Hurting

[seekings1mplicity]

I said goodbye to my little two year old cat yesterday after 18 months battling a succession of illnesses. Eventually the pain got too bad and he couldn't eat. I know every cat is special, but he was the most magical little person. I've had to kill the being I loved most in the world.

I am so sorry for your loss especially as he was still only a youngster. It is so hard when you have to make that difficult decision, even though you know it is for the best and you don't want them to suffer, it still is so painful and upsetting.

Sending you big hugs at this sad time.

I am so sorry - poor you, and your poor little cat. He sounds lovely - would you like to post a photo and tell us more about him, or would that be too painful?

This was the day he came to me. Friendliest, quirkiest little cat.

Thank you both so much for your kind words.

Oh OP. You haven’t killed him. You have saved him from suffering. You allowed him dignity and were brave enough to hurt so much so he didn’t have to at all.

He was obviously a very special cat. I'm so sorry he was with you for such a short time, but you filled his life with love and gave him a peaceful, dignified ending.

Only time will soften the hurt but you will one day reach a place where you can remember the time you had together with happiness.

You didn’t kill him. You have him the best possible life he could have had. I’m so sorry xx

I'm sorry for your loss. He looked like a beautiful little boy. You didn't kill him, you saved him from pain and suffering. He will have known he was loved x

Oh what a little sweetie! You clearly loved him so much, OP, and did everything you possibly could for him, including the agonising final decision. It is so hard. Be kind to yourself.

Thank you all so much. I guess there's always doubt about whether I did it too soon or too late. But by God he was loved. Hugely, hugely loved.

The pain is very bad this morning. I love my other cat, but there's this yawning abyss of loss. And still a feeling of unreality.

It must feel so wrong. It always hurts to lose them but that is far far too young. You did your best for him. You gave him the best life possible. Be gentle on yourself. You’re grieving. I’m so sorry.

What a gorgeous boy. Your loss is devastating. It's so hard when they leave us. You had to make a really difficult decision. I always tell myself that only I can help when their time comes to cross to Rainbow Bridge. We have to do that for them, even though it's one of the toughest decisoins we'll make in our lives. Take each day as it comes and know that you gave him a life full of love

He was just so human and so loving. He just filled my life and now it feels there's so little left

Oh seekings you didn't kill him, you gave him a peaceful, pain-free escape from suffering when it was the kindest thing to do.

And you made sure his life was filled with love and warmth. You sound like a lovely cat owner and he sounds like a very loveable cat. He was certainly a very beautiful one.

It's always hard to lose them but it's a price worth paying for the happiness they bring us.

One day, and I know it won't be for a while, you will be able to look back on your memories of him and treasure them.

Be kind to yourself.

You will feel that way for a long time, sadly. But I promise you, you'll start to come through it, just a little bit more each day. He was a huge part of your life, and you loved him dearly. He's your little puss and will always be with you

I’m sorry for your loss, it’s a beautiful picture of him. You obviously loved him greatly and despite how hard the decision must have been you have done the kindest thing possible for him by letting him go without suffering. Take care x

You're all so kind, thank you. It kind of comes in waves, but hopefully the spaces in between will start to lengthen.

I thought the scabs were forming over the hurt but the vet practice called to say his ashes were ready, and I'm just plunged into grief again. Had to come out of a zoom meeting halfway because I'd started crying and couldn't stop.

It's still very early days yet and you loved him very much. It's natural to grieve and some days are going to be very painful. But, little by little, it will get easier.

I'm looking out at the sunshine and thinking how much my tiny furry sun-worshipper would have loved to soak herself in it. But she had a happy life and she was loved. Pretty good for a kitten who was dumped in a cardboard box in the pouring rain.

It's ok to miss him. Don't be hard on yourself.

Sadly, the loss stays with you and does catch you out. Don't worry about your zoom meeting, it really doesn't matter. Your grief is so recent. I couldn't say my cats name for couple of years after without getting tearful. I thought I'd never recover. Just take things day by day and don't be in any hurry

Thank you both. It was such a battle trying to keep him alive. He suffered so much. He was such a huge soul, in a fragile little body.

What a love of a little cat. I'm so sorry he didn't have better health.

At least you know he will never be ill again. Take care.

Thank you CatChant. Lovely to think of you rescuing a bedraggled little soul and giving her a happy sunny life.

Thank you too, Want2beme. After your message I logged off and went for a walk. It helped.

It is heartbreaking when a much-loved cat dies. He looks adorable in your pics. I'm sorry you have to go through this pain - I know how much it hurts.

I'm glad that you gave him a life filled with love.