My cat Angel died on New Years Day. I had taken her to the vet in the morning because she was lethargic and her breathing was laboured. Because it was new year I didnt see her regular vet and had to go to a different branch of the same practice.so they had all her notes on the computer. She was already on medication for high blood pressure and thyroid and was on a special diet for her kidneys . The vet examined her and said she was dehydrated so suggested keeping her in and putting her on a drip for 24 hours. I left without even saying a proper goodbye pleased that I had done the right thing. At 10pm they phoned to say she had died. I drove straight back to bring her home and saw a different vet. When she was explaining what had happened she mentioned that in Angel’s notes from 3 months earlier, her regular vet had noted that she had cardiomyopathy (a serious heart condition). I was stunned because my vet hadn’t actually told me this or suggested putting her on medication to control it or at least slow its progress. This is what would caused the laboured breathing and lethargy so now I can’t understand why they didn’t treat that first instead of putting her on a drip which would have only added to the fluid on her chest which is what killed her. Angel was 21.5 years old and the most loving beautiful cat who slept curled on my pillow or at my side every night.. My relationship with her was the longest I have ever had in my life - even longer than with my own parents. I am lost without her and feel so guilty that I let her down because I didn’t realise the change in her health was due to a heart condition. If I had I would have taken her back to her regular vet before Christmas when I first spotted her breathing. But like an idiot I was so distracted planning Christmas that I didn’t prioritise her and now it’s too late. I know 21 is a good age for a cat but her mother lived to 23 and I was hoping to have another 2 years with my darling girl. I have insurance so the cost of treatment was never an issue.