Striper just won't give up the ghost

@NJChicaa (116013)
United States
November 24, 2021 4:08pm CST
Don't get me wrong. I love my sort of black and gray tabby boy. He is 16 years old and came from a shelter in Kentucky. (I'm looking at you @FourWalls and @JustJoy ) He has never been a particularly healthy cat. He sneezes and wheezes all the time. My ex had to pull out a rotten tooth one Sunday when the vet was closed. He used to hide all of the time as a young cat but over the years he became friendlier and eventually very loving. He would sleep on the bed by our feet. Then he would lick my then-husband's hand for minutes. He would even creep down the hallway when guests were over. When I moved out and came here I brought my orange tabby Sandy and Striper. Unfortunately 6 year old Sandy died suddenly a month over. Striper became my little/old man who gave me so much love while my heart was broken. He was/is always there for me. I eventually added my orange tabby Charlie a couple of years ago and then Adso my gray/black tabby last summer. Striper was fine with that. He grew up in a house with 5 cats so he was fine with 2 new additions. He is still snotty and wheezy but also still very loving. He is 16 now. I don't know how much longer he is going to hang in there. I've never had a cat this old. He sleeps a lot but comes for treats and canned food. He always sleeps on my bed every night and purrs and purrs for hours. He is a good boy.
11 people like this
8 responses
@kaylachan (57720)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Nov 21
I would say, as long as there's nothing seriously wrong health-wise, he should live for another two years. Every taby I've ever owned (and I've had several in my 38 years) lived to be 18. Precious made it to 19. So, as long as he's eating drinking and using the restroom, and is generally happy, he should live for a couple years, yet.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (95261)
• Marion, Ohio
25 Nov 21
Enjoy him as long as you can.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73473)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
25 Nov 21
Aww sweet cat I guess like for humans even for cats its no fun getting old, He might be with you God willing a much longer time, I knew a lady with a female cat that lived to be 18,
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
24 Nov 21
I got 2 throw outs and 1wild throw out that I tamed.
1 person likes this
@RubyHawk (99425)
• Atlanta, Georgia
25 Nov 21
Just enjoy every day you have left with him. I hope he hangs in awhile longer.
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99399)
• Canada
24 Nov 21
I have heard of cats living into their 20s. I am hoping my Harley will be here for awhile longer but I worry about him now that he is 16. My daughter just lost both of her cats last year. They were 14 and 16. They both went quickly. She was heartbroken. I hope Striped is around for a while longer.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (62172)
• United States
24 Nov 21
The sneezing and wheezing is just the Ohio Valley crud (allergies).
@LindaOHio (156271)
• United States
25 Nov 21
It's rough when a pet gets to be so old. I hope Striper has a lot of good time left in him.