Calypso – The Cat Truly with Nine Lives

“Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE, the word itself says ‘I’m possible'” Audrey Hepburn

A beloved pet and best friend, a blessing in our lives in so many ways. 20 years and one month ago, Calypso came into Jennifer’s life at ten weeks of age, as a rescue kitten.

He has grown up with Jennifer and has been her best friend through many life obstacles and challenges. He was always so small and delicate that many joked he was the runt of the litter, which may have been true, but as they say, don’t judge a book by its cover. Calypso has always been strong and determined to survive.

He was given to Jennifer as a gift after she had fostered two kittens, for which she had found homes. She was very sad to let them go, and as a result, someone found her Calypso and surprised her. The first time he entered the house he was roaring with the loudest purr you have ever heard in a kitten. He was always affectionate to everyone around him. His personality has always been gentle, loving, and kind. That moment was the first inkling of his kind and gentle soul.

Jennifer has always said that he was one of the best gifts that have ever been brought into her life! He has always been patient, easy going, and is always there to give a cuddle in times of need.

He first visited North Town Veterinary Hospital several years ago as a senior cat, along with his sister Misty, who unfortunately passed away a few years ago due to a renal disease at the age of 18 years.

Calypso is truly an example of survival and never giving up. He almost passed away three times over the years and had beat the odds every time.

At approximately eight years of age, he had acute bladder crystals and survived surgery at the last minute. The doctors did not think he would have made it if we had waited any longer.

He then survived what seemed to be a blood clot at approximately ten years of age. He passed out and was very weak, gasping for air, and was given very little time left to live.

Lastly, almost three weeks ago, at the age of 20, he has almost fully recovered from what appeared to be yet again another blood clot or perhaps another unknown neurological condition. He was already dealing with the following health concerns due to his advanced age: kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and also a heart murmur. He had lost all mobility and was not looking like he would survive the night, let alone a few days. His case was so severe that North Town Veterinary Hospital referred him to the Mississauga Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital to be assessed by a specialist for his neurological condition.

Doctors at the Mississauga Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital suggested that palliative care be given as they could not determine if it was a stroke or something else. They recommended moving forward a few days at a time to determine his quality of life. He was unable to walk in a straight line, making right-hand circles instead, and seemed extremely exhausted, lethargic, as well as somewhat despondent.

We took him home expecting him to pass in a few days.

It has been 18 days and now Calypso is walking up the stairs without assistance, down the stairs with some assistance. He goes back and forth to the litter box on his own and eats and drinks by himself as well! He is a fighter, as one vet stated, but now he grooms himself and walks over to our laps all on his own, he has even returned to greeting us when we come home!

We are still syringe feeding him to help him gain back the one pound that was lost; he is extremely skinny. However, Calypso has his personality back, and he carries on very well! He isn’t 100 percent and may never be, but for his age and all that he has been through, he is doing amazingly!

As they say, take one day at a time… and that is exactly what we do. We cherish every moment with him – he truly is a blessing, and we are extremely grateful. We are blessed to have him in our lives. He is a survivor who never gives up and has also inspired us to share his story with others.

We all have to face difficult times with our loved ones, but Calypso has given us strength, helping us realize that there is always hope even in the darkest hours. May his story inspire others to cherish the moments they have with their loved ones no matter how long or little time there is left.

Thank you Calypso for your courage, and inspiring us to live on despite all odds.

Written by Melissa Guardanapo