7-24-04 -- Heartbreak. Our beloved littlest kitty, Li'l Bette, passed away suddenly overnight. I noticed she was sick late last night & put her in a heated cat bed in her own room. I got up early to take her to the vet, but she'd already gone to the other side. She was only 13 mos. old.

The autopsy indicated she had heart disease, which our vet said is common in cats & that there's nothing I could have done to prevent it or save her. Heart murmurs & arythmia aren't always apparent & it can build up undetected, creating blood clots throughout the body until it becomes a gravely serious state.

Bette was a super-affectionate loving cat who adored your company & attention. She'd often try to keep me up at night so I could keep petting her. She'd gently bite my ear or nose if I stopped. I'd have to hide my hands under the covers so she'd stop pushing her face into them & let me sleep.

At the computer desk she'd jump into my lap & if I was busy & had to put her down, she'd jump right back up until I gave in & let her stay. I miss her soo much. She was very very special, like her namesake, my Aunt Bette.

Her 4 brothers, Comet, Guinness, Finnegan & Lil' Nate, & mom, Luna, seem fine, although there are some weight issues going on (Comet is also known as "Shamu"). I hope they & all the cats at CR!FR don't carry heart disease.

Hug your sweeties every day.