Pet Death During Pregnancy

[2024Baby]

Hi all,

We had to make the difficult decision to put our 2 year old cat to sleep 3 days ago. He had been very unwell the last month with 2 different vets not being able to figure out what was wrong other than he was in end stage kidney failure. They both think it's congenital and there was nothing that could be done. Although I am heavily feeling guilt over this, wondering if I just didn't spot the signs sooner.

We could've got another week or two with him but he was gone so thin, no appetite due to nausea from all the toxins and no interest in anything anymore, not even cuddles really. So we decided to not be selfish and let him go.

I'm really not taking it well at all. I was very bonded with this cat and I'm completely heartbroken. He was the sweetest little thing, and hands down the most beautiful cat I've ever owned (have had 6 in my lifetime). I can't stop crying, everything reminds me of him and I get horrendous guilt that there were signs I didn't see before this or that I left it too long waiting on more tests while he was getting worse & that I should've let him go sooner so he wasn't in any way uncomfortable.

Anyway, my actual question is: does this affect the baby? I know they say baby feels what I feel, I'm worried that I'm causing too much stress on my body and can't stop it. I know the hormones are probably adding to my grief but when should I seek advice from a doctor? Can they even do anything? It was only 3 days ago so still fresh.

I'm 25w4d today x

No of course it won’t have an effect on the baby. A doctor couldn’t do anything I can’t see any point in contacting them over it.

I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. I completely understand the grief you are feeling, I’ve got 3 cats and would be absolutely devestated if anything happened to any of them.

please try not to torture yourself. You have done exactly what you should have in this situation. You seeked the vets opinion and decided to do the kindest thing for him. You should take comfort in knowing you did right by him by letting him go. Sadly you can’t change anything now so please don’t punish yourself, it won’t bring him back but will cause you more grief.

sending hugs

So sorry to hear about your cat. My dad died during my last pregnancy. I was heartbroken for weeks. I really don’t think it affected my baby.

No

So sorry to hear that, the death of a pet is so so hard. It won’t affect your baby - think of the thousands/millions of women who sadly have to give birth in war zones each year and deliver healthy babies. Best to look after yourself as much as possible as you’re going through a lot, but don’t add additional stress onto yourself by worrying about something you don’t need to worry about x

I'm really sorry to hear about your cat, mine died in January under similar circumstances and it was really upsetting. I really think baby will be absolutely fine though, your anxiety is probably running high at the moment. I'm assuming your next midwife appointment is at 28 weeks? Maybe mention it to her then if you are still struggling. However, It's only been 3 days, allow yourself to feel what you need to feel and then pick yourself up and carry on. Maybe you could plant a memorial tree or flowers in your garden to remember your cat.