So.
If you follow me on social media you may already know this but I had to take a few days to recover enough to tell you on here that sweet Hunter S. Thomcat has gone to the great rainbow bridge in the sky to eat unlimited churros forever.
He’d lost control of his lower body over the last year and this weekend he got to the point where he had more bad days than good and the vet said it was time. I flew home in time to say goodbye and cried so much that my eyes literally swelled shut. But then I was like, “Okay, deep breath, I’m lucky I had 14 years with him because even though he was our youngest cat that is still a long life for a kitty and I’m going to be okay” and then Ferris Mewler was like, “HOLD MY BEER” and immediately started acting weird and losing weight and doing that hunchy-back thing that cats do when they feel crappy. So we just got back from the vet who was like, “Look, we’ll do our best, but this cat is old, bro” and scheduled him for a bunch of tests this week and then I was like, “I have another cat who is 19?” and she was like, “Can I offer you a group rate on caskets?”
She didn’t really say that last part but if I don’t make myself laugh I am going to start crying again and my eyes can’t take it.
I also feel a little like I’m failing because the first weeks your new book comes out are so important and I should be blogging about it and telling you all my funny book tour stories but I am too sad to do it today so can you just pretend that I said something that made you go, “OMG, what excellent marketing, Jenny! I need 129 copies immediately” and I promise that in a few days when I feel a little better I will make it up to you.
This is where I should put a somber black and white in-memoriam picture of Hunter but instead I want to celebrate how much silly joy he gave me and everyone else and so I’m sharing this collage of him and Ferris that I shared on this blog 14 years ago this very week.
Thank you, sweet Hunter, for being my heart cat. I miss you.
I’m so sorry to hear this. Hugs
I’m so sorry, Jenny. Big hugs from up north. XXOO
Oh, this is so horrible. I’m really, really sorry.
Oh, man. The loss of a pet is always so tough. It’s been one year since my sweet LBD ascended. Bless
Sending you all the love and wine slushies right now, Jenny. Your book marketing will take care of itself. There’s never a good time for them to leave us, but it seems like your kitties are going to absolutely pick the worst time because they’re your cats and it wouldn’t work any other way. Thanks for reposting the pick of Ferris licking Hunter with the grossest blindfold ever, that made me smile and today is mondaying really hard. I’m hugging my fuzzballs extra for you today.
Agh, you made me cry and laugh, and cry again. Hunter, please say hi to Thaddeus.
I’m so sorry, Jenny. I was gonna try and help with the book thing by pointing out that I finished it yesterday and absolutely loved it and there was a story you told about Hunter in it that reminded me of my dog, Ella, but now I don’t remember what chapter it was in and I had the e-book so I can’t go find it and that sounds so like something you would do that I figured I’d tell it anyway. ::hugs::
I just bought a copy of “How to be OK” At Charm City Books in Baltimore and read it on the plane home.
Hugs. Losing our fur friends is really hard.
And your book is really good. 🫂
So sorry!!! Also. I LOVE your latest book; it came at the exact right time in my life. And I have enjoyed seeing you on TV. You are doing amazing!
I’m crying. Of course. It is so damned hard to love somebody so much that you have to let them go. But you are so right – it’s worth it. We’ve all taken joy and laughed as you’ve shared your fur-kids with us, thank you.
p.s. one of the best tributes I’ve cried through is on a vlog Camper Vibe. They lost their beloved AJ and did a whole video post called The Dog that Lived. It really shared their joy and his adventures, and is a wonderful tribute. And when you cry as you watch it, it brings you joy, and loosens the tear dams. Given all you’ve shared with Hunter and Ferris and Dorothy and just everybody, just know that your words (and your brilliance with them) has made them more loved than you can know.
All the love Jenny. Our fur babies are the most lovable things it’s so hard to lose them.
I’m so sorry. Losing furbabies is so hard. I loved your book and sent a copy to my daughter. I will hug my cat and send kind thoughts to you. Sending many hugs.
Biggest hugs from a fellow cat mom 💚💚💚💚💚 So very sorry
My heart aches for you … and revisiting the sorrow from the goodbyes to all my own previous cat-children.
i am so very sorry that your heart is hurting.
I’m so sorry. 💔 I’ve been following you long enough to remember your choosing their names! Which also means whatever your marketing timing I will always want to buy 149 copies of your books. (And I’ve already read this latest one and deeply appreciated it because it was very good timing for me.) Take all the time you need.
