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I am so very sorry to tell you that at 1:15 on Saturday morning, Natalie passed away.
October 21, 2023 – August 17, 2024.
This post details what exactly happened in the time leading up to that; it might be difficult to read (I know it will be difficult to write), so if you’d rather just look at the pictures and call it a day, I completely understand.
Natalie went into labor around 6 pm. I could tell right away that she was having contractions, and I was prepared to do whatever she wanted – some laboring cats want company, and some want to be left alone. She went into the crate and stayed for a while, but when I got up to leave the room, she came right out of the crate and tried to follow me out the door, scolding me the entire way.
So I stayed.
She eventually came out of the crate and joined me on the couch. I thought maybe she would have her kittens on my lap, so I put some washable pads on my lap and cuddled her. She stayed in my lap for a while, then wanted to be between my legs and the back of the couch for a couple of hours. And then she moved around the room.
She hung out in the loaf pan for a bit.
She snoozed on top of the crate for a while.
Then she returned to the crate and stayed there.
She was very clear that she wanted me in the room, and not only in the room but right next to the crate. She didn’t want to be petted, she just wanted me there for company. If I moved, she’d open her eyes and look at me to be sure I wasn’t going anywhere.
I tried not to move too much.
Close to midnight the contractions intensified, she started pushing, and at 12:15, she gave birth to a perfect brown tabby boy.
She cleaned him and then cleaned herself, and they curled up together.
She left the crate to drink some water and use the litter box, and I took advantage of that to change out the soiled bedding.
The kitten – who I have named Carmy – nursed well.
Around 2 AM, she started having contractions again. She wanted me in the room still, so I stayed. It seemed as though every time she was going to start pushing, the contractions would kind of stall out, and she would snooze for a while.
I finally decided that this was going nowhere and it was time for a vet. I got her to the vet’s office as soon as they opened – I kept Carmy with her, because I could see that she took comfort from him – and they took them back and said that they’d call when they had news. So I came home and straightened up the foster room and focused on things I needed to do for the Forgotten Felines auction, and waited…
In the early afternoon, Michelle called. They had done a c-section on Natalie. She had one single kitten inside, and though it had a heartbeat at first, it passed away shortly after they pulled it out. That kitten weighed nearly 1 pound.
A normal newborn kitten weighs 1.8–5.3 ounces (50–150 grams). Carmy weighed a perfectly normal 3.8 ounces (109 grams) when he was born. The kitten that she had still inside her was the size of a 1 month old kitten. There was no way she could have delivered him.
So when the vet said that she was “ready to pop” a month ago, that was because they could see a full-term kitten. But for some reason she just never went into labor, and that kitten grew and grew. Cats can get pregnant at different times, which is what the vet theorized had happened here. She would have had to be halfway through her pregnancy with that kitten when she got pregnant with Carmy.
While they were doing the c-section, they spayed her. After some recovery time, they said that I could come get her – and Carmy – and so I picked them up and brought them home. We were home by mid-afternoon, and while Natalie was wobbly, she was able to climb into and use the litter box, and then drink some water. She curled up in one of the pie plates and stayed there. I checked on her frequently, and at one point put Carmy in next to her. He climbed all over her, but she wasn’t really responding to him, so I put him into the crate and left her in peace. She seemed okay – very muted, let me pet her but didn’t really respond it, but she’d had a big surgery and a lot to recover from.
I kept checking on her through the evening, and I started feeling that something just wasn’t right. I talked to Michelle, discussed it with Fred – she’d been through a big surgery, recovering from something like that can be really hard, was it just normal recovery, or was it something more? Finally, I said “I’d rather get her to the emergency vet and find out she’s stable than not take her and be wrong.” So we packed her up, packed up supplies for Carmy (who was in a separate carrier), and headed to the emergency vet.
What I really wanted to hear was that she was stable, that she was recovering fine and that it would just take time. The first thing they noticed was that her temperature was low, so they covered her in warm blankets and rice socks (socks filled with rice and warmed in the microwave.) They did an exam, took blood, and did an ultrasound. The bloodwork showed that she was slightly anemic, and the ultrasound showed nothing concerning. The most important thing to do, they said, was to get her body temperature up. They gave her warm sub-q fluids, and then we headed home with her (and Carmy).
