r/cats • u/Gummybearz_87 • 1d ago
Mourning/Loss Tribute to my son, Benson. Please celebrate his life with me.
Benson was my $40 Craigslist kitty, who was by my side from the day that I brought him home, through breakup and divorce, moving across the country twice, and played an integral part in my relationship when I began dating my fiancé. I was by his side as Benson fought through multiple kidney infections, emergency surgery to remove bladder stones, and prescription diets. In total, my $40 Craigslist kitty cost us $17,000 in vet bills, not mention his prescription foods, and regular necessities that cats need. And I don’t regret a single penny. We were together all the way up to this morning, when I held his paw, just a day after his 14th birthday, as he crossed the rainbow bridge after getting stomach cancer. My heart is breaking and I didn’t know I was able to cry this hard, or this many tears. But I just wanted to share him with this community so that you can celebrate his life with me. We love you Benson, now and forever.
(I will forever find it funny that his Craigslist ad says that my male cat was “spayed”)
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u/mzallieoops 1d ago
What a handsome Tuxie boy. Thank you sharing some photos of Benson as well as a bit of your journey together. There is no doubt that he spent his life surrounded by love. My tuxie and I send you lots of love at this time.
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u/zayers35 1d ago
He is so handsome. I'm truly sorry and know that he had a great life with you. Rest easy Benson.
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u/mooiekonijntje 1d ago
What a lovely tribute. It's so good you had those many wonderful years together ❤️ They really do break our hearts when they go
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u/badgirltmoney 1d ago
Thank you for sharing Benson with us, he looks like the most wonderful best friend to have by your side. I’m so sorry for your loss. During times like these, I always try to remember the quote “to feel great loss, is to have known great love.” He was so lucky to have you ❤️
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u/Commercial_Inside282 1d ago
What a perfect match you two were! He will continue to keep a warm spot in your heart for the rest of your life. Cherish your memories!
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u/MsMarisol2023 1d ago
Benson, visit your mom in her dreams soon…you are loved and will be missed. I’m sorry for your loss, hugs to you xxxxxxx
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u/loxagos_snake 1d ago
Benson was a good boy. I will be sending some company his way when he reaches his destination, so I hope he can handle grumpy old cat retirees and demanding kittens. They can hook him up with some treats, too; my old boy was a shrimp aficionado if your Benson has refined taste.
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u/RegretLongjumping134 1d ago
Benson is such a good looking cat. He was very lucky to have you in his life and I’m sure you made his life amazing. Rest in peace to this beautiful cat. My deepest condolences.
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u/papersailboots 1d ago
Rest in peace beautiful Benson. I’m glad he got to be with you in his final moments ❤️
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u/Wimsey15 1d ago
Benson, what a gent. Never met a tuxedo cat I didn't fall for. This is my current ♥: Caroline. See the heart on her chest? We'll get out the special wet food in honor of your Benson.
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u/Orangecatlover4 1d ago
Wow, look at that face. If you’re ever interested in getting something to commemorate made in memory of your baby, there is this amazing jewelry designer, who uses whiskers, ashes, etc in order to make this beautiful unique jewelry. That way you have a piece of your baby with you aways. Her shop is called Fallen Whiskers.
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u/tamarks548 1d ago
What a beautiful story ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss OP
Eyes bright, claws sharp, tail held high. Go keenly into the mist, old warrior. Valhalla waits for you
Hail Benson!
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u/rumbellina 1d ago
Such a handsome and distinguished gentleman! RIP, sweet Benson. I’ll tell my Francis and Belle to meet you at the Rainbow Bridge and show you around. You will be forever loved and missed by your human.💖
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u/LeeRLance 1d ago
Benson, how beautiful and sweet you are! May your memory be a blessing to your cat parent 🕯️ 🐾
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u/SeatpitchbyKate 1d ago
Benson, you were the best of boyz. Truly. You were so cherished. So loved. Fly high sweet boy. 💔😢
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u/RichardFurr 1d ago
What a handsome boy. I'm glad that you got to have him in your life, even if his was too short.
