get another cat of course, so Inkblot won't be so lonely. Get another Tabby to rule the roost.

So sorry, Kevin. Pets are easier to love than some people, aren't they?

Time will only leave you with happy memories.

My condolences, to the whole household. I had to put my cat of 14 years down last April. So, like so many other of your readers, I emphathize. I certainly hope that every remaining day of your year is better than this fourth day.

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss Kevin. A beloved pet is a true family member. Hope you feel better soon.

Sorry to hear Kevin. My condolences, and my cat Nikki sends her love too.

I'm so sorry Kevin. I lost my cat, lily, eleven years ago. I can't write about her without crying. You gave her a wonderful life. I'm sure she appreciated it.

She's there, Kevin. My Artemis, Apollo and Beltane were there to greet her and show her all the mouse hiding places.

I'm so sorry, Kevin. Much love to you, Marian, and Inkblot.

Kevin,

Again, condolences to you and Marian, and Inkblot.

Should you decide to get another cat, may I suggest waiting a while. When you feel the time is right I would suggest visiting your local animal shelter and picking out a kitten, opposite sex of Inkblot (make sure you get it neutered). I've had much luck, and have read much, about this mix.

You'll do three good things by doing this. You'll rescue a probably doomed kitten. You'll provide Inkblot with a companion that will be a pain in the rear and keep him occupied and interested, and finally, you'll give yourself and Marian an ongoing relationship to the mystery that are cats.

From the comments here, it's obvious you have a large, loving, caring community.

Best wishes.

Bigcat

I'm reminded of something in a tres urbane tome, perhaps The New Yorker or NYT Mag, in which an editor fessed that half the job of editing was to get his writers, even his best ones, to stop writing about their pets.

It seemed, said our guy, that the most steely-nerved, plain-written, just-the-facts scribe gets all mushy (even worse than with their kids) on the subject of their dog or cat.

Godiva, 6 yrs, lymphosarcoma
Cleo, 9 yrs, presumed heart attack
"Everybody knows torties are crazy!"

my kitties and I offer you our condolences.

i had a cat with heart murmur too. one morning he was fine, running around and playing with the other cat, when i got home from work, he had been dead several hours. it's a disconcerting and sudden way to lose a pet.

Sorry for your loss.

Kevin, I know that Jasmine sits with the King of the Cats tonight. My condolences.

Kevin,

I'm so sorry about Jasmine. I am a frequent reader and I live with what could be Jasmine's and Inkblot's twins, a tabby named Duncan and a gray-and-white version of Inkblot named Jean Luc (although I suspsect my versions are a lot chubbier). Cats are interesting, frustrating and surprisingly sweet companions and I'm so sorry you've lost one of your pals. Best to your wife and to Inkblot too.

Very sorry to hear of your loss, Kevin. Poor Jasmine, she was such a character! My cat Tony, who I lost a year or so ago, watched me prepare every single meal I made while I had him -- about nine years. I still miss his supervision.

Very sorry for your loss.

Our three felines send their condolences to your household on your terrible loss. May Jasmine enjoy Kittie Heaven.

All felines everywhere are celebrating the opening of our Democratic Congress

"All animals except Man know that the ultimate purpose of life is to enjoy it" - Samuel Butler

Sorry for your loss.

Adding my voice to the chorus sending deepest sympathies. Take care of yourselves.

Kevin, I'm sorry to hear that.

So sorry for your loss. I've never forgotten the warmth and joy from my childhood cat, now gone about a decade.

Dear Inkblot: My feeder person, Yellow Dog, tells me your beautiful sister has passed on to the next life. My dear older sister Artemis disappeared into the woods three years ago. I thought I would never get over it, but the next month, Yellow Dog brought me a new little sister. I fell in love with her immediately, and I still let her eat first from the bowl. I hope Kevin brings you a new sister soon.

I've never commented on a blog before, but I feel the need to offer you my sympathies.

*Hugs* Sorry for your loss. I had the same thing happen with a cat of mine. She probably threw a clot from a weak heart. They get caught in the arteries that split down their legs and they're gone in minutes. Nothing you could have done. Remember the good and sweet dreams tonight.

Kevin, 6 years ago my roommates cat had to be put to sleep because of severe complications from diabetes. I had given the big, old hunk of fur his insulin injections twice daily for about 6 months, because my roommate could hardly bear to do it. The cat slept with me every night I lived in that small, NYC apartment, and I was not able to sleep for months after he was gone. My eyes teared up and I'm crying even as I type this, remembering that big, fat, gentle giant of a kitty. I do send my condolences to you and Marian. Words fail me at this point....

So sorry to hear it. So sad. It's very hard to lose a sweetly significant piece of day-to-day life such as one of our pet-family members. Condolences from my husband, our cat, Ptolemy (a nearly 8 year old hearty Siamese mix who likes to sleep on my legs) and me. (I feel certain that my 2 former kitties must be around to give Ptolemy a little playful spook now and then.)

Thanks for posting the sweet photo. I'm only glad you were with her when it happened so you know she didn't suffer very long and she knew you were near.

Heartfelt thoughts to the three of you and to Jasmine, wherever she is napping, playing, or otherwise enjoying being a cat.

Take care of yourself and each other.

Deanna

My deepest condolences Kevin. May happy Jasmine memories live on.

Heart attack, huh? Do you think it might have been all the Virginia ham?

Condolences, Kevin.