When we got home, I wiped the ultrasound gel off her belly and wiped her feet, and then she meowed and stiffened and had what looked very much like a seizure. We put her in the crate and I watched over her while Fred called the emergency vet. As he talked to the vet, Natalie seemed to come out of it – I was petting her, and she blinked when my hand was near her eyes. The vet said to keep an eye on her and see if it happened again. We got her on the warming pad, covered her with a warm towel, and then Fred – who was exhausted – went to bed to try to sleep.
I fed Carmy, and then went to check on Natalie. I don’t think it had been even ten minutes since I’d left the room, but when I bent down to look at her, it was clear that she was gone.
I think that it was all just too much for her tiny body, the whole experience, the surgery. I obviously never expected this outcome and it keeps hitting me when I least expect it.
I wish that I knew her story, how she ended up on someone’s doorstep looking for help. She had clearly been around people before, she was too friendly not to have been. It seemed to never occur to her for one moment that I wouldn’t love her.
I did, I do, wholeheartedly.
I take comfort in knowing that during the nearly 4 weeks she was with us, she was so loved. I spoiled her rotten – so much Churu! – I snuggled her as much as she wanted to be snuggled, and I just showered her with love every single day. That’s my job as a foster, you know? I loved her so much. She was the sweetest, she put up with my nonsense so patiently, she was perfect.
I love her, and I think she knew that. I hope she did. I miss her so much.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Currently, I am bottle feeding Carmy. Eventually, we will find friends for him, or a nursing mother with a litter who will take him . He needs to not be an only kitten, and of course we’ll take steps to make that happen, but I need a little time. For now, he’s eating great and doing well.
Natalie is buried in our back yard under a beautiful rose bush; Fred buried her first thing Saturday morning. We didn’t think about the fact that they could have performed a necropsy on her to find out exactly what had happened, and by the time Michelle mentioned it, it was too late. We’ll know better next time.(I sincerely hope that there is never a “next time.”)
I know that some people are curious why Natalie wasn’t spayed. Forgotten Felines prefers not to spay-abort when cats are close to giving birth. At the time we took her, as you’ll recall, we were told that she would have her kittens at any moment. Now we know that that’s because they saw a full-term kitten inside her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Forgotten Felines of Huntsville online auction ended Saturday, and I am focusing on that a lot for the next few days. So there will likely be no posts until, at the very soonest, Thursday. I may post a little on social media, but I am taking a minute to focus on wrapping up the auction and then taking a breath.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Posted on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Tumblr) this weekend.
Natalie is just the sweetest poser.
I am heartbroken to tell you that in the very early hours of this morning, Natalie passed away. There’s a lot more to the story and I will post it in the blog when I can but right now I just can’t believe that she’s gone.
She leaves behind one tiny, perfect brown tabby boy.
Thank you all so very much for your kind words and thoughts about the loss of Natalie. I am still planning to put up a post about what exactly happened, but the Forgotten Felines of Huntsville auction just ended and my time and energy is being taken up with that right now, so I hope you’ll be patient with me. (To be honest, focusing on the auction is helping a LOT.) Natalie’s kitten, Carmy, is doing very well; he’s thriving, he has OPINIONS, and he is gaining weight. I will give him a million kisses for you all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Previously
2023: No entry.
2022: Mike’s expression as he gazes out at the big wide world is KILLING me.
2021: “My butt is CLEAN, you don’t gotta keep looking at it!”
2020: There was a kitten gathering, and when d’Artagnan decided he had better places to be, Aramis gave him the ol’ chomperoo on the butt.
2019: Fleur the cutie.
2018: I was weighing kittens, and my assistant Calais decided it was time to do a little filing.
2017: No entry.
2016: Okay, how many kitten-in-the-sun pictures am I going to post?
2015: Gracie.
2014: Then when he saw that it was just me, he gave me the blinkity-blink Eyes of Love, and went back to sleep.
