So I have some bad news… a lot of you have followed for a long time and been through ups and downs with me. And I appreciate it so so much. I know there are Brazilians of people you could catch up with online and I’m very lucky, happy and grateful that you stop by here or @RunEatRepeat on IG to say ‘hi’. Thank you.
And I know a lot of you loved my cat Vegas so I’m extra sad to tell the Vegas fans that he went to kitty Heaven this week. We opted for water aquation for pets which is an environmentally friendly alternative to cremation.
He was close to 14 years old and lived a good life. And I’m sad. But I’m grateful I had so much time with him and that so many of you loved my RER co-star.
I wanted to share some helpful information for those who are also pet parents. If you’re ever in need of a reliable place to care for your furry friends, Silver Maple Pet Center offers excellent dog and cat boarding and daycare services. They provide a safe and loving environment, ensuring that your pets are well-cared for even when you’re not around.
I had to put Vegas down a few days ago. And even though it was hard it was peaceful and for the best.
And I want to share some happy pictures and stories to remember him. But before that, for other cat lovers out there, whenever you’re not at home or on vacation, you can ensure that you’re cat is safe and sound thanks to services like cattery Melbourne.
How I got Vegas…
One random weekend morning, I was dropping my brother off at his high-school job and then hit up my bank that was in that same shopping center. After using the ATM I heard a lil meow and looked around… the meowing continued and I found a kitten walking near one of the stores across the parking lot. Most of the other places in the center were closed because it was early so there weren’t any people around and we weren’t close to houses so he was obviously very lost.
I scooped up the kitten and walked over to the store my brother was working at to go tell him I found a cat and ask his thoughts on trying to take it home… Do you think mom would be cool with this? … But I didn’t get to ask him because as soon as he saw me he said, ‘What are you doing in here with a cat?’ and he didn’t really seem interested in helping me come up with a plan to convince my mom to let me keep this stray kitten. Since I have also a big cat, I’m planning to purchase these cat trees for larger cats here!
So – I took the fur ball home and told my mom sometimes God just does things in our lives that we don’t understand or plan on (my cousin had passed away unexpectedly a bit before this so we were all a bit more lost and leaning on God that might be the norm previous to that)… Anyway. She likes cats and/or was too tired to argue with me so – I got a cat! And Vegas moved in and proceeded to sleep, eat, barf, meow, get dirty, sleep more, repeat… until a few days ago.
‘’
Recently…
He had been slowing down since December a lot. He got in a bad fight in December and just never came back from it 100%. He suddenly seemed to have arthritis and couldn’t jump on the couch anymore so he’d kind of climb up it. And he was VERY UPSET he couldn’t go outside anymore. He’d been an inside/outside cat his entire life. At my mom’s house we had a big yard and dogs so he was free to roam around. When Vegas moved into the condo with me and Ben we let him go outside whenever he wanted. Mostly he’d sit on the fence and people watch – or maybe cat watch? But every now and then he’d jump off the fence and get in a fight with another cat.
Transitioning an Outside Cat to Inside Cat –> I wrote this post after that
Oddly he mostly only fought with other orange cats. I guess he wanted to be the only ginger cat around!! When he was young the fights were not cool but not that damaging. And we’d run out and break them up if we ever heard anything starting. We tried to only let him out if we were outside too – to try and stop any potential cat fights (other fight-y cats wouldn’t come around if we were around). But he was not happy staying inside. He wanted to be an outside cat that came inside to sleep or have a snack. He didn’t like to sit at the window and watch the world. He didn’t like cat toys. He didn’t like me. Well, sometimes he didn’t.
Where was I going with this?
Oh, after his fight in Dec I didn’t let him outside when he’d ask but he never ‘got over it’ or forgot like people said he would. He’d run out when I’d come back from the store or take out the trash. He didn’t really want to stay out that long – I think he just wanted to know he could.
And I’m kind of conflicted on keeping him inside 100% of the time being the best thing on some philosophical level… it felt like clipping his wings.
Yeah, it prevented him from getting in a fight.
But it also made him miserable to be stuck inside when his entire life previous up till this he got to go out. He didn’t want to play with a cat-nip mouse, he wanted to go the F outside.
And before you argue with me – this isn’t about Vegas… I’m projecting my feelings on this. Some of this is how I relate this to me and the situations I’ve been in… I think when I apply it to my life – I’d rather go outside and have a shorter life than stay inside and live longer but unhappy. Ya know?
Anyway. The point is – I did my best. Vegas was awesome and he had a good life. And I miss him.
Now he’s in kitty heaven running around outside and eating tuna all the time!
I don’t want to focus on the end of his life… I think I just needed to process that lil inside / outside debate to help me get some of the random thoughts and memories off my chest.
I want to focus on cute cat pics and happy times. So here are a few of my favorite Vegas the cat posts…
Some of my top cat posts:
Ben is better – this post is from 2011!!
Vegas might love me a little bit
Vegas is trying to kill me (this might negate the previous post)
I’m turning into Vegas my cat (trigger warning: Ben pics in this one)
No cats were harmed in the making of this blog post – This might be one in my top 86 favorite blog posts of all time, it’s random but fun.
And kinda related… if you have a friend allergic to cats – Tips on How to Clean When a Friend / Visitor is Allergic to Cats
My favorite things about my cat:
1. He was my only friend / roommate and didn’t care if I did weird stuff like dance around randomly while making dinner singing Britney Spears songs.
