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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 · 06/01/2022 19:07

I really appreciate these messages so much.
It seems so unfair, when he was so young and healthy and full of life. It feels very different and so much harder than when I have lost much-loved pets from old age in the past.
I just can't seem to stop crying.
Thanks everyone who has posted here, it has helped.

OP posts:
userxx · 06/01/2022 20:31

That's so upsetting, I hope they fill the pond in.

HMBB · 06/01/2022 21:10

I am so sorry, he was a gorgeous boy 🥲

LondonQueen · 06/01/2022 21:10

That's so sad, he was really beautiful. I'm sorry for your loss OPThanks

MabelFurball · 06/01/2022 21:47

Thinking of you @Dappled x

LushAlice · 06/01/2022 22:16

I feel your pain. The best, brightest, most adorable cat I ever owned died in her second year. I still feel sad about her. FlowersFlowersFlowers

TheCreamCaker · 06/01/2022 22:19

Dappled So very sorry to hear about your beautiful boy. I'm actually sobbing at what you've put. Having always had cats (41 years) and having lost so many over those years, I understand how horrible it is. Thinking of you and also of your dog Flowers

Sonata13 · 06/01/2022 22:24

Oh my gosh. I am in tears for you. He will always be with you in spirit. He will protect and love you just like you loved him. My heart felt sympathy xxx

Cactuslockdown · 06/01/2022 22:55

I’m so sorry for your loss OP. It’s so sad, he was beautiful and much loved by you and ddog Flowers

flowersforbrains · 06/01/2022 23:06

Absolutely heartbreaking.

Sending you and Moon lots of love.

minipie · 06/01/2022 23:28

Oh gosh I’m so sorry. I know exactly what you mean about him being so close. Poor Bramble too, it’s good you were able to let him see the body to understand but so sad.

shinynewapple21 · 06/01/2022 23:30

I'm so sorry to hear this . Thanks

GodspeedJune · 06/01/2022 23:31

So very sorry for your loss. It’s no wonder you’re heartbroken. What an absolutely tragedy.

I hope your neighbours get the pond filled in. They should have addressed it properly after wild animals had died in there.

Rhannion · 06/01/2022 23:38

I’m very sorry x it’s heartbreaking.

Deisogn · 06/01/2022 23:39

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's so hard to lose them young. The neighbours are lucky it wasn't a child...who leaves an 8 foot deep pond uncovered?

Bouncer500 · 06/01/2022 23:41

That's really dangerous and irresponsible of them. Poor cat and poor Bramble.

kwaziseyepatch · 06/01/2022 23:44

Sorry OP what a horrible thing to happen. Moon was a gorgeous boy and those photos with Bramble are so lovely Thanks

Josette77 · 06/01/2022 23:48

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Moon sounds like a magnificent cat. 🌺

MrsApplepants · 06/01/2022 23:54

Rest in peace lovely Moon.

Salome61 · 07/01/2022 00:18

So terribly sorry to read your sad news. The pond sounds to be a deathtrap for any animal.

Shehasadiamondinthesky · 07/01/2022 00:21

I'm so angry for you, this is a hazard in so many ways, today your beautiful cat, tomorrow a child or even and adult, they need to sort it out. You should report it to the council if they won't do anything.
It should at the very least have a couple of ladders attached properly to the side.

helpingmyself · 07/01/2022 00:24

I am so sorry abt what happened to ur moon .. it breaks my heart 💔.. he was a gorgeous boy sending love 💐x

Seemslikeagoodidea · 07/01/2022 00:39

That is so sad, it will take time to recover from losing your dear cat in that way. Flowers

Thank you for sharing your story, it is a good thing because it will act as a warning to others and hopefully they will deal with any dangerous/unused ponds, to avoid such things happening in their gardens.

I acquired an allotment recently and discovered a small unused pond on it, underneath overgrown weeds. There don't seem to be any creatures living in it and I keep meaning to empty it out, but having read your sad story I will prioritise this task. There is a stream nearby where I can empty the water, along with any tiny organisms that may be living in it. I know ponds can help wildlife but I am not there to oversee the pond every day, and don't want anything bad to happen.

Kitkat151 · 07/01/2022 01:44

So very sad for you....beautiful cat 💐

mrsprefect · 07/01/2022 06:39

Oh goodness, I am so so sorry for your loss. What a terrible thing to happen, no wonder you are devastated. I hope you and Bramble are doing ok.