Today as I was checking out at the grocery store, (I had 38 cans of cat food) the woman who was checking me out said she missed having a cat. Then she told me that her cat had been eaten by a bobcat.
I live in an area that is suburban but pocketed with State Parks, wild areas, large semi rural patches of orchards, and horse property, and a lot of urban wildlife. My own home backs up to a wildlife area full of bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, possums, hawks, eagles, foxes, and who know what else.
When I arrived home my cats begged for me to let me out but I wouldn’t. Sunset will be here soon and I can’t risk it. As it is, I don’t let them go outside unless my 96 pound German Shepard Dog is out there with them.
The grief we feel for the loss of a pet is real. It is something we all share, at least that is if we have any bit of humanity in us.
Before my stop at the grocery store I was visiting with Eleora and Tellias, who are old. They’re ancient.
I’m mentioned how the young people in my family haven’t seen Eleora for a while. Tellias said, “let them remember her in happier times. She isn’t who she used to be anymore.”
Loss and grief are a frequent subject here. It shouldn’t be, but just when we think we’re making strides and everything is good, and everyone is good, and we’re all working on being our best, whatever that is, and trying… and most of all just caring and loving… then the bottom drops out.
And I just want to shut down.
What I’ve learned is to remember the love. Remember the times you laughed, and danced, and had adventures, and learned from each other.
Eleora sat in a blanket, as Tellias was outside picking up some branches that had fallen during the last storm. She wasn’t wearing anything except a sweatshirt. I asked her if she wanted pants. Then I asked her if she wanted me to get a skirt and some tights or leggings for her, because she rarely has ever worn pants. She looked at me as if I’d asked her if anyone had brought in the mail. It wouldn’t have mattered what I’d said. By the time Tellias came back in I’d already dressed Eleora.
Tellias and I talked for a while. He gave me a hug. Then Eleora perked up and said she wanted me to take them to the art museum soon. And I will do that.
I doubt if she’ll remember she asked, but a trip might cheer her up and maybe get some of the rusty file cabinets in her brain loosened up.
Now I’m at home feeling lost and grieving over more than Eleora, or the impending loss of my old cat, or…
That is neither here nor there.
Hold on tight to those you have shared memories with, and those you love. Now go check on your dogs and cats.
Stay safe out there.
~ Juliette aka Vampire Maman
Vampire Maman 
I like how you take care of Tellias and Eleora.
However, there’s one thing at the beginning that doesn’t let go of my thoughts and doubts… that lady who told you her cat was eaten by a bobcat. I think, she made that up. I heard Mountain Lions, even Florida Pumas, Kojotes, bears, wolves, yes… on occasion they have a meal with a housecat that roams their way. But most of them don’t bother, housecats are quite hard to catch, if they’re on high alert. But a bobcat?
A bobcat is barely bigger than my Jake was, and it’s extremely unlikely it will go after a cat. However… I have heard of people making the mistake to try and feed wild bobcats. BAD CHOICE! A bobcat will come back to get more food. Then the stupid people have bobcats roaming the neighborhood and if they’re hungry enough, might climb the fence and go after small dogs and cats, if they can catch them.
So, I think, my doubts are justified with what the lady told you.
All of the bobcats I’ve seen around here are catching mice, small birds, and squirrels. The bobcats are big – up to 35 pounds. The ones I’ve seen up close are twice the size of a large house cat. I wouldn’t recommend anyone feeding bobcats or coyotes. It is also more likely that a lot of cats and other pets are killed by dogs that get loose. It is sad no matter what.
I agree. Sad.