Big hugs, I never met HST but I feel like I knew HST <3
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how it hurts.
This is so sad and so goddam inevitable that we have to see our beloved cats get old and die. And we choose to do this over and over again, because of the love and joy. I’m very sorry.
I’m so very sorry to hear this. I lost my kitty Ivy on the first of this month. She was just days short of 11. She had been with me since she was just a few weeks old, really too young to be away from her mama so I guess I sort of became that for her in some way. She was bonded to me like glue and the feeling was mutual. I’m still grieving and missing her every day.
I know your pain must be far beyond mine and I can’t even imagine what it’s like. You’ll be in my heart in the coming days. ❤️
I’m so sorry. Last year this happened to me with losing both of my dogs few months apart. It’s rough as hell.
My heart is just broken for you. It’s so hard to lose our pets, they are our babies. Big Hugs!
Oh Jenny, I am so very sorry. Sending you so much love.❤️❤️❤️❌❌❌
Oh Jenny. My heart breaks for you. I recently went through almost the exact same thing with my cats, so I know how you, your heart and your eyes are feeling. Please know there is no time limit on grief, and as my therapist said to me “The weight of your grief shows the depth of your love.” Many, many hugs from Colorado.
I’m so glad you have been surrounded by such joy over your book. You needed that extra flow of love to get through this incredibly painful moment. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Hunter was such a quirky orange boy. Thank you for sharing him with us and I’m so sorry for the loss.
I remember when you got Hunter. I liked it so much I got myself an orange male cat too, and now he is also the oldest animal in the house, even though chronologically he isn’t. What’s up with these orange male cats getting elderly at 14??? I fully expect to be in your position in the next year. The cat I had when I was in middle school was almost 20 before she was this “old”. Anyhoo, I think this is the best marketing for your book because it makes us all remember how much we need your book all the time. Hugs from Cali. And don’t you all come at me, I live in Cali, my kid was born here and we both call it Cali. 😆
My deepest heartfelt condolences on your loss
So sorry. 💚🌱
I’m so very sorry. The solace that I take when my furry family members go on ahead is that I think I mostly did my best, there were times I wish I did better, that I will love them forever and I pray that they’re together, on the other side. There, they are healthy and filled with joy, they know that they’re loved and I will hopefully earn my way to be where they are when it’s my time. I think we travel with those we love – no matter how many legs they have. Love is eternal, beyond time, beyond dimensions. My dad passed last year and I think he made a beeline for the animals (hopefully he acknowledged his mother while greeting the animals). Maybe all of this reads as bonkers but, I ask him and the animals to watch over us when we are out. If Heaven is real, it no doubt teems with animals as they have pure souls, even/especially the ornery ones. Wishing you peace of mind, heart and spirit and to be blessed with cornucopia of happy, funny, heart warming memories. 🐾💜
I’m so sorry, Jenny. I know it never seems like enough time. But your cats have a great life with you, as evidenced by their longevity. I know that doesn’t really make it hurt less, but I have to try! I already bought my copy of the new book, so marketing achieved!
You already gave the people what they wanted, you owe nobody nothing. Focus on you, family, loss of beloved kitties. You’re already everywhere on shelves if they need you. YOU need you.
I’m crying because I feel so sad for you. Please take all the time you need… we’ll be ok and reading your book until you get back. RIP dear sweet kitty 😽
😥
So sorry Jenny. And don’t worry about your book. It’s so awesome it’s taking good care of itself. You take all the time you need to grieve.
I’m so sorry for your heartbreak. I know the torment added to heartbreak when you have to pre-grieve the loss of an ill fur-kid while freshly grieving one who literally just left for the ’bridge. ((💔))
Oh, Jenny . . . my heart hurts for you.
So very sorry for your loss. My sweet orange 18 year old boy crossed the rainbow bridge this time last year and our 19 year old girl is having some dental issues now. There is just never enough time with them.
I’m so sorry, Jenny. I was thinking the other day about how many cats I’ve had and it’s a LOT, but it never gets any easier when they pass. We have 14 currently and it doesn’t matter how much work they are or how obnoxious they can be sometimes, I still dread the day when any of them leave us. I hope you can take some comfort in the fact that you’ve given all your pets an amazing home with lots of love. Big hugs to you. ❤️
Every time I thought of you and Hunter over the weekend it wrecked me. The hardest part of loving anything is saying goodbye. May he come back to haunt you in spectacular ways when your heart is ready for it. Big big love during this suckiest time (I said goodbye to my Mo 10 days ago and get the wind knocked out of me when I think I see/hear her and then remember….. May we never forget the level of joy they brought us. Also, loved the book and can’t stop telling everyone to buy it.
