Said goodbye, now what?

[mistermagpie]

So I posted the other day that my cat had been diagnosed with a tumour on his liver via examination and bloods. We were hoping for a scan to confirm but sadly he got very sick, very quickly and dies (pts) yesterday. It was absolutely the right choice, he was suffering already and when we took him in the vet could feel further growths in his intestines (he wasn't big in the first place but was very thin by the end) so I know he would have suffered more. I am at peace with the decision and his actual death was calm and peaceful. We insisted he was sedated before the 'final' injection, as I have been here before, so he just went to sleep.

But I'm heartbroken. I feel utterly bereft. I've got two young children so am trying to hold it together for them but I'm very very upset. Youngest DS is only 4 months and I was already borderline for PND so not in a brilliant place in the first place.

We also have another cat, the brother of the one who died. They have never ever been apart. He's totally confused and roaming around miaowing and looking for his brother. I'm torn between wanting to get a 'replacement' (as if there could be any such thing) and thinking I'm never getting another cat!

Will he get over it? Will I? Should I get another cat (in time, not just now) so he isn't lonely? As I said, I have been here before but with a much older cat who had been ill for a long time so it wasn't such a shock.

Sorry for the ramble, I'm just so so sad. My lovely friend is gone.

My sympathies, i had to have a 6 month old syrian hamster put to sleep on monday and it hit me so hard, moreso as she was only a baby. Poor brother kitty, but if it helps, my gran had brother cats, never apart in 16 years then one got really ill and was pts. Took a few weeks of yowling and searching but other kitty has now accepted his brother has gone.

You poor thing. How awful for you all. So sorry for your loss. I'd be inclined to let your grieving happen and when/if you feel ready, bring another cat in to your lives. It must be very hard for you seeing his brother confused and searching. You just wish you could explain. Only time will help him realise

Almost I'm glad that your grandmothers cat eventually accepted that his brother was gone. My remaining cat has always been the more sensitive one and I'm worried he won't get over it. For me they were always a pair (they are bengals too, so look exactly the same!) so seeing one by himself is very sad.

Hope you and puss are a little better today.

I would give it a little more time. Give your remaining kitty extra time and attention while you both begin to heal. Maybe wait until a cat 'finds' you - ie someone you know needs to rehome a cat or has a litter of kittens.