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u/charlesyo66 1d ago
what a lovely, lovely tribute to Benson. He was so well loved. And loved you back.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Truly.
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u/ActualMerCat 1d ago
RIP sweet Benson. It’s obvious you were very loved and a very good boy. Incredibly handsome too. I hope you have a wonderful time playing at the rainbow bridge until you see your family again.
I’m so sorry for your loss. This is such a beautiful tribute to Benson. I’m so thank that you found each other. It sounds like you had a beautiful life together. Thank you for sharing him with us.
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u/IzzyandRebelsmom 1d ago
Your photos of Benson are so great; you can immediately tell how loved he was, and what a wonderful life he lived. Please accept my condolences for your loss.
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u/Savings_Count_6991 1d ago
Benson what an adventure. Rest easy. I’m so sorry for your loss friend. Beautiful story ❤️
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u/Subject-Director-727 1d ago
Thank you for sharing your story of Benson. I’m sorry for the loss of your companion. 😿💔
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u/Clint_Bunk 1d ago
So sorry you lost your amazing and handsome companion. Hope you find peace in the sweet memories. 🌈🐈❤
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u/jolicious11 1d ago
What a handsome boy. I’m glad you had many years together and were with him to comfort him at the end. May your memories give you comfort during this time.
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u/knottycreative 1d ago
Sweet Benson you are so loved ❤️ thank you for giving so much love to your parent ❤️
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u/kuruoshibana 1d ago
What a beautiful boy. Thank you for sharing him with us. I’m so sorry he passed.
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u/CuriousQuantumCat 1d ago
What a beautiful cat! I love how you saved his Craigslist post. I saved my cat’s shelter post too. I’m so sorry for your loss 😢
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u/B_Jonesin 1d ago
Benson, what a regal name for a distinguished kitty. I can tell how much you love him, the feeling doesn't vanish when he passed over. Raising a catnip toast to your furry son, celebrating his loyalty, strength, and the life you built with him.
May his memory be eternal ♥️
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u/nikki_neko_desu Tabbycat 1d ago
What a sweet boy and a wonderful $40 investment you made, OP. Much love to Benson and his family
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u/Neonlikebjork 1d ago
I’m so sorry! Benson, what a beautiful being you were to a humble owner. May you have fun across the Rainbow Bridge.
My Soulcat passed almost 2 years ago from stomach cancer too. I cried so hard and literally felt like a zombie nearly a month after. My baby sent me two babies to share and continue my love for kitties. These kitties sure know how to mend a broken heart.
Hang in there OP. 🌈🩷
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u/Low-Jury-3382 1d ago
Beautiful Benson, take your place beside Lady Bast. You’ve earned it, good and faithful kitty 🩵
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u/Ineedmoreparts 1d ago
Benson, you ended up in the capable and loving hands you were meant to be in, and the love you gave and received will never be forgotten by the family that loved you so. RIP you beautiful boy 💕
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u/Accomplished-Law6105 1d ago
He's so handsome, he looks happy and he had a good life. He's gonna be waiting for you on the other side. If it makes you feel better, I'm crying. I love your boy. I'm truly sorry.
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u/MaineKitto 1d ago
One of my very dearest friends has Tuxes, and one- Hobi- looks a lot like your Benson. I immediately thought of him and some medical struggles he's gone through lately. I think of my own cats like my sons, and my friends' pets as nieces and nephews. We're all extremely attached to our pets to the point that they aren't really pets. They're our sons and daughters, our reasons to get out of bed, our lifelines, and pieces of our souls. Your baby boy was a piece of yours. The picture of his paws in your hand is both heartbreaking and healing to me, and I thank you deeply for sharing Benson with us. He and you remind me to slow down and love my babies, remember the ones I've lost with a smile. Words of comfort are tough when I don't know you, but I hope you do know that, for a moment, for thousands of people, we knew Benson lived and was loved, and he reminded us to love our own babies. And even if I didn't know Benson myself, I do love him and I offer you a little love too as your friendly local internet stranger. Be well, friend.
