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Original poster

My cat was PTS this morning. Please tell me this feeling gets better.

33 replies

sporkandnoodles · 23/10/2024 15:24

She was my little soul mate. I absolutely adored her and her me.
She has been sick for a while and this morning was pts.

I am so scared I made the wrong decision. I feel absolutely broken. The idea that I will never see her again is horrible and now I wish I'd been selfish and waited a bit longer. All her things are still in the house. Everything reminds me of her and I feel physically in pain. I have cried and wailed. I never thought it would be this bad, it's like I'm being suffocated.

How do I get through this?

OP posts:
Original poster
sporkandnoodles · 23/10/2024 19:14

Anyone?

OP posts:
OnTheBoardwalk · 23/10/2024 19:18

It does get better but it takes time. Took me over a year to get over my last cat. Only then was I ready to get 2 cats from cats protection

watch out for people trying to force cats on you until you are ready

you did the right thing for her

CheshireCat1 · 23/10/2024 19:22

Pain is the price of love. Just try and think about the good life that you gave to her and that you’ve come to the best decision for her regardless of the pain it would cause you. Yes, things do get better, you’re still coming to terms with your loss but you will recover from this. I’ve been in this position with four of our pets, including two cats, it’s awful and it’s painful.

Devilsadvocat · 23/10/2024 19:23

Its horrible but you did what was best for her. It takes awhile to get over it so cry all you want.

Gelasring · 23/10/2024 19:23

I'm so sorry, we put mine to sleep last week and it was awful. I found it incredibly upsetting, traumatising even. It's one thing to make the decision but another to actually go through with it. Like you I felt scared I'd made the wrong decision as well.
I do feel better now. I'm still sad and missing her but the fear I made a mistake has faded - a bit of distance has helped me feel more sure we did the right thing.
We've bought a plant for the garden to memorialise her too which felt nice.
I hope you feel better about the decision soon op, I really do.

VirginiaGirl · 23/10/2024 19:24

I lost one of mine recently. I cried for a few days at times and felt upset for weeks but I’m fine now. I have a framed picture of her in my bedroom. You absolutely did the right thing. Cats are so lovely.

SharpWriter · 23/10/2024 19:25

So sorry to hear this. I've been there and know how devastating it is. All I can say is, remember what a good life you gave her and that she knew you loved her! Lots of love x

RunnerDown · 23/10/2024 19:29

My lovely cat was pts this morning too. I absolutely know it was the right thing to do but the niggles of doubt definitely keep creeping in. I lost my other cat around this time last year . The house feels so empty now. It’s a horrible feeling. But I know from last year that it does get easier with time.
Sending you virtual hugs

Frenchfemme · 23/10/2024 19:31

You said it yourself, it would have been selfish to delay pts. You gave your beloved cat the gift of a dignified end, and she is now pain free and at peace. Be gentle with yourself, allow yourself to grieve as you need - there is no right or wrong. The pain never goes away, but it becomes bearable and you will begin to heal and remember all the good times you shared. Sending love and positive thoughts.

grafittiartist · 23/10/2024 19:32

Had to do this this year.
So hard- i adored her.
Felt so terrible doing it, but she really wasn't well and I know we did the right thing.
You had a wonderful time with them, and they're not here forever.
Our family shared lots of our favourite photos which helped .

samedifferent · 23/10/2024 19:35

It is really hard, two years later I rescued another cat. It isn't the same but he is also a lovely addition to our lives.

PandaCwtch · 23/10/2024 19:35

Yes, you did the right thing. And yes, it very slowly gets better. Hopefully you have a lot of lovely memories and the knowledge that your cat lived their very best kitty life

Words · 23/10/2024 19:37

Oh love. It does get easier but only with time.

My darling boy was killed on the road 23 days ago and I have cried and howled and wailed for him. There is absolutely no shame in this. As someone else rightly said, grief is the price we pay for love.

Steer clear of those who don't understand the intense bond we can have with our companion animals and share your grief only with those who do.

I was totally unhinged for days. It does get easier from experience although I still cry for him every day.