2013: I don’t know what got Norbie all perturbed, but his expression is cracking me UP.
2012: No entry.
2011: “This platform is too smaaaaaall, and everyone keeps trying to cram themselves on the platform wiiiiiiith me, and I don’t liiiiiike it!”
2010: Comfy, are we, Marty?
2009: “HI lady. You got snacks for me?”
2008: No entry.
2007: No entry.
2006: No entry.
2005: We came back ten minutes later, and this is what we saw.
Thank you for sharing what happened to Natalie, Robyn. It sounds like you and Fred have had a really rough time and it can’t have been easy writing about it.
You definitely loved this sweet little girl so much, and I’m sure she felt that love every step of the way. She passed away knowing that love. She was the most beautiful cat and has left behind a beautiful kitten, Carmy. Thank you so much for caring for him and loving him, too.
We all loved little Natalie, but you and Fred made sure she knew that love. She knew she was safe and cherished. Thank you.
Ditto what Rachael said, I couldn’t have said it better. I don’t know why exactly that Natalie touched so many people even via the web, but she did. We will miss her. I know that the pain you guys feel must be worse than those, like me, who were observers, but know that we are with you, sending hugs and love your way. So very sad.
Well this was tough to read, but I can’t image how hard it was to go through. I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you, and Fred, and poor poor Natalie. You did everything SO right, and yet still sometimes things go so wrong. You gave her so much love and support during her time with you,she had the best last few weeks she could have. I hope you can take good care of yourself, and heal, I am sending my love and support your way.
I’m sure that must have been so difficult for you to write, but thank you for doing so. Natalie knew she was loved by you and Fred,and had the best 4weeks of her life with you both. My heart goes out to you both, you did all you could. Take time for yourselves and look after each other, you really are the best with what you do. Sending much love and hugs xx
As difficult as reading this was for me, thank you from the bottom of my broken heart for the explanation, Robyn. We take these fur kids into our lives, never knowing how long we will have them. We almost always outlive them, which makes it doubly hard when we lose them. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for all you do for the forgotten cats and kittens. For every crushing loss like this, you have hundreds of success stories to remember fondly.
Natalie was loved by you and Fred, probably more in the last 4 weeks than she was in her entire short life, and she will be waiting at Rainbow Bridge for you guys one glorious day. Natalie may be gone physically, but she will always occupy a special room in your hearts, as well as the hearts of hundreds of on-line fans who never met her.
Hugs and healing prayers for you, Fred, Natalie and little Carmy. May he thrive and be a living testament to his mama. Love from Nebraska, -Laura
I’m so, so sorry to hear about Natalie, it must have been gut wrenching. I know my heart dropped the second I read this post. Thank goodness she had you all to love and care for her in her last few weeks. We will all see her when we pass the rainbow bridge. Thank you Robyn and Fred for what you do for these kitties.
This was heart wrenching, and I am so sorry for your and Fred’s loss. Natalie was special. She knew you loved her and her kittens, and she knew you did all you could, which is what you and Fred always do for your fosters.
Robyn, Sweet Angel Natalie knew nothing but Love and good food and treats until she passed over the Rainbow Bridge and gained her Beautiful Rainbow Wings so she can visit her Baby Bo Carmy and you and Fred whenever she pleases <3 <3 <3 Natalie was just to Beautiful for this World and now is at Peace with her other Sweet Baby <3 <3 <3 Love and Hugs to you both and Lots of Kisses to the Sweet Carmy <3 <3 <3 Thank You both for all you do for these Sweet Babies and Natalie was with the right people <3 <3 <3
In floods of tears here reading all this, your words are spot on.
Thank you for relating the difficult and heartbreaking story of Natalie’s last days. She was so sweet and beautiful. I’m glad you have her buried nearby.
I’m so sorry, Robyn and Fred… so very sorry. Sending all things positive your way. Thank you for all you did and do and for sharing it with us. Hugs.
Damn it, this is just so unfair….I can’t imagine the roller coaster you were on Saturday! You couldn’t have loved Natalie more and she knew it, and she knew you did everything for her, and will do the same for Little Carmy.