Hugs and love. I’m so sorry.
I’m so sorry Jenny. 💜
Some of the most difficult times in my life were when I had to hold my pet at the end. It’s a bond unlike any other.
Thank you for telling us and for sharing the collage of him and Ferris. ❤️
Oh Jenny, I am so sorry. I remember when he and Ferris came home. I remember when Rollie was the still on your blog page sitting on your toweled head. These cats have so much personality and have been such cherished family members (to you, and through you, to us). Thank you for sharing their lives with us, we are blessed for it. All the laps and catnip for the kitties across the rainbow bridge. We will miss him.
Dear Jenny – we don’t follow you to be someone you aren’t. While I’m sure that the pressure of a book launch is immense, we would never believe that you could lose Hunter and still be all “a new book, whee!” Thank you for being honest, open, and you – that’s why we’re here and why you resonate with so many people. <3 And my condolences, losing a loved one, fur or not, is so very hard.
Sending you so much love, Jenny. May his memory be a blessing.
I am so very sorry, Jenny.
When we brought a new kitten in to her first vet appointment, the vet who had dealt with (and, unfortunately, had to put down one of our other cats) said, “Well, here comes another heartbreak!”.
It is true. We adopt them, we love them and then we have to do the right thing and give them a comfortable send-off when it’s time But it is heartbreaking.
Will we do it again? Absolutely!
Sending you hugs and thoughts and try to remember the good life he had with you!
Oh, so sad. I feel terrible for your loss. Poor kitty and poor you. I am so glad you got to be there to say goodbye. We just have to love and enjoy our fur babies while we have them.
Losing pets is the hardest! 😭 Two at once?! Noooo! Thank you for the grossest blind fold even! Lol. Much sympathy. ❤️🩹
They aren’t with us long enough, EVER.
Oh Jenny, we’re so sorry to hear this.
Thank you for giving them joy, care, and love! Sending lots of love.
So so sorry for your loss Jenny. We have lost family members like this, and it’s broken our hearts every time. So worth it, I agree!
I am so very sorry for your loss! My heart is breaking for you!
I think I was reading your blog already when all these kitties came home. I’m so sorry for your loss. I feel like I always have to say, when somebody lets go of a very senior pet, “you did the right thing,” because somehow, when it happens to me, no matter the circumstances, a piece of me always wonders if I was wrong. But you really did do the right thing for this kitty. A very, very well-loved kitty.
We lost two very special cats in the space of a month last year and I’m not sure I’ll ever fully get over it. There will be (and are) other cats, but never those two. If grief shared is grief halved, you should feel some comfort.
So very sorry 💔
My heart goes out to you and your family, Jenny. It is just too hard to lose these sweet little beings. Nothing ever fills that kitty sized hole they each leave in our lives. But I wish you comfort and peace and may your happy memories sustain you through this grief. HUGS❤️🩹
Pet illness and death sucks so bad. I was sad to see your post about Hunter and I hope Ferris hangs in there!
My little orange guy is only five but he was diagnosed with aggressive lymphoma and we’ve been going THROUGH IT. He has a stress induced UTI right now and a bunch of extra medications to take that are all counterintuitive because the antibiotic side effects are exactly what we DON’T need while we’re trying to get more calories and fluids in him.
We had an *incident* last night where I was crumbling pieces of chicken pops into little chicken breadcrumbs to coat his pill pocket. He went for the same piece I was crumbling, chomped full force, and my finger became collateral damage.
I was crying, blood was gushing, chicken crumbs were everywhere, and his brother decided he had to avenge me and attack.
Two puncture wounds and one 3:15 doctor’s appointment for (human) antibiotics later, I am positive that we have to find the humor in these situations so we don’t spend every day as a puddle.
I’ve been following you for ages and faced my fear of traveling alone on public transportation to attend your reading & signing in New York when Furiously Happy was released.
Your honesty and relatability IS excellent marketing.
I’ll be buying the new book and sending you and all the furry family members positive thoughts!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have loved following their antics over the years. You have done the right thing for their comfort and dignity. <3
So very sorry for you! Your wonderful pets and stories about them always make me laugh. I lost my cat when he was 17, it doesn’t matter how long they make it – you always want more!