The blue cross have a really good pet bereavement helpline. Their volunteers are very well trained and exceptionally compassionate. I called them last October when my dog died suddenly ( it has been a terrible year) and I am planning to call them again soon . I haven't felt quite ready until now.

Sending warm thoughts and all the understanding in the world.x

Redplenty · 23/10/2024 19:40

I trained as a vet. I also had a rescue dog I got while at university, had 15 years with me and then eventually I had to pts. It broke me, but it was the right decision. I think about her every day, I cry often, but it was the right decision. And ultimately, if in doubt, a peaceful pain free death is not a welfare issue. Not euthanasing when you should, is.

Calliopespa · 23/10/2024 19:43

You did the brave and loving thing.

Your pain is the price you are paying for the fact she is feeling none right now.

The pain will subside and you will be left with the happy memories of a cherished companion.

BrummieCahoots · 23/10/2024 19:48

It's horrendous. I cried all night and my daughter was so upset at work the next day they sent her home. It gets better slowly. Sending you love ❤️

Catandsquirrel · 23/10/2024 19:53

I'm so sorry about your lovely lass 💐

Words · 23/10/2024 19:55

You absolutely did the right thing for her OP.I often reflect we do better by our animals than with our fellow humans, to be honest.

You are suffering now so that she does not. That is love.

If there is time, I just wanted to mention that I have taken comfort in having a snip,of fur and a paw print. The vet may be able to arrange this for you.

afaloren · 23/10/2024 19:59

Paul O’ Grady said to love animal is to invite heartbreak into your life. You did the kindest thing. I’m so sorry for your loss. It will ease, it will.

Toddlerteaplease · 23/10/2024 20:02

It's awful. But it does get better. You will remember her and smile.

WhimsicalGubbins76 · 23/10/2024 20:05

First of all, I’m so, so very sorry. I know exactly what you’re going through, multiple times over (I’ve had, and still have, many cats, and have lost many through the years)
Secondly, you did do the right thing, yes. You did the kindest, bravest thing possible for her. It wouldn’t even have been an option that entered your head if it wasn’t the right thing.
I cannot emphasis enough how compassionate and brave it was for you take her in, as much as your heart is breaking now, she’s no longer suffering. You took on the suffering instead to set her free

The heartache is horrendous. I’ve only had to take 2 in to be pts (the others have died peacefully in their sleep, at home with me) and the guilt is horrendous. Whatever the situation, you second guess yourself, you convince yourself you’ve killed them when they could have survived happily for longer with the right treatment…..
Yes that’s all totally normal, and it definitely does ease in time (you’ll also come to realise you did do the right thing) you will miss her forever but the pain will lessen and you’ll smile when you remember her again. Not yet, but you will. I’m sending you the biggest possible hugs, my heart hurts for the pain that you’re in.

Original poster
sporkandnoodles · 23/10/2024 20:17

Thank you for all the lovely messages. It's been such a horrible day and I feel dreadful.......she was such a character and gave us all so much joy. She has been a constant source of comfort to me and it feels like I need her more than ever today.
I am reassured though that this is all normal. God I miss her so much already.

OP posts:
Redplenty · 23/10/2024 20:29

sporkandnoodles · 23/10/2024 20:17

Thank you for all the lovely messages. It's been such a horrible day and I feel dreadful.......she was such a character and gave us all so much joy. She has been a constant source of comfort to me and it feels like I need her more than ever today.
I am reassured though that this is all normal. God I miss her so much already.

Be kind to yourself as it will take time not to well up when you see someone stroking a cat. She's had a lifetime of being a brilliant friend to you, and you to her. The bond won't break but the pain will lessen.

milski · 23/10/2024 20:36

I'm so sorry to hear that your cat was PTS. My gorgeous boy was PTS a week before Christmas last year. It was dreadful for the first couple of months but you do learn to live with it and it does get easier. Sending hugs.

CatChant · 23/10/2024 20:43

I’m so very sorry. They break your heart every time you lose them but the joy they bring in their lives with us is worth the sorrow at the end.

You made the right decision, and when your grief is less raw, you will know you did. Sparing her suffering was the last gift you could give her.

She knew you loved her.

Be kind to yourself. Give yourself time to grieve.