Rest and take all the time and space you and Fred need to heal. We’ve got you.
I can’t match the eloquence of the earlier comments, but please know how sorry I am. She had the best four months of her life, and while the end was heart-wrenching, she didn’t suffer long and had her adoring humans with her for comfort. Thank you for the effort it took to write this post. Give Carmy an extra million kisses from all of us. Wishing comfort to you and Fred. And sending love to Carmy, whom I’m delighted to hear already has opinions.
I am so sorry to hear of Natalie’s untimely passing; you and Fred did everything you possibly could, and she was grateful to you for it. She knew that you loved her and she loved you dearly. She took your love with her. Rest easy sweet girl, your little boy Carmy is in the best hands. Looking forward to hearing about his progress. ❤️❤️
I am so heartbroken for Fred and you. You have so much love to give and give that love without hesitation.
Natalie was such a special little girl. I don’t know what is about her that made you smile. Maybe it was her big eyes or her sweet expressions, but you couldn’t help but love her immediately.
Knowing you through your posts, I know you did everything possible for Natalie. You gave her love that more than likely she had never experienced in her little life. I grieve for Natalie, Fred, and of course you. You are loved by so many people. We are all grieving with you.
I can’t say anthing more eloquent than the thousands of adoring fans already have, but just wanted you to know how very sorry I am for this heart-breaking loss. I can relate to the struggles and trials and am sending the warmest love and good thoughts your way. It’s your turn to heal, and know we all got you!
Thank you for sharing this with us. It s heartbreaking but you did everything you could for her . Most importantly you gave her so much love ( and Churus ) in her final weeks that she knew how important she was to you and Fred. Carmy is her legacy and she knows she left him in good hands
I will be praying for you and Fred that God helps heal your hearts . You are Angels on this earth who help those in need. Sometimes things don’t work out the way we think they should but Natalie is in God’s arms now running free and eating lots of Churus.
Until you meet again at the ♥️
Thank you so much for sharing Natalie’s harrowing story. I am so sorry for what you, Fred, and that sweet angel went through. She showed up, trusting people and expecting kindness, and for slmost a month you gave her what she needed most: a lifetime’s worth of love and joy.
Holy crap, what a story. What horrible new things to learn about cat pregnancy. (That is NOT a complaint about you telling us, btw. I want to know all you can share, always.) I am so sorry for Natalie and you and Fred. Thank you for loving that girl so much. ❤️ ❤️
Thank you for loving Natalie and Carmy. I’m so sorry. Comfort and peace to you. You did all the right things.
I am so very sad about her loss and send tons of hugs and good mojo to you, Fred and baby Carmy.
Wow! That is both incredible and heartbreaking. Like everyone above said though, you showed Natalie the love like you always do with everything that comes into your yard. ((hugs)) to you and Fred for your caring heart and soul. Take some time to recover and regroup.
You and Fred loved her as much as humanly possible while she was with you and it sure seemed like she soaked up every second of it.
Wow Robyn… So, so sad what has happened. I know Natalie experienced so much love and caring from you and Fred in the short time you shared her with us. This is the heartbreaking side of rescue when things don’t turn out as expected. No doubt you are exhausted with caring for Carmy around the clock. What you do is amazing, and I am so grateful you do what you do, and allow us into your life.
I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing and loving sweet Natalie. Hugs and prayers for you, Fred, and baby Carmy.
I am so sorry for Natalie! She was a sweet little girl! She found you and all the love she needed! How special is that! God rest her sweet little soul.
She was so much loved, poor girl, you did everything you could in her last weeks of a pregnancy that could never end well. She was such an adorable baby herself.
Natalie knew that she was so much loved and cared for by a special mom. I sat at my computer in disbelief and had a good cry. I know a lot has been said, but I just wanted to tell you how precious you are in having taken care of this beautiful girl. Much love to you.
This was so tough to read and I was crying the whole time. I can only imagine what you and Fred went through and the worry and stress..oh my heart breaks for you.
