Jack suddenly stopped eating on Thursday 7 Nov 2019 late afternoon and became extremely unresponsive, sleeping a lot, displaying odd behaviour such as licking the floor excessively, his head lolling about.

Mum rushed Jack to the vet on Friday 8 Nov morning when the clinic opened. I was still in Singapore and did not know about Jack's condition. The vet saw Jack and said that his prognosis was not good; his brain was filled with fluid and his abdomen was swollen. Dr Koh shared with Mum that Jack may have picked up a very terminal infection from his brood of stray cats six months ago at the grocery shop- a form of feline infection that was likely contracted six months ago but is highly difficult to detect because there are no symptoms. There is no treatment and the animal usually succumbs to the illness very quickly. I later googled this and it was true; the infection is a silent killer for animals. The vet asked a grieving Mum to make Jack comfortable.

Mum was in shock and called me home; I frantically grabbed my passport and headed for home. The vet eventually called up two hours later with the blood test results; Jack indeed had contracted the infection and had been sick way before I adopted him. Perhaps that explains his generally quiet behaviors and why he was so clingy and starved for my attention.

By the time I arrived, Jack had succumbed to the illness in the early afternoon on Friday. I recall crying and crying when I reached the front door and heard the news. Everyone was crying and hugging each other. Mum and my helper Yan were there with him as he took his last breath. He struggled for only an hour, Mum shared, gave three desperate meows and left. Mum and the helper were badly shaken to witness his struggle like this and kept on petting him through his distress. I cradled Jack's body. I cried and cried.

I wondered why Jack couldn't wait for me despite Mum begging him to. I now realise that the Lord likely protected me from seeing Jack in his last stages because I simply couldn't handle seeing my beloved cat in such pain and distress. Jack knew, too, and likely wished to spare me from the torment. Jack is very sensitive and affectionate, similar to me. Jack likely knew that I cannot handle it and didn't wish me to see him suffer. 

We buried my beloved cat Jack in our garden where he loved to play so much. It was painful holding my cat's lifeless body. The entire family was there and we all said goodbye, we all cried and cried. I have slept very badly since then. I am still in huge shock and grief. We are also managing exhaustion from all the caregiving; now we need to adjust to the grieving process.

I believe Jack's life was extended the 3.5 months he was here due to all the unconditional love he got from our family and Panda. He simply plodded on courageously, determined to live life til the very end despite his unspoken pain from the terminal illness.

It is very hard having such a loving companion be taken away from you so suddenly. I recall saying goodbye to Jack and Panda at 4.30am on Tuesday 5 Nov 2019 before leaving for work. Jack was standing upright in his cage and Panda was beside him. It would be the last time I saw Jack alive.

I miss Jack so very dearly. He understood me most. He was a faithful companion during my father's hospitalisation and the lonely days of caregiving. Our family, Panda and I will always remember Jack as the cat who brought us so much joy and helped us bond together in unconditional love during his convalescence.

I still can't believe you're gone, Jack. You took a cat-shaped piece of your heart with me. Rest well, Jack. You were loved when you were alive, and you will be dearly remembered now that you are gone. I love you Jack, and I hope to see you again.