I had to have my dear darling cat put to sleep last week

[dinny]

And I just cannot stop thinking about him. It was just SO sad and I keep reliving it over and over in my head. Miss him so much. I know it will get better but I just feel awful I told the vet to go ahead,although I rationally know it was the right thing to do as he was in pain and deteriorating quickly. I feel so very guilty.

Oh dinny. I really do sympathise, it's such a horrible time. My poor little cat was very ill last summer and we took her home overnight while we made a decision about what to do and she died on my lap.

I was in bits for a long time afterwards and kept thinking 'oh pull yourself together, it's just a cat'. But, it's not just a cat is it? It's a member of your family and you are grieving.

I think the guilt you feel is only natural and will pass with time. You did the right thing. Have you buried him? We buried Sheba under her favourite tree and it helped enormously to say a proper goodbye to her.

I'm so sorry.

thanks for your kind words. just finding it really hard as took the decision myself (obviously on vet's advice) as dh was away skiing. keep thinking I see him everywhere in the house atm.

also feel terrible as vet said she is sure animals know they are being put to sleep - and I really think he did as he just lay his head on my shoulder, very peacefully, and died like that

getting ashes back, but not sure what to do with them as we are in rented accommodation atm, so will probably keep them until we are somewhere permanent.

I know how you feel. I had to have my 13 year old cat put to sleep a few years ago and I cried so much driving home that I don't know how I made it. I said I would never have another one but a few months later found a little abandoned kitten, took her home for 1 night and then kept her. Unfortunately she got run over after about a year and I was gutted.
I thought thats it, never again but a few days later I drove out to the rescue home near to us, where I had prevously rescued my dog and ended up bringing home a fluffy black cat. At first I thought I would never love her like I loved my others but 5 years on I think the world of her.
You never forget your other pets, after all they are part of the family. I like you kept thinking should I have told the vet to go ahead, could I have done more?, but deep down I know it was the right thing to do.
You will feel better eventually, but you will never forget him. I am sorry, but please don't feel guilty. You obviously really loved him.

does make me think I never want to have another pet as it's so sad, they just don't live long enough. but my dd and ds are already clamouring for another cat(s)...

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