I as so sorry for your loss, Kevin. One of the nicest things I have read on the death of a cat was at the end of a Kinky Friedman mystery, Elvis, Jesus, and Coca-Cola. In that remembrance of his cat was the following quote:

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan."
Irving Townsend

My sympathies, Kevin. I'll miss her too.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Kevin. Jasimine has been a big part of my life as a blogger fan. One of the first blogs I bookmarked was CalPundit, because of your Friday catblogging posts; Jasimine was one of the co-founders of my personal, virtual family. I will miss her.
Take care,

Jim

Kevin,
Cats do not have heart attacks, or myocardial infarction. They do, to the tune of 1 in 50, have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The condition causes the muscle in the heart to thicken and crowd the chambers. The blood flow is then stalled and forced to flow in a turbulent and not laminar fashion. The result is clot formation in the heart. The clot, if in the right side of the heart, is eventually discharged and blocks blood flow into the lungs. This 'pulmonary embolism' is almost immediately fatal. The cat experiences acute pain then the lack of oxygenated blood causes cerebral death. Again, it is quite fast. If the clot is in the left side of the heart it travels to the narrow portion of the aorta that splits to supply blood to the rear limbs. These cats become acutely paraplegic and often are in excruciating agony. Jasmine had the kinder form.
The disease used to be called the 'great silent killer of cats' as diagnosis prior to the advent of ultrasound was difficult and other than a murmur it gives no advanced notice. If diagnosed there is treatment.
Cats are the greatest gift of God...and as a famous philosopher once said "Given to man so that we might know what it is like to hold a Tiger in our hands". I have 8 of them, one that has a remarkable resemblance to Inkblot.
My wife and I send our sympathies,
Richard

Sorry about the loss Kevin.

My sympathies to you and your wife.

My condolences, Kevin. I'm so sorry.

RIP Jasmine, and condolences to you and Marian, Kevin. I know it is hard when you are used to seeing your kitties in certain places in the house at their routine times. It does leave a hole in the household fabric. Jasmine was a lovely cat-blogging subject and I'm glad she didn't suffer.

Time spent with cats is never wasted. Give yourself a few weeks and then adopt a cat that needs a good home. Jasmine would approve.

I disagree that mice go to Cat Heaven. That would be quite unfair, wouldn't it? Mice go to Mice Heaven, where there is oodles of cheese and chewy things that smell good, and no cats or owls or snakes.

In Cat Heaven there are shiny jangly balls of tinsel and bells that scurry around the clouds, and smell just like mice.

Sadness throughout your readership, Kevin. It is good that she did not suffer long, as it happens for some. Loss of loved ones is so tragic and so universal.

Our thoughts and sentiments to you and your family from Central Florida.

Three years ago almost to the day, while I was brushing my teeth, i heard strange yowls in the other room and within a minute my sweet 8 year old cat Kirby was dead--I called my mom and cried like a babe. i feel for you my cyber-friend and your wife. Luckily, Kirby had a step-sister Eliot who still snuggles at the foot of the bed, but we both still miss her. Best

I'm so sorry, Kevin. Ever since your CalPundit days, I looked forward to Friday Catblogging and the ongoing antics of Jasmine and Inkblot. Remember the good times - she was clearly a loving companion.

Sincere condolences to you and your family, Kevin. Jasmine touched many hearts in her time here on earth, thanks to your sharing her with all of us.

Our wondrous kitty, Tiffany, died suddenly on New Year's morning, much the same way that Jasmine died -- she had a spasm and then was gone.

My condolences, Kevin, as I know exactly how bereft you're feeling.

I second LarryB, I still recall fondly the Calpundit setting sun graphic and the genuine pleasure of seeing your girls on Fridays - how strange to think of that as "back in the day." I'm so sad for you, but thanks for sharing. Condolences to your wife and Inkblot.

So sorry for your loss, Kevin.

Jasmine's will be big pawprints to follow, but I hope you find another furry friend soon. Do it for Inkblot.

I'm sorry, Kevin.

I am so sorry, Kevin, that is incredibly sad. I will miss her, too, even though I only knew her through your blog.

My sympathies, Kevin. Jasmine was a beauty.

Kevin, what heartbreaking news! I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing Jasmine with us so unforgettably!

If the experience of love is the best evidence for life after death, the animals we have loved are surely there.

So sorry to read this. My sincere condolences. Thanks for sharing not just your great political commentary, but some sad personal news as well-- I think all us readers appreciate you letting us in a little bit and makes our sympathy all the more sincere.

Loss hurts; I respect your openness about it. My heartfelt condolences.

We lost one of our cats about a month ago--so I know what you're going through at the moment. So sorry.

My deepest condolences.

Kevin, I'm so sorry. Condolences. Jasmine was a real cutey, and always seemed great, particularly for a cat.

You & Marian & Jasmine are in our thoughts.

We all know that you are devastated right now, when a beloved member of the family goes over the Rainbow Bridge it can be almost unbearable.

There is a great support forum here at BestFriends.org for prayers and grieving.

http://network.bestfriends.org/MessageBoards/Forum.aspx?f=37

P.S. Kevin, if it's at all possible, let Inkblot see Jasmine's body or at least sniff some of her fur. It will be a shock, but it will also help him heal. He'll know what happened (trust me on this) rather than thinking a predator got her or something, and searching for her fruitlessly.

We had two marvellous orange tabbies, male twins, for many years, and when the first one had to be put to sleep, we brought his body home so his brother could see it. The little guy looked utterly stricken and immediately hid under the bed for an hour--but then he seemed to be okay, and went on to keep giving us great happiness for another four years before dying of old age.

Cats can process much more than we generally give them credit for--but then, you knew that, didn't you?

Blessings to all who loved Jasmine, most definitely including Inkblot.

Jasmine and Inkblot have become dear to all of us who read you regualrly, Kevin. I'm so sorry for your loss. As many have said, take comfort in the thought that she had a wonderful spirited life, and was cherished.