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u/causze 1d ago
Sending you a virtual hug. Beautiful photos and devotion to a beautiful cat. You were by his side the same way he was by yours. Respect. After losing my dog in January I can say with confidence just feel the cries some days they are small some days they are huge. They sneak up on you. Have cried every single day since Christmas .
Your benson is in heaven I know that and not suffering. He’ll show up in ways just be open to it. 🐈⬛
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u/redditproha 1d ago
I'm sitting here reading this and shedding tears with you. Sorry for your loss. Rest easy Benson.
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u/Practical_Berry_7733 1d ago
What a charming little bastard. His spirit is in heaven now running up trees. Ppl don’t believe animals go there but they’re still God’s creation and he’s not leaving them out.
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u/skyeapotamous 1d ago
Thank you for sharing your sweet angel with us, that's a beautiful long life to be loved so hard and taken care of. I can't believe you screen shotted the original ad and is so amazing to be able to look back on(and something I'll have to make sure to remember to do when we are ready to bring a new baby home). May he have so many adventures until you meet again <3
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u/Mystery-gadzooks4947 1d ago
My heart goes out to you. I am just two days out from saying goodbye to my sweet girl, I am grieving with you. ❤️
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u/Gummybearz_87 1d ago
My thoughts and love are with you and yours, knowing you’re in a similar position. I don’t wish this pain on anyone.
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u/Unusual-Sale-4569 1d ago
Sorry he is gone, crying right now just reading this. I don't know how you feel but I got a little buddy who sleeps with me and follows me around. I don't know what would be worse, me lossing him or him lossing me.
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u/Gummybearz_87 1d ago
Hold him every day like it’s the last. On that first day that we bring them home, you’re never thinking about the last. I know I wasn’t, and I feel robbed, I thought we had more time.
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u/KittyKidd0 1d ago
I lost my Trinity on March 22. She was 20 years old. She had the same issues with kidney infections and bladder stones. She was my sleeping buddy and she always wanted to be cradled like a baby for hours on end. I miss that. I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s a real devastating loss. I can’t make myself remove her cat dish that filled with her crunchy kibble. It’s so very hard.
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u/SnooGrapes9918 18h ago
Awww. I am so, so sorry for the loss of your son, Benson. What a fine fella. It’s always funny that the “free” or “cheap” kitties tend to be the ones with the highest bills - but they are always worth it. May those many years of memories comfort you. ❤️
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u/alpertanga 18h ago
Damn handsome Benson 
Rest in peace my furry little friend! And no, I am not crying; seeing his human having kept his adoption ad all this time, I believe he had experienced a wonderful life in a loving family. THANK YOU OP. Not many people like you around…
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u/shipshape_chaos 1d ago
His body is resting after all the suffering, but he will live forever with you. He's still there, you just have to think about him.
Rest well Benson, you are a good son.
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u/One_Ad472 1d ago
What a gorgeous boy 😻 I'm so sorry for your loss.. but so glad you guys had each other ❤️ Sending you lots of love and light. RIP, Benson 💙
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u/ComfortableGrass1808 1d ago
Rest easy benson your humans will forever remember your meows and keep their love for you with them.
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u/Impressive-Bedroom43 1d ago
My heart hurts for you. He’s a beautiful boy and I’m so grateful you had each other.
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u/imastrongwoman 1d ago
What a gorgeous boy! You gave him a great life, and I'm sure he gave you the same joy.
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u/jeffjeep88 1d ago
The unconditional love we get from our pets is real love. Rest in peace sweet boy. ❤️🩹
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u/TightChance2463 1d ago
Rest easy Benson <3. I recently lost my sweet boy of 13 years to kidney failure on the 22nd of last month, he would've been 14 in June.
