In Memory of Zach the Cat

Well, today was a rather traumatic day in the Nahid home. Our cat, Zach (in the above picture with Abraham), suddenly passed away this morning while playing with our other cat Pumpkin. My husband watched the entire thing and was astounded. The boys and I were gone to visit my sister and her family in eastern Kentucky when it all transpired. He was playing one minute, totally fine, and the next, my husband heard a weird sound in his throat and then he was totally lifeless. Poor Pumpkin was pawing at him and licking him to get up, but he wouldn't. It was then that my husband noticed he was dead.

We were wondering what the cause of this could have been and found some research that the most likely cause for sudden death in cats is either heartworms or a heart problem/defect. Zach was not even quite a year old yet, so age was certainly not a factor. He WAS a very unique kitty in that, when we went to have "him" neutered, we found out that "he" was indeed a "he-she." Yes, Zach had both male and female parts! So, he was special, and it is very possible that his heart was genetically abnormal as well...or something.

Anyway, the boys were upset and crying, asking why he died. It was sad to watch their little faces so distraught. Of course, Abraham in his tears says, "When can we get another one? Pumpkin is all alone now." Nami put his body in a plastic trash bag outside, and Micah kept asking to see it. So, I went and got the body and let them see him, touch him. It really seemed to help comfort them. I guess they needed that closure. We just never know what a day will hold do we?

Goodbye, sweet Zachy. You were such a cuddly cat, so friendly and calm. You were here one moment and gone in the blink of an eye. You were a sweet and affectionate pet, and we will remember you always!