Comments on: Merlin: a tribute to a cat I love

By: Catalina

Catalina — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:15:22 +0000

I am sorry for your loss.

I’ve been through losing a wonderful pet a few times before- dogs, cats, birds.

Every time you swear maybe next time won’t hurt that much, and it hurts even worse.

Humans usually outlive their pets, but secretly, we would agree to be the other way around.

We call them our ‘daughters’ and ‘sons’, and therefore no ‘parent’ should burry their ‘child’.

Hugs and love for Mer

By: Robin

Robin — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:02:32 +0000

I think you made the “right” and most loving decision, especially in the context of the suddenness of it. The apartment will continue to feel different without him for awhile. Then the new normal sets in and it’s easier to smile when you remember his antics rather than sense the overwhelming loss. It’s a good thing to love a cat- or any animal for that matter.

By: M

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:28:27 +0000

Thank you for writing this post, and I'm so sorry this happened. I remember just a few weeks ago when I heard you mention in one of the podcast episodes that you had a cat that every now and then tries to "escape" (I wonder if this was referring to these hallway adventures). And now the second cat mention of yours I encounter is this one. :( I've left behind a few pets over the years, and it's always heartbreaking. Two years ago our cat died, in the car on our way to the vet. She was extremely unwell and clearly scared. The way she passed away was so rough, it made it almost impossible to accept. It's not fair for this little innocent cat lady to have to go through something like that. And it's not fair for Merlin to have his life cut short like that either. Back in school I once had a class trip. I was pretty depressed the whole time, because my parents had told me before that our dog may not be there any more when I return. She was old and struggling and was unlikely to live for another week. One classmate was clearly confused how the loss of a pet could affect me like that. I was confused about his confusion. So I appreciated your closing words, and 100% agree.

By: Han

Han — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 21:16:21 +0000

I can feel your grief and love through your words. There’s nothing to say that could really help right now. Yet I wish you strength to get through the waves, a lot of his sisters warmth to comfort you and all the fond memories of him to carry and embrace you.

By: krass

krass — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 20:36:19 +0000

I’m sorry for your loss Spencer. Merlin sounds like a wonderful cat and I’m so glad you had such beautiful experiences together.

By: Jenn

Jenn — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:53:33 +0000

I love Merlin so much, just reading this. Balloons! That is just hilarious- and it sounds like he must have been extremely smart, too. I am so sorry for your loss. Our cat had a similar cancer mass in his belly that he hid as well- it was almost exactly a year ago that we went through this, in a similar euthanasia room as you describe, with the doctor carefully explaining everything once we pushed the button. Our boy didn’t mind balloons- he hated bubbles, plastic bags, and fireworks. So we decided we couldn’t make him deal with the holiday another year while he was trying to pretend he was “fine”. Having to decide his time was so, so hard. Thank you for the wonderful tribute to your wonderful cat- hopefully our cats are having a nice time in cat heaven now- lots of toys but NO bubbles or balloons