She was so loved and that right there is what matters. THANK YOU for doing what you do. I send BIG hugs right now!
That is absolutely heartbreaking. She was so sweet.
I’m so very sorry. You and Fred did everything you could to care for her and give her a safe and loving foster home. Thank you for all you do for these sweet kittens.
Poor, sweet Natalie. I am so sorry, Robyn.
I’m so sorry about Natalie. She really touched me. You and Fred are the best for all the love and kindness you give.
I feel so sucker punched right now.
Natalie and her kittens deserved to live happy, full lives. I know that its nature and I know that you and everyone tried to help her but it was not meant to be.
Thank you, specifically you and Fred, for giving her the warm, safe home that she deserved if only for a brief time. Full of churu and affections.
I am so truly sorry for the really devastating loss of gorgeous Natalie. My heart goes out to you both and her little one. I am so so sorry!
Thank you for the explanation. It was obviously hard for you to post. Going through that just sounds so heart wrenching. I’m sorry that you and Fred had to go through that but so glad that Natalie had the two of you watching over her and Charmy. Hugs and purrs to you. Be kind to yourselves.
Why didn’t they TELL you they saw a full term kitten, instead of just a vague “we think she’s ready to pop”?
My heart is broken, along with yours. I’ve cried every day since reading that first post Sat morning. As many others have commented, I felt so connected to, and am grieving for Natalie. A cat I never met in person, but felt like I knew. I’d say that’s a tribute to you and the amazing job you do bringing these kitties to life for all of us who follow you!
Thank you for sharing her story, as difficult as it was to tell. I’m relieved to know she had you and Fred there to help her navigate thru that awful experience. And though the outcome wasn’t what we wanted, I’m comforted knowing she wasn’t alone. And I’m sure that made it much less frightening for her too. You showed her what it was like to be pampered, loved and cared for, and that’s all any of us can do.
You have a gift Robyn, and as hard as it must be sometimes, you’re providing such a wonderful and needed loving, caring, soft spot to land for so many of these previously unwanted kitties! You bring out the best in them and showcase their unique, and oftentimes quirky personalities and traits.
You make us want to adopt each one of these mama’s and their babies and give them forever homes! I hope to be one of your adoptors one day, all the way from Minnesota, once my 19 1/2 YO kitty is no longer with me. For the past 41 years I’ve always had a kitty in my house and I just can’t imagine not having one (or two!).
Thank you for all you do for the kitties!
Take care,
Theresa S.
Yes, that was a hard read, and I so appreciate that you shared. I have learned so much from you over the years that enable me to care better for my clowder, and in hopes that I will be fostering when I retire.
And as hard as it was to read, I’m sure it was so very much harder to live through. The work you do makes you an angel on earth to me. I’m so grateful that Natalie was so loved in her short life – Churu and all. And I’m sorry you’re left with the heartbreak.
You (and Fred) are heroes. Glad you have the auction to distract you this week, and I’ll look forward to updates on Carmy when you’re back.
I am still so heartbroken over this, and for you and Fred. I know very well how you are feeling, unfortunately. Prayers for peace and comfort from my heart to both of yours.
Laurie
My deepest condolences to you and your husband. You did everything you could. Natalie was very loved. I am sure she is watching over her little Carmy. May she rest in peace across the rainbow bridge!
I can’t match the eloquence of the commenters above, so I’ll echo. Natalie absolutely knew love and kindness every single second she was with you and Fred, and I have no doubt she appreciated it mightily. What happened is absolutely horrifying (good lord, shudder), but her perfect little brown tabby son is in the best of hands. *offers ever so many hugs*
oh my cod!! my mum iz crying uncontrollably! we r so sorry fur your loss. we were waiting fur natalies big day to arrive. she was such a beautiful little girl. are hearts are broken that she is not there to raise her little baby but we know that you will.
I am so sad for you, Fred, and Natalie. That little Girl was loved during her time with you and she knew it. I am writing this with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes
I speak for everyone, that we all loved Natalie. How could we not. Every time I saw her, I fantasized flying out to your house and scooping her up to bring her California. She was one of a kind. I spent my weekend thinking about that sweet girl. I am so sorry !!
