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Original poster

Just had cat put to sleep. Devastated isn’t the word

65 replies

Percypigfanatic · 25/08/2022 21:26

My poor cat. Lots of issues which meant we had to put her to sleep. It was very calm and loving at the end but I can’t shake this horrible feeling that I could have done more (I couldnt, the vet agreed). My poor faithful companion for over 14 years. She’s been with me through most things and was sooo cuddly. She was my best friend, I’ve never felt pain like it. I feel pathetic in that I can’t even seem to function properly and everything sets me off. Love her so much :-( I don’t know what I’m going to do without her

OP posts:
RebulahConundrum · 25/08/2022 21:29

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sounds like she had a brilliant life with you 💐

OovoofWelcome · 25/08/2022 21:31

❤️

So sorry for your loss.

We love our creatures so much.

PestoPasghetti · 25/08/2022 21:34

I'm so, so sorry. I know that pain too well. What helped for me was donating their old stuff so rescue centres could make life a little bit better for their critters, and planting a tree in their memory - 'because they lived the world was made a better place', you know? Not that there's a magic solution, I wish there were. It sounds like your kitty was very much loved anyway, lucky girl. Sending (((((Hugs)))))

smileandsing · 25/08/2022 21:38

I'm so sorry for your loss OP. Give yourself time to grieve, you've lost a much loved member of your household Flowers

MumtherofCats · 25/08/2022 21:43

So sorry for your loss. She is so lucky she was able to have a calm and peaceful ending. On advice from our vet I once waited to see if anything else could be done for my lovely boy and he had a very abrupt and not peaceful end when he passed naturally before I could help him across more calmly. I'm sure you did the right thing at the right time.

DomesticShortHair · 25/08/2022 21:48

Remember, there’s a big difference between could, and should. You took appropriate, professional advice, made the best decision you thought for the right reasons, and were there at the end. Together, you’ve both had a rewarding life full of love, and that’s something all cats deserve, but sadly, not all get. The size of the hole she has left behind is testament to that. I’m very sorry for your loss, but I’m so pleased to have read about a life that was good, important and cared for. Please take whatever comfort you can in that. X

Georgeskitchen · 25/08/2022 21:49

Ah so sorry for your loss. You let her go peacefully which is the best way to go , without pain and distress ❤❤

Original poster
Percypigfanatic · 25/08/2022 21:51

Thanks everyone for your kind words. She was one in a million, never bit or scratched, always ready for a hug or a chirrup hello. Countless times has been there for me over the years through thick and thin and yet somehow I feel like I’ve let her down. 😢 she was so ill this week though and couldn’t even climb the stairs or eat much, I knew i had to do something.

I miss her so much , I didn’t know it could hurt this bad. I feel pathetic, I’ve had human relatives die and I feel worse about my cat. Awful, awful feeling. I know it’ll be worse in the morning when I’m not woken up by her calling for breakfast, her food and her bowls are still here . Bless her

OP posts:
ozymandiusking · 25/08/2022 21:52

How much you must have loved her. They do indeed leave pawprints on our hearts.
So sorry for you. X

Georgeskitchen · 25/08/2022 21:53

You haven't let her down xxx

RandomMess · 25/08/2022 21:53

It's utterly heartbreaking, they much more loving and lovable than humans. Loyal, unwavering and so comforting.

Every time we lose one we end up increasing numbers as they are so missed.

EcoCustard · 25/08/2022 21:58

so sorry @Percypigfanatic it’s the hardest and worst decision to make but the kindest although it may not feel that way at the moment. 14 years is a very long time to share, a wonderful life and takes time to process and grieve so be kind to yourself. I let our girl go in 2020 after 19 years and was completely lost for a long, long time.

SammySueTwo · 25/08/2022 22:00

Thinking of you. It’s so hard even if we know it’s the right thing. Hugs

Original poster
Percypigfanatic · 25/08/2022 22:00

Wow 19 years. I’m sorry to hear what you’ve been through. And hugs for everyone else who has experienced loss of a beloved pet. All of your kind words are making me feel better, please know that a truly appreciate every post xx

OP posts:
ElevenOG · 25/08/2022 22:05

This made me emotional just reading your post, OP. I've lost animals too and there's no pain like it. You can never replace them but opening your heart to another animal is what has helped me cope with my losses. I'm so lucky to have had so many beautiful fluffy souls in my life but the pain of losing them can almost outweigh the joy they bring. It'll get easier, it'll just hurt for a while. Looking at kitten videos always cheers me up, maybe give that a try.

