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Can I just talk about my cat? Feeling sad today.

30 replies

LikeASoulWithoutAMind · 29/04/2015 12:45

I've asked advice here a few times over the last year about my lovely 16yo tabby and you've been so helpful. She was always so fit and healthy until about a year ago but she had various health problems - pancreatitis, arthritis, kidneys failing - since then.

She had been ever so quiet and off her food since Christmas and we got her onto meds for the arthritis and were discussing a treatment plan for the kidneys. Then just over 2 weeks ago, she suddenly deteriorated within the space of a few hours, was clearly very uncomfortable and her breathing was extremely laboured. Dh rushed her to the emergency vet at 10pm that night, who suspected pneumonia and gently suggested it was time to put her to sleep. I really wanted to be with her but I was at home with the children so dh stayed with her while the vet gave her the injection.

I know we did the right thing and I'm relieved she's not suffering any more - I have mainly been fine but just feel really sad today. I miss my lovely girl and the house feels so quiet without her. She'd been with dh and I for most of our married life and been a real constant during what's been a period of one change after another for us. Wish I'd said goodbye to her properly - when dh left with her I really thought the vet would be able to treat her.

Thanks for listening. She was such a beautiful cat.

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slippermaiden · 29/04/2015 12:49

It's so hard to lose a friend and a member of your family, which your cat was. It's fine to feel sad and with time it will feel easier and you will remember all the funny and cute things , and lovely memories. For now sending hugs and ??

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slippermaiden · 29/04/2015 12:50

Your post has made me cry a little, remembering all my past cats and loving my present one just a little bit more x

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fackinell · 29/04/2015 13:08

I'm so sorry for your loss, contrary to what some of society tells you it's a real bereavement just like any other. I lost my Dboy three years in October, he was my whole world after my partner left, my business failed and I had to move out of our shared home. We relocated 500miles away and I was absolutely devastated having to have him pts a year later when he had stroke type symptoms.

I believe a lot of it comes from guilt too, I effectively ended his life but I had no choice. He couldn't focus or balance, he ate only tiny mouthfuls of food from a spoon and had no recognition for me in his eyes. I couldn't be there in the end either, I ran out of the room leaving a hysterical DP and his distraught vet. I feel so bad for that.

It WILL get easier, that's all I can really add. A few months after my boy left I adopted a rescue kitten. Not to replace him but to fill the furry shaped hole in my heart. Now I can look back at Bobo's life and smile through the tears. My new little lad is cheeky and full of attitude. The exact opposite but every bit as precious.

Thanks

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LikeASoulWithoutAMind · 29/04/2015 13:08

Thank you slippermaiden and sorry to make you feel sad too.

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RubbishMantra · 29/04/2015 13:11

How sad for you. You and DH made the right decision for her. Difficult for you, but the best and most caring one. She obviously had a lovely life.

this might be of help?

Flowers

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catnipkitty · 29/04/2015 13:28

Sorry for your loss. My cat is very old and deteriorating and I think isn't long for this world. It is such a sad time. Hugs xxx

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LikeASoulWithoutAMind · 29/04/2015 13:39

Thank you all. I have actually been fine most of the time but collected her ashes yesterday which may be connected. I feel a bit silly talking about it in IRL so it's been really helpful to write it down.

Hope your cat is OK catnip and you can keep them happy and peaceful. Very sad time.

Hopefully in time we will have more cats in our life. Smile

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RubbishMantra · 29/04/2015 14:15

Maybe a ceremony around her ashes may help you? Scattering them in her favourite spot, or planting something in remembrance of her with them.

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LikeASoulWithoutAMind · 29/04/2015 17:03

We'd like to do something with her ashes Rubbish but we're not sure what. There was a perfect spot where she used to lie in the sun at our old house but we moved a few months ago and we're renting until we buy a new place, which makes it tricky, as we're hoping not to be here very long. She also didn't go out so much here Sad so didn't have a favourite spot or anything.

Not sure whether to wait til we move and then maybe plant a nice shrub and scatter her ashes under it?

The only other thing I wondered about was planting something in a big pot but that doesn't seem quite the same somehow.

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mrsnlw2012 · 29/04/2015 17:27

I had 2 cats at home when I was growing up who lived til the grand old age of 21 and 20 (a Mum and Son). I was devastated when they passed away in quick succession of one another. I also had a dog at home when I was growing up who my parents had to have put to sleep when I was 26. That was nearly 2 years ago and I still miss her. The house was strangely empty without her.