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u/funfairmoose 1d ago
Sweet boy <3 I'm glad he got to live his live with people who loved him so much. Sorry for your loss
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u/Nounousomes78 1d ago
We LOVE you, Benson. Rest Happy. Your photos and journey are incredible and full of LOVE.
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u/DragonOfDoom 1d ago
Beutiful boy. Thank you for giving him a long and happy life. Sorry for your loss.
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u/troubledturquoise 1d ago
How regal. Thank you Benson for being in this world with us. You're a lovely soul
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u/Cdawg4123 1d ago
My condolences. Looks like my guy Willy who passed years ago, sadly just lost Hunter, benson will have good company.
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u/newSkoolRedemption 1d ago
I’m so sorry. You did everything so well that I am sure that good karma will come your way.
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u/Dapper-Ad-468 1d ago
Rest in peace sweet Benson.🫂♥️🐈⬛🐾. I am so sorry for your loss. I am grieving with you❤️🩹.
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u/ComfortableOk8673 1d ago
Benson, you were and are loved. Rest easy sweet little soul. My cats are there waiting to keep you company.
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u/motherofbeees 1d ago
Such a handsome guy. I can tell he was so loved just by looking at him. Incredibly sorry for your loss. Sending you a lot of love
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u/EmperorMeow-Meow 1d ago
Benson. He was a handsome. He was noble. He was a good cat. His humans were lucky to have such a wonderful cat.
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u/carolinexvx 1d ago
Enjoy your long sleep, Benson. You were one of a kind and so loved by your mom. Rest in peace xx
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u/Narrow_Obligation_95 1d ago
Such a handsome guy. Beloved Benson, family member. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love and comfort. 😿💝
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u/ike_tyson 1d ago
These posts always get to me. Many of us have said goodbye to an old friend. It always sucks.
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u/itschmells 1d ago
So sorry for your loss! I chuckled at the posting where it says he’s very “gentile”. Rest easy sweet kitty.
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u/salentinoDOC 1d ago
I am sure you brought joy and love into each other’s life; as I am sure that you gave him the best life he could ever have. May your beautiful boy rest in peace, I am really sorry for your loss.
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u/dethbubble 1d ago
Sending you and Benson all of my thoughts and love this evening ❤️🩹
Rest easy you handsome sweet fella 🥺🙏❤️🩹
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u/corn_ragingfeminist Ragdoll 1d ago
I too have a Craigslist cat! Best decision I’ve made. May Benson rest in peace, I know he’s busy making biscuits 💕
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u/Saturday72 1d ago
We lost 2 great boys too. It's not easy but we also spent a fortune to keep them going. They are so precious. So sorry for your loss.
Gone but never forgotten.
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u/stadiumjay 1d ago
God bless you Benson! 🙏🏽 I just lost my fur baby to stomach cancer as well and it moved so fast we had no idea what it was until he had already passed. These cats are a part of us and when we lose them there's a hole left in our hearts forever. I am deeply sorry for your loss, but I am very happy to see that you are choosing to celebrate Benson.
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u/little_infinite_ciut 1d ago
All my condolences, I wish you the best for the future. I know that this stage is very hard to go through, I had to face it myself 1 year ago after the loss of my cat 😔. If you need to talk about it I would be happy to listen to you ❤️
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u/BearOnDrums 1d ago
RIP Benson. Absolute legend. He loved you and the entire life he spent with you. The grief is worth it.
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u/Huge_Macaroon_8089 1d ago
Your story made me tear up at Work. I know for a fact he'll always be by your side looking after you. Sending hugs
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u/ravingrose73 1d ago
He's a Handsome Guy. He will always be with you and I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs
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u/snackclub247 1d ago
Rest easy sweet Benson🫶🏽