Happy Holidays from Zee & Zoey’s Cat Connection 2025
Zoey always loved the holidays—especially the warmth of the Christmas tree’s lights.
It’s the holidays, and I’m trying very hard to manage the pain amongst the joy. I miss my beloved Zoey so much. I’ve been living in relative denial, not truly believing her last breath was taken in my arms, the late evening of November 19. But something simple—pulling out the Christmas stockings, each one embroidered with my cat’s name, was a harsh jolt that she’s not with me. I carry the sadness in my heart every moment of the day. Still, I’m trying to be grateful for what I have—my dear family, friends, Dan, and my remaining clowder—Mia, Peanut, Rolz, Kizmet, Jazmine, and Shadow.
I’m sorry if I’ve brought anyone down. I’m just speaking the truth of my heart. But I didn’t want the day to pass without letting you know how blessed I am to have you all as part of Zee and Zoey’s Cat Connection. Take care, Happy Holidays, and see you next year.
Sending you warm hugs and love as you experience this first Christmas after having to let Zoey go. Your grief is still so fresh and raw! I lost Ruby a week before Christmas, and Buckley Thanksgiving weekend, so I’m all too familiar with that “first Christmas without” pain. Be gentle with yourself, this won’t be a Christmas like all the others. I wish for you that maybe there will be a few glimmers of relief when you can remember a sweet moment with Zoey as you go through today.
I understand your feelings. “Firsts without” are always difficult. I hope all the good memories helps you through your sadness. Have a blessed Christmas.
Many of us join you in these feelings of the ups and downs, the ins and outs, yet we must somehow keep moving forward. In 1843, Charles Dickens wrote in “A Christmas Carol” : “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.” This has become my goal each year!
We understand completely, we are missing so many ourselves; our feral girl left us in November and I was devastated to lose a cat I could never even pet … Sending purrs and wishing you peace and comfort.
Though many are celebrating, many more are not. I also have many bittersweet memories of past times with loved ones, feline and human, who are now up there with Zoey, watching over their loved ones in a much, much better place than this earth. My last human friends here locally are leaving the country within days, and I will miss them terribly. But it’s said that we should not be sad for our losses, but find comfort and joy in the fact that we had all of the love and sharing with loved ones whom we WILL meet again in due time.
May cherished memories bring comfort and joy to you and may you all have a blessed Christmas.
((((hugs))) Deb, I completely understand, as I think all of us do who have lost beloved pets. Those “firsts” as you know, are horrific. I hope you can find some joy in this most beautiful holiday. Love from all of us!
Merry Christmas from all of us at Brian’s Home ~ Forever!
I so understand. I lost my 24 toed polydactyl on November 14, but he brought me another rescue on November 10. I truly believe he did this because he knew he’d be leaving me. Still really broke my heart. I was with him to the very end. . . Prayers and blessings on your loss. Merry Christmas. . . 💔🌈🎄❄
Sending you hugs. I understand. XO
We feel what we feel, be gentle with yourself.
I pray you’ve had a blessed and beautiful Merry Christmas.
Sending you hugs and gentle purrs, Deb. As Mimi said, please be gentle with yourself.
Sharing feelings and what is at your core needs no apologies, you are here in a place of warmth and friendship and understanding. There is no calendar or time table for your loss … gentle hugs to you Deb and holiday blessings to all in your life and home.
I feel for you. I lost my dad in mid-September and one of my kitties December 17. I was already sniffling then I saw your posting so I’m sniffling even more. My girl was 17. My daughter said “she was a forgotten street cat and you guys gave her 17 years of love”. One of our friends said sometimes it’s harder with a pet than a person and my awesome (again) daughter said “It is, becasue they’re right there with you every single day. They share your home, your bed….” The vet that helped my girl pass said that you wouldn’t believe tha number of pets that pass at Christmas time. I still have her littermate sister. It’s worse for me at night since we had rituals – they’d get their wet food before bedtime, then she’d cuddle with my husband while I finished getting ready for bed, she’d get under the covers with us for a few minutes then come out and cuddle with me. So now I cry myself to sleep most nights. Yes, I still have her sister, and yes, I will rescue another (probably an adlut/senior since they’re mostly over looked) and no she’d not the first I’ve lost….. but it’s still raw right now. Sending my love……
Hugs to you as we enter this year. you have so many precious memories. Yes at first they really hurt, but eventually they are a source of comfort, remembering all the wonderful time you had together, short as they may have been, because, well, they’re never long enough. 🥰