2. He hugged / attacked my running shoes.
3. He let me dress him up (for 2 seconds).
4. He greeted me when I got home with a hello ‘meow’ – he didn’t always get up and come to me but he’d always meow a few times and I’d respond and once he confirmed it was me he’d go back to sleep or ask to go outside.
5. He talked to me… when I’d ask him something he’d respond. He knew the cadence of a conversation.
6. He was pretty chill.
7. He head-butted me and it was like a confirmation of our affection.
8. He let me do the cat dance with him (I would just hold him and dance around)
There’s so many pictures I want to post! But I should cut it here and just say thank you for following me and Vegas. xoxo.
I’ve followed you for years and I’ve always loved your kitty pics. I have two ginger cats and one is lighter, just like Vegas. I know how hard it is to say goodbye to your sweet pet. I’m so sorry ♥️
How are you doing miss Monica? We miss you around these parts <3
Thank you for this 🙂 I really appreciate it. xoxo
I am so very sorry.
I’m so sorry to hear about Vegas! I loved seeing pics of him on the blog and Instagram. He’s definitely in Kitty Heaven playing outside 🙂
So sorry about Vegas. He was lucky you heard his little meow near the ATM.
I can tell that you feel guilty about the inside/outside thing, but you really shouldn’t! You know why? Because there IS no right answer to that one… either he’s stuck inside and doesn’t like it, or he endangers himself by getting into fights. You can only make the decision you think is best. You didn’t do anything wrong and you gave him a great home. What a lucky boy!
I am so very sad to hear about Vegas. I’ve followed you for years and years and always loved seeing him and hearing about his escapades. He lived a long time for a kitty. It’s impossible to keep a cat from going outside when that’s what they love to do. It’s sad our furry family members live such a short time, but of course they are in our hearts forever. Vegas won’t be forgotten by anyone.
So sorry for your loss. I feel like I know Vegas through your lovely stories and pics. I will miss him too. Hugs
I am so sorry Monica for your loss. I have been a long time reader, and always enjoyed the banter and sense of camaraderie you and Vegas appeared to have had. I’m sure you added so much to his life, as he did to yours.
I am so sorry to hear this news about Vegas. I know this pain. How awful. Virtual hug to you!
Amy
;( This is so sad…
I will miss Vegas. He looked like he was such a sweet boy.
Hugs to you (even though I know you’re not a hug person), but sometimes you just have to take one.
<3 to you!!! Vegas is an awesome kitty and he will be missed by so many I'm sure. I loved following everything that happened with him – I am allergic to cats but love them so much so it was nice to live a cat filled life along with you. Y'all were a comedy show together! I loved it!
I’m sorry!
Sending you extra hugs today! I, too, have had to say goodbye to a lovable orange furball. We got Brat (appropriately named lol) when I was in high school, and had to put him down a few months after I got married. He was nearly 14 years old, and had been the best addition to our lives. It’s not any easy thing to do, but focusing on the good times makes it hurt just a little less.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I don’t know if you feel like this but my 14 yr old cat (who has lymphoma) is the only being in my life that has been through basically everything with me as an adult. From completing college to starting my career and moving, etc. She was the one constant. They’re more than just pets for sure.
I just lost my Betsy. Pet grief is unreal. I’m so sorry for your loss, but take comfort in knowing Vegas lived his best life because of you, and he had a peaceful passing.
Oh sweet, ever-present Vegas; what a great co-blogger he was! He’ll greatly be missed. Sorry for the many losses you’ve had recently. This one really made me cry. Take care 🙁
Praying for you Monica. A lot of people underestimate the amount of love that you can have for a cat, but I got mine when I first moved out on my own after college 6+ years ago, and she (and her kitten that I kept) have been my only roommates and consistent companions since then. They have been there for me on my darkest days as I’m sure Vegas was for you. I know your sadness must be overwhelming, so I hope that you can remember that Vegas lived a great life and loved you a lot. I will miss him on your Instagram stories <3
I’m so sorry to hear about Vegas. I’ve got 4 cats and don’t want to imagine losing any of them. Although I know it’ll come eventually. Thanks for sharing your memories and pictures.
I am so sorry for your loss! It is so hard to say goodbye to our animals but I am so happy he did not suffer!! I guarantee he never forgot that you were the one that saved him!!! You will always be “his human”!!
I’m so sorry for the loss of Vegas. I love all his blog features. I’m with you on letting him outside and having him enjoy his time. You are a great cat mom 🙂
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Vegas! I loved watching you two interact on IG Stories. <3 Losing a pet is never easy. You're in my thoughts.
I’m sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is hard, hugs to you.
Monica, please accept my condolences. It is so difficult to say goodbye to pets. Many have been like siblings and/or children to me. Vegas was lucky to have your love!!!
No no no bad. 🙁 But you did good. You made a small friend happy.
Please get a new friend. So many small cat friends need homes. On your own timeline. Call your new cat friend Reno, in homage. ^_^ Our animal friends need love and help and support.
all the condolences! vegas had an amazing life, inside or out. xox
This post really resonated with me. I read your blog, but I am not a commentor. My mom recently lost her beloved tabby, Timothy (affectionately known as TT to our family.)
TT was always an outdoor cat, killing mice, chipmunks and birds when he could catch them and dumping this bloody, dead prey on my mom’s front door step. TT was strong, agile and a hunter. When my mom moved into a condo, TT had to quickly transform into an indoor cat. He seemed depressed, lethargic and as he aged, had the same symptoms as Vegas. Eventually diabetes and arthritis took over, and my mom had to put him down.
Thanks for sharing all the great things about Vegas. What a wonderful way to keep his memory alive.