Cat died suddenly and I'm struggling

[ClosingTime93]

Our beautiful boy died yesterday at the vet's. He was just supposed to get his annual vaccination but before even getting the shot, he had suffered from cardiac arrest. Vet obviously tried CPR but it was too late, he was gone. He was 11 years old and had a heart murmur for a while, but no symptoms ever. He was so special to me. I've had pets all my life but never one like him. He was like a shadow, followed me everywhere, snuggled me day and night. He watched me meet DH and have kids. He moved across the country with us multiple times. He's even travelled to Europe with us when he was younger. He had a very fully life and I just didn't think it would end so abruptly. I keep glancing around expecting to see him. He was there for every part of my day. It sounds so daft to say but he was like a cat soulmate to me. It hurts so much I can barely breathe. I know it will get easier but I'm not sure when? And how? What can I do to feel better?

I’m so, so sorry, @ClosingTime93.

He sounds like a magnificent cat who had a lot of adventures. What was his name?

I’m so very sorry you have lost your dear friend. Just take your time and cry it out, and please tell us all about him. What was his name?

I’m so sorry, it’s so painful and only those who’ve been through it can understand the vacuum they leave. it took me a good 18m to stop crying about the bengal (Asbo) and then 18m after that dh died too.

Fluffy moggy girl is my cat but Asbo was my baby.

I’m so so sorry. Time will heal but it will take a while. I lost my soulmate cat two years ago and still think of her often, but more happily.

I’m so terribly sorry. It’s the worst pain when a pet dies.

It's not daft OP they are family they go through so much with us together good and bad,I've lost pets before and it hurts for such a long time it's difficult now but try to keep those happy memories at the forefront of your mind.so sorry for your loss

I'm so sorry, it is such a shock, isn't it? We lost one suddenly last week too.

So sorry to hear this op. It's devastating when this happens, my ginger boy dropped dead in front of me in our garden two summers ago, he was only 8 years old. I was inconsolable for weeks. But the old cliche that time helps ease the pain is right. I can look back on my time with him with fondness now. Take time to grieve for your boy op. Sending you hugs.

So sorry for your loss.
Sounds like you gave him a wonderful life. You loved him and did the best for him to the end. Always remember that.
I have two cats now but still miss (& shed a tear for) my previous moggy who died over 11 years ago aged 12.
It will take time but you will eventually feel better. 💜💐

Thank you everyone. His name was Basil. A beautiful tuxedo cat with a little moustache. And sorry for all your losses too. I don't really know or believe in what comes next but I do hope for an afterlife where we get to meet them again.

Basil sounds amazing, Op, I am sorry for your loss.

Aw I’m so sorry. I’ve lost two beloved pets this year and the pain is unbearable at times x

It's there all right - and it has a load of cushions in it.xx

Kitty moustaches are so adorable and sometimes dignified 😻 Did Basil have any siblings?

@ClosingTime93 I feel your pain. we had to have our girl put to sleep on Wednesday after she was hit by a car. Pets are with us for such a short part of our lives even though its a long life for them and they are part of the family. Just remember the life he had with you was a great life and that he was well loved ❤️❤️

So very sorry. My 13 year old boy was killed on the road six weeks ago. He was my soulmate and best friend, neighbourhood character, sociable, loving, friendly. I adored him and I understand the pain you are experiencing.

I lost my lovely girl a month ago. She seemed sprightly and content, then started breathing oddly. Within 24 hours she was gone. It was so distressing. She was a queen of a cat, so confident and friendly. Then my dog went 7 days later. I am experiencing real grief and shock. House is so empty. It is very hard.

Oh @MaiAamWaliHun

My dog also died unexpectedly before Tom was killed. The shock and grief are awful. I went half mad for a while I think and cried for days and days.

I have found the blue cross pet bereavement helpline very compassionate. Wary at first as the 'wrong' sort of connection in that situation can make things worse rather than better. I have called them a fair few times when I felt too overwhelmed and only once had someone I didn't really click with.

Some animals are truly special. My mum ran a shelter for homeless dogs and cats. One of the dogs stayed with us for 6 months until she was killed in a freak car accident. She was my soulmalte. I still remember her 34 years later. I wish she didn't die so young. You are not alone

I'm so sorry @ClosingTime93. It's horrible. BastardCat was a massive moggie - we spent thousands on his treatment after a serious injury when he was 18 months old - only to drop dead at our feet at 8 years old. It was during lockdown so we couldn't find out why. We've adopted another rescue but I'm scared; it has such scarred lungs. He's such a loving and affectionate cat despite spending most of his 'kittenhood' in quarantine. Much empathy x

I’m so sorry. Give yourself time, it’s devastating to lose a pet especially when it’s so unexpected.

Rest in peace Basil.