FlowersFlowersFlowers

Original poster
Percypigfanatic · 25/08/2022 22:08

Thanks elevenog , I did have a Facebook video come up randomly earlier with kittens oddly enough but I don’t think I can deal with it yet. I’ve already decided I don’t want another pet so I don’t have to go through that pain again and I’ll never have the same cat as her anyway. She was perfect. I’m currently sleeping next to her old blanket for comfort. Silly I know

OP posts:
Beamur · 25/08/2022 22:15

It's not silly. We get very close to our pets and cats are delightful companions. You did the best for your girl but sometimes that means letting go.
I still miss my lovely boy that we lost over 3 years ago. However I seem to have tried to fill the space with another cat or three...

Igmum · 25/08/2022 22:15

So so sorry Percy. I know it's devastating when this happens. Sending lots of love ❤️

MumtherofCats · 25/08/2022 22:17

Your post brought tears to my eyes remembering my boy as well. It's devastating but it does get easier. She was so lucky to be so loved xx 💐

Original poster
Percypigfanatic · 26/08/2022 04:43

Thanks again, sorry if I’ve upset anyone.

I’m now just thinking of all the things I’ll miss. The way she used to lay next to me when I was working, the way she greeted me running to the front door after I’d been out, chirruping happily at her favourite plate of food. I’ll even miss watching my step as she used to lay in all the doorways on the house 😊 the cuddles we had, silly things I suppose. Just praying it stops hurting so much soon. I’m so lucky to have known her 🥰

OP posts:
Snoodsy · 26/08/2022 06:07

Percypigfanatic · 25/08/2022 21:51

Thanks everyone for your kind words. She was one in a million, never bit or scratched, always ready for a hug or a chirrup hello. Countless times has been there for me over the years through thick and thin and yet somehow I feel like I’ve let her down. 😢 she was so ill this week though and couldn’t even climb the stairs or eat much, I knew i had to do something.

I miss her so much , I didn’t know it could hurt this bad. I feel pathetic, I’ve had human relatives die and I feel worse about my cat. Awful, awful feeling. I know it’ll be worse in the morning when I’m not woken up by her calling for breakfast, her food and her bowls are still here . Bless her

Oh honey, I’m so sorry. It hurts like nothing else. Nothing anyone can say will help, but I found that doing what you are doing, talking about her, helps grief a tiny bit. Do you have a picture of her you can post? She sounds amazing, you were both so lucky to have each other.

I completely understand the guilt you are feeling, I experienced the same overwhelming guilt. It’s natural to feel that way, though it doesn’t help the pain you are feeling now. We all want to hang on to our pets as long as we can. At the end of my dog’s life I was carrying her outside to potty, I held onto her way too long and felt so guilty for that.

my advice would be to gather her belongings and put them away until you are strong enough to deal with seeing them. You are torturing yourself by leaving them out.

I know you will want to punch me in the face for saying this, but I promise it does get better. Not completely, but it won’t always feel unbearable. Someone told me my dog was in a better place and I wanted to scream “ No she’s not!” I was completely unreasonable in grief, ha.

Snoodsy · 26/08/2022 06:17

Aww, Definitely keep her blanket with you though, it’s giving you comfort. It sucks so much, doesn’t it.

What was her name?

offthegrid328 · 26/08/2022 10:42

Sorry to everyone who has experienced losses 💔 I found this thread as I also had to put my beloved cat to sleep yesterday and its hit me so hard, I literally can't stop crying.

Feeling lots of guilt about whether I did it too soon/ not soon enough. Ultimately we make these choices with our pets welfare at heart so I'm trying not to be too hard on myself.

He was such a good boy, my loyal companion for 15 years and I'm going to miss him dearly. Big hugs to you, OP. And to everyone who has experienced this pain 💔

FiveShelties · 26/08/2022 10:51

I am so very sorry @Percypigfanatic and @offthegrid328 it is just awful to lose a much loved pet.

These four legged treasures steal your heart and it is so tough to say goodbye. Look after yourselves.

Carrieonmywaywardsun · 26/08/2022 10:56

Even if you could have done more she likely wouldn't have lived much longer, nor would she have been as comfortable. You did the absolute best thing for her and she would have known she was loved. Be gentle with yourself x