Photo: TNT
"We didn't feel like we had a choice," says Duff, explaining why he decided to make Kitty's illness a major storyline. The cat that played Kitty had, in real life, been diagnosed with a serious kidney condition. "We could replace the cat and keep filming, or we could accept the cat was seriously ill and write it into the story." Duff, who had a cat for 14 years and currently has a 12 year-old dog named Henry, chose the latter option.
"Your pets become your family and when a family member becomes extremely ill, it permeates your life," says Duff. He'd also become attached to the cat that played Kitty -- who debuted in a prior season when Brenda (Sedgwick's character) finds the cat while investigating the death of a Russian prostitute -- and didn't want to replace her.
Though Brenda is not a "pet person" she adopts the cat, simply calling it "kitty," and begins to develop a relationship with her. "A pet is usually not a part of the procedural aspects of a crime show, but it is a part of everyday life for a lot of people and we wanted to show Brenda as an ordinary person," says Duff.
American Humane, the organization that ensures "no animals are harmed" during filming, was present on set when any filming with Kitty took place.
In between catching criminals and extracting confessions, fans of "The Closer" this season will watch Brenda struggle with Kitty's illness in a very human (and relatable) way.
The fifth season of the "The Closer" premieres on the TNT network on Monday, June 8 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
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The Closer is a great show, not just for the crime storyline, but because of the characters which I've come to care about. Yes, even Kitty. I'm sure I will bawl my eyes out when Kitty dies. My 18-yr-old Siamese had kidney failure. She grew weaker, couldn't eat and was in so much pain, I had her euthanized. She was like my child and I thought I would die when I lost her. I expect we will see a side to Brenda that even she doesn't realize is there. She was a woman who didn't want a cat and now she will realize how much she loves Kitty.
She deserved an emy a long time ago.
Kidney disease is not necessarily an instant death sentence. One of my cats was diagnosed four years ago and w/regular checkups, appropriate nutrition and a routine of sub-cutaneous fluids he is still active and enjoying life. Good luck to her.
Yes, the sub-cutaneous fluids are the key. Our 21 year old cat lived an extra 1 1/2 years due to getting proper fluids and food.
Wow, thank you for that hope. A very beloved cat of mine has been diagnosed with CRF. He sleeps in the crook of my arm every night. I have been wondering if it is worth putting him thru everything he would go thru with renal failure as it became worse. Four years is a lot to offset the bad things tho!! I'm so glad your cat is doing well.
When my daughters graduated college and left home, I inherited three cats they had accumulated. I had always been a dog person, until these cats. The older two both died between 15 and 16 years old, but the youngest is still with me. She has been eating prescription food since December 2007, when she had a serious kidney infection. During the infection she tested positive for kidney failure. After 6 weeks of medication, about $1000 in doctors fees, her infection cleared and her kidneys tested fine. She turned 16 the first part of May and is still going strong, so Seeing "Kitty" being ill was distressing to me also.
I've just started watching The Closer and love the show. I can tell that Brenda has already fallen in love with Kitty. Pass the tissues my way, because having just recently lost a beloved pet will need them!
I can't imagine being without my cat. She's my best friend. If "Kitty" had a kidney operation would this give her more time with the people that love her? I'm sure people would help.
My 15-year-old kitty has been in renal failure for 3 years. He gets fluids 6 days a week. Also, the vet has him on Calcitriol (fluid meds). His last two tests have come back almost perfect! Since we adopted a new kitty a few months ago, he has also become playful and active again. Yeah, it's a pain in the butt to give him fluids almost every night, but I realize the alternative would be to lose him. He's worth it!
My cat, Coco, just passed away of the kidney disease on May 29th this year. The same day my son graduated high school. We put her to rest. The day before she had stopped eating and drinking and became very wobbly and weak by that next day. She was struggling very badly and we could not do any more for her since we had already did the procedures to keep her this long. She was diagnosed about 6 months ago and got to be with us that much longer. On the bright side, I just had a beautiful kitty fall into my lap on Wed this week, so, I adopted her. Her name is Bella. She cannot replace nor IS replacing Coco. I SO relate the Krya's emotions right now too. It's hard and their family. I think they are doing right by showing the "real" side of people and their pets.
I have experienced devastating losses over the years with my cats. I don't think watching a cat die has any place in a crime show or any other show. This news ensures that I will not watch the show.
I am sorry to hear of Kitty's illness, but as other posters note, CRF can be managed and quality of life maintained on sub-Q Ringer's solution and medications, and special diet when applicable. I have had this scenario with beloved cats in my family. YES, by all means, talk to a good vet. Your cats are worth it.
I agree with SG. I do not want to watch a cat die on a TV show. And it is so heartless, because KItty is dying in real life. People stop at nothing for money, money, money.
For all of you out there who have just lost a pet my heart and prayers go out to you. I had a Parakeet 6 years ago that died of Cancer and I still break down and cry whenever I think of him so I can understand the pain you must be feeling it gets better but it NEVER goes away. As for the show I have never seen it but it seems like it will be a real tear jerker. My prayers go out to all who is missing or dealing with a sick pet. God Bless you all.
My neighbor kept her kitty alive for 4 years by subcuing her several times a week and feeding her a high quality diet. Last Sunday she noticed a lump on her mouth. Took her in on Monday - it was cancer. She made the decision to send her to the Rainbow Bridge this morning. How very sad.
As owner of a not-for-profit cat rescue group, I cannot begin to tell you how many people put their sick animals out to the curb rather than making humane decisions. It always makes me so sad when we rescue one of these precious creatures, and it is sick. Folks, please be responsible, keep your pets indoors, spay/neuter them and don't be part of the animal problem, but be part of the solution.
This is a cop show. We just spent a season dealing with her idiotic parents who just walk into crime scenes and the detective squad, and now we have to deal with a season of a dying kitty kat? Would we be dealing with stuff if the lead character was a man?? Sounds a little sexiest to me. Please, more crime drama, less lifetime women's channel
Find something else to watch. It sounds as if someone is forcing you to watch, and this is one more thing you hate. Do yourself a favor and watch something less realistic.
I lost my Felix in 2007, just a few weeks shy of his 22nd birthday. We'd lost his brother Mergatroid twelve years ago. I got them when they were eight weeks old and had just been weaned. I learned the wisdom of having two or more pets from the same litter; they grow up together and always have someone to play with, even when you're not around. Felix was slightly aloof when he was young, but as he got older, especially after Mergatroid's death, he frequently wanted to cuddle. I still miss both of them.
Watching a person go through and illness and die on a t.v. show is ok, but watching a cat isn't?
Um, the people who die on TV are actors, except for the weird British reality show.