Sudden death of lovely cat

[crimsonpeak]

So sad as I type this. I can’t quite believe it but one of our two cats (M, 12) was put to sleep last night. We’d had him since he was a kitten, pre-marriage and kids. He was family.

I’d been out all day with my DS (5) and was with him and DD (2) when he came in from the garden and seemed ‘off’. Fast forward to bath and bedtime and while DH was bathing the kids I popped downstairs to check on him and saw him trying to move across the living room - dragging his back legs behind him and breathing very fast. I called the emergency vet number and booked him in - thinking maybe he’d had a fall or something but would be ok.

Sadly not - vet diagnosed an aortic thromboembolism and DH decided to have him put to sleep. It’s just so sudden. He was an absolutely gorgeous cat, with all the funny little quirks and eccentricities they all have. DH brought him home and we’ll bury him tomorrow. He was in bits when he got home - the cat was very much his cat.

We now have to tell the kids that he died - any advice on this would be much appreciated. Our poor boy. His brother is wandering round the house looking very confused.

I'm sorry

💐so sorry for your loss. No advice sorry just wanted to pass on my love RIP Dear Puss Cat

So sorry for the loss of your lovely cat.
I'd be honest with the children, something like he was very unwell and in pain and the vet couldn't make him better so gave him an injection that would make him go to sleep and not wake up again. That means he's died, he won't come back and he doesn't feel or think anything any more.

My DC were similar ages and came with us to have our old lady cat pts, they were very understanding and accepting.

That’s awful, you had no option but to pts though. I’m so sorry.

Let his brother see him. He will understand and it might stop him looking for him. Sounds like there was no voice but to PTS. Sorry for your loss.

Thankyou all. We broke the news to the kids this morning after DS asked where he was. Lots of tears from DS but also lots of talking about happy times with him. DD upset but ok. We will let our other cat see him before we bury him this afternoon - I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of that. It seems the biggest kindness we can offer him, he must be very confused. I’ve bought some little daffs to mark his grave until I can order something more permanent.

Very sad And yes to let his brother see the body (we used to leave the body of our guinea-pigs in with their cagemate/s overnight to let them process that they'd gone )

It is testament to you as a cat owner that you knew your cat was "off" and kept an eye on him, you must've been very in tune with his behaviour to recognise he was unwell though of course it must;ve been a massive shock to find out how poorly he was.

It is difficult explaining to DC they will often have more questions than you can give answers to .

very sad, sending you lots of love

I'm so sorry. That's very sad. I'd also be heartbroken. Regarding telling the children, I would just be honest. Explain what condition the cat had and how the only option was to put him to sleep. Remember all the happy times with the cat and share memories. I'd get them involved in the burial - these rituals are important.

@crimsonpeak

I'm sorry, it's so sad & hard.

As a pp said, you were obviously in tune with him to notice he was 'off' & keep an eye on him.

DH did well to be so decisive when it mattered.

I'll be thinking of you all this afternoon xx