How do you deal with knowing your pet might not have long? I need someone to talk to

[KellyM1998]

My 9 month old cat was diagnosed with HCM and a hole in his heart at the vets yesterday. He was started on meds to help lower his HR.

I know his time left will most likely be limited.

How do you cope knowing your pet might drop down dead at any minute?

I’m at work today and really struggling.

Hello @KellyM1998 , I couldn’t read this and not reply as I’ve very recently been through something similar and have some understanding of what you are going through.
As I said, it’s recent and I’m still , well, grieving, because when you love a companion pet their illness and loss IS a grief; but what helped was knowing we gave him every care possible and took advice and guidance from the vet, including letting our dog live a normal life as far as possible. He knew he was loved, and that has been a comfort.
As for living on that knife edge, well, I can’t pretend it was easy but you do gradually gain some acceptance that life is limited - the team at our vet practice gave a good deal of practical and emotional support which did help - and in a strange way it focuses you on making the most of your time together. Does your vet have bereavement support?

Im so sorry you are going through this. Would you like to talk about your lovely cat?

I'm pretty pragmatic about my pets. I love them dearly by I know they will pass away. You have given your cat the best you can, and nine plus months with you has meant his short life was a happy one. That's what I think - that the time they were with me they were cherished and well fed and warm. The best life.

It's very difficult. My current rescue cat is only available approximately 8 years old; very playful & affectionate, never bites or scratches.
Sadly she suffers with chronic pancreatitis and asthma and her last blood test showed elevated kidney values so she's due another blood test soon.
I know she's not going to get to be an old cat so I try to make her life the best it can be with lots of love, playtime & fuss.
That's all you can do.

I agree with everything said above. Apart from what you’re already doing, there’s nothing you can do, really. And yet you can still do so much- give him his best life, and enjoy the time you do have with him. No matter how little or long it is, it will never be quite enough. But the honest truth is, the quality of his life matters so much more than the quantity. That’s where you can try and take some comfort and satisfaction.

You're giving her best possible life. Imagine if she was in the shelter or homeless. She has you, cuddles, warm home and good food. She couldn't have better life. Sending hugs.

My beautiful dog is 8, he was diagnosed with cancer just before Christmas, today is his last day as he is now suffering, I'm heartbroken I just can't imagine life without him, so like you I'm struggling

Thank you everyone for your kind words. He had an ultrasound on his heart done yesterday as they picked up a loud murmur when I took him for his vaccines. The vet said he had a small hole in his heart and something called HCM. I don’t know how long he’s got left.

Oh bless you, I’m so sorry to hear that. Sending you love and hugs. I’m sure you’ve given him the best possible life x

@666roses

so very sorry to hear this. It’s the last act of love you can give to your beautiful dog. I hope you can take some comfort from knowing you have had the bravery and love to put his needs first. Hugs to you.

@666roses thinking of you x