Oh Robyn. What a heartbreaking situation. I hope you hear and believe so many of us when we say you did everything right. You went above and beyond for Natalie (as you always do) and even though you did everything right, you still ended up with a broken heart. Thank you for being such a champion for Natalie and for trusting your gut instincts and for doing everything you could think to do to try to give this sweet girl the happy ending she deserved. I truly believe you changed her life in the time she was with you and although her death was incredibly tragic and unfair, that doesn’t change the fact that you are a gift. To her, to us, to the 30 other mama cats who have been lucky enough to find their way to you and Fred. Please take all the time you need to grieve and remember this beautiful girl. You were, by far, the best chapter in her story. Thank you for that.
Thank you for steeling yourself to write this heartbroken, heart-wrenching account, Robyn. I am gutted for you and Fred. Thank you for giving Natalie a lifetime’s worth of love, joy, and delight in the time you two shared. May the earth rest lightly on your valiant girl and may her little one thrive.
Norbie sends his love to the best foster mama and dad around
Awwwwww… How sweet! I remember Norbert was an orphan boy too! I know Carmy is in good hands with Robyn and Fred. I was anxious all weekend not knowing the story. I know it was hard for Robyn to write, but I’m relieved to see Carmy got a good start of colostrum from his brave mama Natalie. I hope Carmy can find his Khaleesi and an awesome Cat Mom, like you are for Norbie.
Thanks- I know he is the sweetest boy because of growing up where and how he did. Let’s hope there is a litter Carmy can get smuggled into.
So very, very sorry.
Thank you Robyn for writing all this for us, definitely a tough read so it must have been a lot tougher to write. So very very sorry that it hadn’t a better ending.
I knew cats could have more than one father figure shall we say but I’d no idea there could be two different term kittens carried at once.
I doubt there’s an answer to this l, but had the vets a month ago explained they saw a full term kitten in there would it have been a better result?
You’ve given Natalie my dad’s anniversary as her birthday.
She was so so young.
I wish I was able to write up her story some way to encourage spaying and neutering, if I feel able may I have permission please?
Bless you and Fred, what a traumatic time
It’s beautiful how you stayed with her exactly as she needed and wanted.
You two had a lovely bonding.
Enjoy helping her beautiful and perfect little boy and take good care of yourselves. Xx
Thank you so much, Robyn and Fred, for loving and caring for Natalie. She was such a sweet girl and I’m so glad she got to spend time with you.
I can hardly see to type through tears. I’m so sorry this happened. We’ve raced to the emergency vet a few times — like being punched in the gut, no warning. Hugs to you and Fred and Carmy and all the permanent residents too.
So much love to you and Fred.
Hugs to you and Fred. I just can’t imagine your pain. I don’t think I can bring home another cat. My two males like each other but we never could get them to accept my sister’s two males (too many alphas). BUT if I could adopt Carmy when the time is right, his new name would be Miracle. Full name would be Natalie’s Miracle.
So very, very sad.
But you gave her the loving home she wanted, if only for a few weeks.
Best wishes with little Carmy.
We are so sorry to read this. She certainly was able to know she was loved. Purrayers to sweet baby Carmy and all who loved Natalie.
I am so sorry. Robyn and Fred, my thoughts are with you, and I hope you take all the time and space that you need, in order to begin healing after this sad loss. <3
Thank you for taking the time to share how Natalie left us. After crying for a while, I decided to pledge $50 to set up a fund in her honor for spaying and intervention with the pregnancies that could lead to death. Now we know an expecting mother who is over due needs intervention. I treasure her memories and I am grateful for all the love and care you offered her. You are a remarkable foster mother.
Thank you for telling us the story. I believe that life worked out in Natalie’s favor in that she was the only cat with you for that month so that she could have all the attention and love she craved and needed. You did it big and right for her. Thanks.
Thank you for letting us share even the sad parts of this beautiful kittie’s life. May the blessings you give these cats and kittens be returned to you 7 times over. You help us all believe that there is still good in the world.
