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My cat drowned in neighbours pond - I'm heartbroken

77 replies

Dappled · 04/01/2022 18:45

That's it really. I just feel the need to say it somewhere.
He was called Moon. He was only 14 months old and so vital and strong, he practically vibrated with energy and alive-ness. I just can't get my head around this sudden, awful loss.
He was bred by my SIL and her children adored him and his upbringing meant that he was the friendliest loveliest lap cat and so gentle with humans. Half Siamese and very talkative, I would have long 2 way conversations with him.
He only came into our house in March. We didn't even have a year with him.
It's fair to say our other 2 cats hated him - he was strong and bold and wanted to be top cat, so he was a bit much for them.
He was only one month in age apart from our dog Bramble, they grew up together and were totally in love with each other. They were like a cat-dog relationship from a Disney movie. Watching them play together was amazing - they were so agile and fast, the dog racing madly in circles around him and the cat waiting ninja-like for just the right moment to leap onto her back. They would sleep together all the time, often squeezing into one small bed, Moon with one leg wrapped around Bramble, like an embrace. He would often come down the road with us on dog walks. I thought they would grow old together. It's so unfair. Bramble is so sad.
I've been to see the pond. A 1970's/80's remnant, an old 8 foot deep koi pond built by a previous owner of the house. With raised sides and almost no means of escape. It's literally a stones throw from our house and I had no idea it was there. I feel so sad to think of him so close to home, struggling in the water.
I'm just heartbroken.

My cat drowned in neighbours pond - I'm heartbroken
My cat drowned in neighbours pond - I'm heartbroken
My cat drowned in neighbours pond - I'm heartbroken
OP posts:
Dappled · 04/01/2022 21:40

@MabelFurball, I went round to see the pond and they had put a little floating platform at one side so that animals could get out (after wild animals had drowned in there). But apparently cats can't usually pull themselves up and out of ponds unless their legs can touch the bottom - they don't have the upper body strength. And this is an 8 foot deep pond so no chance of doing that. Also it was just one tiny platform in a big pond so useless unless an animal was lucky enough to be next to it - from what I've read it's seems cats and other animals tend to keep repeatedly trying to get out in one spot. So they wouldn't find a ramp or platform in time. The neighbours are cat owners too and are upset about it and looking to get it covered now. (It was a pond they inherited with the house) I'm very surprised they didn't do it before - it's really obviously a hazard, I was quite shocked when I saw it. It's a stones throw from my house and I had no idea it was there. It feels somehow particularly upsetting that he died that way so close to home.

OP posts:
Quornflakegirl · 04/01/2022 21:44

I am so sorry Flowers

He sounds like a wonderful cat who was very loved.

RoseSmithe · 04/01/2022 21:48

I'm so sorry, that's very sad.

Tobleroney · 04/01/2022 21:48

So sorry. I hope the neighbour is attaching lots of ramps to the pond, lethal to all kinds of pets & wildlife & hedgehogs & birds! (& Children!!!)

polkadotpjs · 04/01/2022 21:51

I am so so sorry. How awful for you

MabelFurball · 04/01/2022 21:52

Thank you for providing further info @Dappled. I am devastated for you that this has happened. Also awful for your poor neighbours then. I hope they do fill the pond in. We have a small pond in our garden that cats drink out of but it has sloping sides and is shallow. RIP beautiful Moon cat. 😿

CrumpledCrumpet · 04/01/2022 21:54

Oh I am so sorry. We lost a cat in similar circumstances and it was so heartbreaking.

QOD · 04/01/2022 21:54

So so sad 😞

Staywithmemyblood · 04/01/2022 21:56

Oh OP, I’m so sorry for your loss, and in such upsetting circumstances 💐 He sounds like a lovely cat, with great character too

GreenGreenTreesOfHome · 04/01/2022 21:58

I am SO sorry Flowers I have no words... Sad

Catkitkat · 04/01/2022 22:03

I’m so sorry Flowers What a beautiful cat.

CassieJumped · 04/01/2022 22:04

I'm so sorry to hear that. Xx

gottomakeithappen · 04/01/2022 22:07

I'm so sorry for your loss. They are part of the family and no being should suffer like that. Rest in peace.

mowly77 · 04/01/2022 22:22

Didn’t want to read and run. I am so so sorry for your loss & that is a particularly upsetting one. Especially as your neighbours are cat owners. I hope one day you can think of your precious happy memories together Flowers

FeelinSpendy · 04/01/2022 22:32

I’m so very sorry for your loss. His life was far too short, but it sounds like he had a happy life and was very loved. X

tulips27 · 04/01/2022 22:56

What a handsome boy, I'm so sorry Sad

Inastatus · 04/01/2022 23:01

So sad for you and your gorgeous Moon Flowers

loveinthe90s · 04/01/2022 23:04

Oh my gosh I'm so sorry. What a tragedy. Such a beautiful cat 🤍🖤

HandsOffMyRights · 04/01/2022 23:21

I'm so sorry. This is just so heartbreaking for you all. I was wondering how your little dog will cope too, having seen the photos.

I lost my cat, who was two years old, to the road, so I feel for you all. Flowers

stockpilingallthecheese · 05/01/2022 08:37

So sorry for your loss, he looked and sounded like a fantastic character Thanks

MrsSkylerWhite · 05/01/2022 08:39

Very sorry for your loss.

TroysMammy · 05/01/2022 09:20

I'm so sorry for your loss and the circumstances must be totally heartbreaking.

BlameItOnTheBlackStar · 05/01/2022 15:49

Oh my goodness. What an absolute heartbreak.

I'm so sorry. What a gorgeous boy!

purpleme12 · 06/01/2022 09:44

Oh my gosh this is h we heartbreaking
I'm so so sorry 💔💔

Dilbertian · 06/01/2022 18:54

So sad. Hold on to those beautiful memories.