In Memoriam

James the cat is no more.  The failure is mine - not recognizing his deep fear and insecurity, being unable to find a solution to his biting.  In the end, I became too afraid to live with him, for even though the serious biting was due to a panic attack on his part, brought on by  . . . what?  A change to a new litter box? bladder infection? overstimulation?  it was clear the changes he'd made, and that I had made, weren't enough.

We learn through experience, which is another way of saying, we hurt the ones we love, even when all of our intentions are kind.  We hurt the ones we love when we lose our temper, lose our focus, consider only short-term gains and not long-term achievements.  My one comfort is having the support of the vet.  But the house is quiet and lonely, and his toys and beds are still here, and what will I do with the big bag of catnip?