No, no please not Ferris too. It’s so devastating when they get old. Though because of your care, it’s WHY they were able to get old.
Hugs and kindness.
Love the pics; thanks for sharing your besties with us, alive and not.
I know that through you he was unconditionally loved and cared for. May his memory be a blessing.
I am so sorry and I feel your pain. Our supersenior SallieMae is 19.5 and she keeps making reservations for the rainbow bridge and then canceling them. It’s so tough on your heart. I am commiserating, laughing and crying with you. Today is my dad’s 96th birthday and it’s also snowing. Hopefully you at least don’t have snow to deal with.
Omigosh, we’ve all loved your kitties along with you through all the years. They’re your posse (pusse? Pisse?) and always will be, no matter here or over the bridge. Maybe they need to be together rather than go over alone. You may not have them but you’ll have us. (And we’ll always have Paris. [Sorry…]) Our hearts are with you.
I initially read that as being asked “Can I offer you a group rate on CATskets?”
Hugs
Oh Jenny. That is all too much, too hard. No words other than I’m sorry, we love you, all we-your-people are sending cat-shaped love balloons your way.
(I was ok til I read your last sentence. Now I’m crying with you. 😢😘)
I hope that you get yourself a kitten because they are so many who need love and care when my first cat went she was 19 my children got me twins black cat Millie and Vanillie( yes the group who pretend singing) boy and girl the female past away last year she was 14 years old the male was not very bright urinated every where and died at 12 years old by eating géranium told you not very bright and my daughter brought a another kitten who is 5 now her name is Maude from Maud and Harold the movie extremely good that movie so I didn’t have time to cry really because for the one who left me and honestly they are so many cats who are unhappy specifically senior cats they are less work than a kitten it just a idea you are not replacing Hunter but giving a other chance for a cat to being loved
Pets give you many of the best days of your life and one of the worst. You loved Hunter and that was priceless for both of you. ❤️
I am sorry for your loss.
But to tell you the truth, isn’t this on brand? Who else would have a small corner of their world crumble while a Good Thing happens. For those following you for a while, we understand. You are DOING YOUR BEST. You are giving love to your fur babies when they need it the most. And we understand. I mean, you need to love your human family too, we and they understand.
I am trying to sound supportive but I dont think I am doing very well. But I tried because having multiple different things which require multiple different amounts of attention and care in wildly different ways is something I understand and want to try and send some support.
Sending you so much love. ❤️
Damn. So sorry for you and the rest of the family, furry or otherwise.
I am so sorry about your loss. Our cat Baby passed in 2025. Close to 20 years old. I still miss her.
So sorry for your loss. Hunter was an awesome cat! We never have enough time with them. Sending you love & hugs.♥️
Its the hardest thing about pets. Sending all the warmth and love your way today while you take the time you need. I’m so sorry for your loss and I’m glad you got to say good-bye. ❤️
Losing a cherished pet sucks donkey parts. Remember it’s ok to be not ok. Your book will be fine for a couple days of grief. Take care of yourself.
-Chris
Oh honey. I’m so sorry.
Oh, I’m so sorry about Hunter S. Tomcat. There is never such a thing as too much time with our furry friends.
I feel you with the caskets comment. (We have cardboard boxes set aside for this reason.) We had 7 cats for many years (two cats plus a mother and her 4 kittens). The mother died at 13 years in 2023. One of our others, who was the oldest at the time, died at 15.5 years in 2024. We braced for the inevitable…and now it hasn’t come yet and we still have an 18-year old cat and four 15.5 year old cats. I never thought they’d still be here by now. But as you know, our feline friends can surprise us.
I’m so sorry, Jenny. I’ve been catless for several years, but it still hurts. Bless you for the love you gave them, and you’ll see them again across the Bridge.
Eva
Cats are SO judgmental telling you your butt looks fat in those jeans, why these crappy treats? and don’t even think about giving me affection! Your cat (I was going to write puss but that might have been taken wrong) is now luxuriating in cat heaven, a place where cats can lick themselves silly and get no hairballs. Everyone needs a cat right now with all the turmoil. I hope you have a warm and furry (or even hairless) creature to bring you solace.
So sorry. He brought joy to so many without realizing it! Sending virtual hugs!
