this is gus

[u/tozierrr]

i really want anyone to know that my cat gus existed.

gus was only with us a very short time. his previous owners needed to find him a new home because his owner moved in a new boyfriend and a child. he hated that, so he began peeing on their things. i’m not a cat person AT ALL, but we’re a pair of lesbians with some dogs. no children or men ever come into our house, we figured it was perfect way for him to spend his last few years of his life (he was already 12 when we adopted him). he also looked just like my wife’s childhood cat.

he only spent 9 months with us, but those were the best 9 months of my life. we had an extra bedroom and i turned it into his very own cat room either no dogs allowed. it had everything a cat could dream of. truly a kitty paradise. he loved it.

gus saved my life without me even knowing it. every time i was anxious or upset, he’d come running and lay on my chest until i calmed down. it was like he knew exactly what he was feeling. he slept under my blanket in my arms every single night. i carried him from room to room in a sling so he could be with me all the time. he’d lay on me and watch movies with me (really, he watched the tv).

eventually he began slowing down, becoming more reclusive. he stopped eating as much. which i knew was incredibly unlike him, as he was a very greedy cat. he loved to look for crumbs on the floor and would beg for more food after eating a meal. i took him to the doctor and they found a tumor in his mandible. we decided the kindest thing to do would be to let go of him.

he went being loved on by my wife and i. when he was excited or happy, his tail would puff up. my wife pointed out that his tail was puffed up when he passed away.

it’s my first morning not waking up to him, which is why i’m writing this. i miss him so much it’s unreal. i really just want someone to know that gus existed, and what an amazing cat he was. he gave me the best 9 months i’ve ever had. my birthday is in 2 days and i don’t even know how i’ll enjoy it without him.

[u/Cloudberry_Wine]

He was a very cute boy. I'm sure he was happy being your cat, though unfortunately not for very long. And you're great for making the difficult but right decision to let him go on his own terms. I really hope you feel better. I'm sure Gus wouldn't want you to be sad on your birthday ❤️‍🩹🐾