RIP precious boy

[neilyoungismyhero]

I've had some devastating news over the last couple of months about loved ones health issues so you would think the death of a little 16 year old ginger whinger would pale into insignificance- not so..
I watched him today eating his breakfast and then laying by the kitchen fire in his favourite place only moving when the fire in the sitting room was lit. I knew it would be his last few hours in this life - thankfully he didn't, bless him.
He had nose cancer and it had spread and spread- he was snuffling a lot and I couldn't take the risk of him not being able to breathe..the vet agreed tonight.
She cried, we all cried but talked and cuddled him to the end. He just sat there really, then not a care in the world trusting and calm as you like, as per usual. Then he was gone in my arms. God how sad that was. He was as fit as a fiddle for a 16 year old cat in tip top condition and had years left...life's not fair.
We miss him already. He should be here still.

Oh my dear, have hugs if you want them

I am so sorry. It sounds like he was a well loved and happy cat.

It’s awful my tabby went at 13, heart failure, awful at vets, just over a month ago, new rescue cat now
be glad you loved and had him, it’s awful I know, he was loved hr knew that

I'm so sorry for your loss, your kitty sounds like a total honey. Very big cuddles from a fellow cat lover

What a very lucky boy he was to have you looking after him for 16 years.
It’s so hard to let them go. Big hug for you from another Ginger owner. They’re the best.

I'm so sorry. But you've done the right thing for him.

I’m so sorry. He knew he was loved and cared for. It’s so hard when they leave us, but the love goes on.

I just had this with my girl too- end of January- and I'm predictably tearing up reading your post. I've felt everything you're feeling now, and it is NORMAL and ultimately a really lovely thing because it means he brought you joy. It's OK to mourn the loss of that - it's not insignificant at all.

You gave him a loving home and spared him all the pain you could at the end- there's really no better ending any of us could wish for. I hope you are as proud of that as you are sad- if and when you're ready, another cat will be very, very lucky to have you. 💐

Sorry for your loss. He was loved for 16yrs and he was with you at the end. Its never easy to say goodbye.

So sorry for your loss. I love the image of your ginger whinger all toasty in front of the fire ❤️

I’m so very sorry, it sounds like his last hours were happy and full of love. You couldn’t have done anymore for him that that, be as kind to yourself as you were to your lovely friend x

I’m so sorry. It’s always too soon.

But it sounds like you gave him a wonderful life and the gift of a gentle, pain-free ending.

He knew you loved him.

Aw I'm so sorry OP. It's so hard losing a little furry member of the family. I have been torn up because I wasn't able to actually speak with them in their last days.... I know that's silly, but it's such a unique grief.

But they knew how much they are loved, because we made sure of it every day of their lives. They give us so many laughs, and inevitably so many tears when they're gone.

Your love absolutely shines through in your words and it's lovely to see! You could read him so well that you knew the time had come and made a difficult decision, that is love.

How lucky you both were to find each other.

Thank you all so much for your kind words- they mean so much. I'm sorry too for all your sad losses.
We miss him so much.