Ok, so my sister hired a psychic to talk with our dearly departed dad and the psychic said that he was taking a walk with all our dearly departed animals. How we KNOW this is true, is that dad told the psychic to tell my sister to get me right into the ER because my headache was not just a headache (my brain was exploding from CNS vasculitis). ANYWAY, Hunter S. Tomcat (and whoever else might be joining??) are already with your nonliving loved ones, because the psychic totally said so. ❤️🐈
I absolutely understand the sadness. I grew up a dog person but when Hubs and I moved here to NC, we ended up with our neighbor’s cat as our own. No, we did not steal him, although when we officially took over, I kinda felt that way. Sir Purr (yes, named after the Panthers’ mascot and no, not by us) was super-loved and the grumpiest of grumpy old cats until we lost him to cancer. It was soooooooooooooooo hard to say goodbye but we also knew that he’d lived the best 7 years of his 14-year-life with us. He’s buried in our back yard, and some day when you’re up to it, you should absolutely ask to hear the story about us burying him. It’s got all the drama, tears, sweat (it was AUGUST), and yes, there’s a machete involved. I’m sure if cats can laugh, he’s still giggling at us from over that rainbow bridge.
Oh, I’m so sorry Jenny. I think all of us readers have partially adopted Hunter S. Thomcat through all the stories of him over the years. I can’t imagine what a loss this is for you. Wishing you solace now. Hopefully your memories of his antics/personality over the years will bring smiles in the midst of tears.
They leave a hole in your heart when they’re gone. Hugs and wishing you happy memories to fill that space. We’ll be here when you’re ready.
So very sorry. ❤️❤️
I’m so sad for you Jenny. I’m sorry for such a loss.💔🌈
So very sorry Jenny, I loved seeing his beautiful Ginger body lying all over you…I had four at one point and each loss was as bad as the first. But yes, worth it. Take care of yourself…
Just hugs. And somewhere the universe knew that in order for you to bear this loss , you would have to be in the midst of something truly wonderful like a great reception for your new book.
I lost my kitty a week and a half ago and completely underestimated the reaction his big (usually annoyed with him) brother would have when he didn’t come home from the vet. So we are plodding through this new normal together, without our little white fluffy comic relief. Sending you and your family all the love, and prayers for the big sibs. ♥️
Rest now sweet boy 💗
Anyone who has an animal as a family member knows the pain you are feeling. Big hugs for you; lots of scritches and treats for Dorothy Barker, and the other two kitties, all of whom are in mourning as well.
I’m so sorry, Jenny. Our girl is 16 and has CKD, so every day is a blessing and also anxious. She is also my animal soulmate, so I know how sad you must be. Love to you and your babies.
I’m so sorry Jenny ❤️ just know youve got this sad lady over here in California mourning her heart cat too ❤️ I just slept 36 hours straight because it just hurts so much. So many hugs
❤️ Kailei (the crying girl from HB book signing)
I am so very, very sorry. Losing a fur friend is always hard and it adds to the tornado of emotions that a book tour already is. Thank you for sharing him with us all these years
My heart goes out to you, which would probably be terrifying if that literally occurred, but all comforting phrases are strange. *hugs*
Gosh, so very sorry. Really. I don’t know what else to say, but do want you to know that I grieve with you. Plus, I just read your book (audiobook) today and thought it was swell.
Awww.
I’m crying with you.
Sending love and cosmic kitty woowoo.
💜💔💜
The tribute photos are utterly perfect. May your heart be strong, and may the love your fans and readers have for you somehow lessen your heartache. </3
Is a casket for a cat a catsket?
I hope that makes you laugh. So sorry for your loss. It’s so hard.
I’m so sorry to hear of Hunter’s passing. Our precious fur babies are never with us long enough. Take care.
I’m sorry. As a vet, I know you did the right thing. As a human, this hurts like hell. Wishing you all the best memories.
I’m so sorry, losing a pet is terrible and I feel your pain. My heart is with you.
Also, it should be cat-skets, not caskets.
So sorry for your loss. I know the pain too well.It’s amazing how much joy a cat brings to your life. Your next book should include stories of them both that will leave us all rlooing on the floor laughing. I just finished your new book and can’t wait for another. Love you and all the lives you save by just being you and letting me know I am not alone in my crazy.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s the worst when you’re the one who has to make the decision. And a sense of peace when they’re at peace. Smooches.
This hits so hard, especially when you have a pack of old characters who defined/managed/micromanaged/bossed the household for so long. Take good care of yourself, they’d want that.
Ferris is probably grieving too for his buddy. So sorry