I never imagined that life with a cat whose time is limited could be so heartbreaking,
so precious,
and so full of love.
About two months ago, my cat Maro was given a terminal diagnosis.
The vet said he might not even make it through a month.
But here he is, still holding on two months later.
You Don’t Have to Wait at the Rainbow Bridge
Many of you may know the story of the Rainbow Bridge—
a place just before heaven where pets wait for their beloved humans to arrive.
But I’ve always felt that cats are independent spirits.
They eat when they want, seek affection on their terms, and in the blink of an eye, their mood can completely change.
That’s just who they are.
I wouldn’t be surprised if, once Maro’s gone, he forgets all about me in a week.
Cats will likely continue to live freely even after death—
going wherever they please,
sleeping wherever they like,
and bonding with the people they’re drawn to.
Lately, I’ve been saying to Maro:
“You don’t have to wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge.”
I want her to live freely and fully in the afterlife—just like the cat he’s always been.
A Cat Who Loves People
About once a year, I leave Maro at a pet hotel inside our regular vet clinic.
I trust the staff completely, and Maro is quite fond of them too.
When I come to pick her up, she’s often more attached to the nurses than to me.
They always say,
“She doesn’t really love the hospital. She just loves people.”
I imagine that after she passes, she won’t be waiting around for me.
If she finds someone kind nearby, she’ll probably curl up next to them without a second thought.
And honestly, I hope that’s the case.
I’d much rather she be happy than lonely, waiting for me in sadness.
I want Maro will be Happy, and Forgets Me
I actually want Maro to forget about me completely.
If she’s finally free from her physical body,
I hope she finds so much happiness on the other side that she forgets her old life in just three days.
Cats don’t remember what happened yesterday.
They don’t care what tomorrow brings.
Especially Maro—she’s always been carefree like that.
So when her time comes, I hope she forgets her earthly life and simply enjoys each moment as it comes.
A Cat Who Climbs Onto My Lap
Whenever I sit on the sofa,
Maro struggles with her weak legs, doing her best to climb up and settle on my lap.
Even though I tell myself not to help her,
that it’s good rehab for her,
I always end up giving her a hand.
He’s still my cat, for now.
So when he wants to be on my lap,
I let her cuddle as much as she wants.
Talking to Others About Pet Loss
I receive messages almost every day from customers seeking advice on pet loss.
I’ve always known that someday, I’d have to say goodbye to my own cats too.
I thought I was prepared for it.
But when the moment actually comes,
it brings a kind of sorrow and pain that words can’t quite express.
So now, I want to make the most of the time we have left together.