I keep looking at those pictures of Natalie cuddling with her baby and it helps. A little.
Sweet, sweet girl.
Natalie was lucky to have you and Fred, as has been every cat and kitten you have ever fostered.
Thank you for all you do, right down to pulling yourself together to write this sad story when you must be running on fumes.
Please know how much you and Fred are appreciated.
Bibi sends healing puppy kisses, with some extra good vibes to Carmy.
I started reading this before work and had to stop or I wouldn’t have been able to drive to work. Tears were streaming down my face and still are as I have now read the entire story. The pain and grief you and Fred went through can’t even be measured. Natalie was such a bright light….I looked so forward to seeing her everyday when I got home. She knows her baby is in the best hands.This is hard to even accept that she is gone. Please know we are all thinking about you.
This is just devastating. What happened must be incredibly, incredibly rare, right? I know cats can get pregnant at different times, but I always assumed it had to be rather close together, not weeks apart? What typically happens when some kittens are full term and the others aren’t, but they were still conceived more closely together? It’s just a miracle that baby Carmy was able to survive with a month old kitten stuck inside Natalie. What a horrible, tragic situation.
I had a hard time stopping my crying. I was really attached to her, maybe because she resembled my cat. So sorry that this happened
I am so very sorry for the loss of sweet Natalie. She was fortunate to be so loved and well-cared-for by you and Fred. I feared she had passed giving birth and was heartened to learn that she had the opportunity to briefly be a mama to Carmy. Thank you for always caring for all the kitties.
What a difficult situation you went through with her! So sorry it turned out so tragically. I know that she was well cared for, and loved, and I think the fact that she wanted you right beside her during labor means that she loved you, beyond any doubt. What a sweetie she was! So glad that Carmy made it, and keeping fingers crossed he will be able to blend in with a foster mama somewhere so he won’t be an only kitten for long. Until then, may caring for him be healing for you. We’ll be here waiting for you when you feel like writing again. And thank you for taking the time and emotional effort to share the story with us.
Thank you, Robyn, for sharing what happened to sweet Natalie. I’m so glad she had you – a seasoned foster mama who sensed that something wasn’t right and did everything possible to help her. There is no way you could have known what the reality was. Like others have said, what matters most is that she knew how much she was loved by you, from all the snuggles and Churu and toys that you showered on her, plus she got to have you all to herself. That made her last days very happy ones, indeed. I so wish it could have turned out differently for her and for you. I will really miss seeing her pretty little face when I check in here. Please give yourself whatever time you need to heal from this. We’ll wait.
We read about little Natalie on Gidget’s blog and wanted to come by and pay our respects. It is such a sad story but we are thankful for all the love she had during her time with you. WE are sending lots of soft purrs for her little boy to grow big and strong.
Purrs,
The Chans of The Poupounette
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart broke even more when I saw her birth date – she was still basically a baby herself. At least she can rest easy knowing her little one is being well cared for.
I am just so sorry. You and your husband are the best of people to do so much for these little creatures. You could never have known what was going on so please take care of yourselves and of little Carmy too . Thank you for everything.
Just commenting again to say I have looked at the photos on this post each day it’s been available, today as well, and just appreciated Natalie and how pretty she was and what a good few weeks she had with you. I have been thinking of you and Fred often Robyn over these few days, and hoping you’re finding ways to comfort yourself, and hope Carmy is remaining healthy and giving you a little bit of Natalie to care for and feel close to!
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of dear little Natalie. She was such a wonderful little kitty, and she will be greatly missed. But rest assured that you and Fred did everything you could for her, and that you showered her with love and affection (and treats!) for the time you had with her. You gave her a safe place to live where she knew she was dearly loved. That’s such a wonderful thing! <3
Oh my….my eyes filled with tears. Bless her little self. I do believe God gives us who we need. She needed you. Not only was she well cared for and loved by you, but she knows (I believe all animals go to heaven as they are sinless) you will care for her wee one. You were the one she needed and God’s blessing to her. She can RIP knowing Carmy is safe.