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WinterBabyof89 · 29/04/2015 17:32
Flowers
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RubbishMantra · 29/04/2015 17:39

Soul, you don't have to decide yet. I think the shrub is a lovely idea, at your future home.

I think some posters on here have put up a little memorial plaque.

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ThisFenceIsComfy · 29/04/2015 17:42

I'm so sorry. I'm dreading the day my beautiful cat leaves us.

Cats are so full of love and give so much to your lives. Don't feel silly for mourning.

Rest in peace lovely cat Flowers

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ThisFenceIsComfy · 29/04/2015 17:44

Fwiw I would wait on the ashes until you have somewhere more permanent and can scatter them somewhere she would have loved

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timtam23 · 29/04/2015 21:47

Sorry for your loss Flowers. It sounds like you made the right decision for her but it does take time to adapt to life without an old feline friend. Within the last 18 months both of my old cats died (I'd had them for 18 years) and it was very strange not having them around after so long. I kept thinking I'd seen them out of the corner of my eye, or heard them miaow. Even now I get tearful sometimes when thinking of them, they were part of my life for so long. Mostly it is the good or funny memories I think of now though.

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LikeASoulWithoutAMind · 29/04/2015 23:13

Thank you - you are all so kind.

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Wolfiefan · 29/04/2015 23:18

So sorry for your loss. Never feel sorry for missing that part of your family. Grief hurts.
I hope you can find comfort in knowing how loved she was and that you did the best for her. Xx

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Damnautocorrect · 30/04/2015 14:04

Even this morning I had a little cry about my boy who died in feb.
I still miss him massively.
They are a constant, a companion who chooses life with you.
I've got my boys ashes as we rent and I'd hate to have to leave him. A friend is holding onto hers until she goes and they will be scattered together.
Don't rush it, when your ready.

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sparkysparkysparky · 30/04/2015 15:16

Op you did the right thing but I know exactly how you feel.
Our lovely old girl was euthanised in March. I took a deep breath and cleared away her stuff within hours.
The other day I found a water bowl that we rarely used . I shed a tear.
She was a beautiful girl who was rather unfriendly for her whole life - except with me. I miss her.

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frazzledbutcalm · 30/04/2015 18:50

Likeasoul ... that was our situation exactly! We lost our gorgeous boy Simby 2 years ago in the exact same circumstances. I've just been talking about him today with my cousin and I choked up and couldn't speak! We got a new cat (Alfie) almost 1 year after losing Simby and it was the best thing we ever did. Alfie helped us all heal and learn to love again, and remember Simby in a very loving positive way.
Sending huge hugs your way Flowers

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LikeASoulWithoutAMind · 30/04/2015 20:23

You're all so kind, you're making me tear up again Smile In a nice way though.

We're not allowed any other pets in our rented house but in time when we're more settled we'd love to think about another cat.

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hiddenhome · 30/04/2015 22:59

Sorry for your loss Flowers

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MedusaIsHavingaBadHairday · 30/04/2015 23:32

So sorry for your loss. Even when it's the right thing to do, and the right time, somehow having that decision made, feels so wrong.

I lost the love of my life last July and I am still grieving for him, my beloved Morpheus who loved me more than any human will ever do. I have two youngster cats now and love them dearly but the grief is still the same. I think that being loved by a cat is very special but the grief that follows when they are gone is underplayed by most.

xx

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kirinm · 02/05/2015 00:09

I'm sorry for your loss. I lost my beautiful girl in January. She had hyperthyroidism and kidney damage which we'd been managing for about 8 months and then suddenly overnight she stopped eating, drinking and I had to make the same decision. I honestly think it's one if the hardest things I've had to do. I miss her so much. I have another cat who is also grieving. She cries a lot which is horrible to see.

I tend to look at pictures a lot and was lucky enough to have taken some videos of her over the years. I totally under and what you're going through. Sad

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sparkysparkysparky · 02/05/2015 11:07

Your Op is one I was going to do. I really miss my old girl for her ..ahem.. sense of perspective when I am having a bad day. Purr purr rub cheek where's my food why do you want to make my bed I'm comfy oh it's your bed right where's the warm bit? I miss the tyranny.

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