My darling kitty died today....

[WTF99]

........She was a rescue cat who I met during lockdown as a result of the Cat Protection League's pioneering of virtual rehoming via WhatsApp. I met her on a video call. She was later delivered to my doorstep. I live alone and had just returned to full-time face to face work after months of treatment for breast cancer, when lockdown happened and then all our lives went on hold
I took it very personally having already been locked in my house for the best part of 7 months of treatment. My little cat was a bit cranky and broken, like me, but I loved her and I think she loved me back. We rescued each other during that difficult time
She came to me with health issues. Today these overtook her so we had to say goodbye. Im heartbroken. Is that too much? She was just a cat after all, but the sweetest most loving little creature, affectionate til her last moments. I will miss her so much

It certainly isn't too much to say your're heartbroken. You went through a horrible time, healthwise, yourself (hope you're ok now). We get attached to those little furry friends and that's what they are - friends. It's always so sad when they go - I've grieved many cats over 44 years. Be kind to yourself

Sorry about your lovely kitty. It sounds like you got great comfort from her and her from you. Not too much to be heartbroken, it really is a loss when a pet dies 💔

I’m so sorry 😢 it’s devastating loosing a pet, it’s a cliche but time is a great healer! X

She wasn't just a cat. She was full of love, hope, mischief and demands. The same as me or you.

I'm sorry for your loss 💔

I'm so sorry. It sounds like you were so happy together. I got my rescue cat during lockdown and she was a lifesaver, so I have some idea how you feel. She was very lucky to find you xx

So sorry, it is really heartbreaking losing a little furry pal. X

It sounds like she was lovely and you were perfect for each other. I'd be heartbroken, too. RIP Kitty Cat xxx

Thank you so much for understanding. I've been tearful all day.

I'm so sorry - that's really sad. How lucky you both were to find each other xx

So sorry for your loss. We lost a dog just before Christmas, it’s awful 😞.

Grief is the price we pay for love, sadly.

She was never “just a cat”. She was your friend and companion. She helped you through hard times, and you gave her a second chance when you gave a rescue cat a new life in a safe and loving home.

It is only too natural to be heartbroken. I would be too. Don’t feel you shouldn’t be so sad.

Be kind to yourself. Time is the best healer but it is always so hard to lose them.

Of course it's not too much to be heartbroken by the loss of a beloved companion. She wasn't just a cat, because as any cat would tell you, there's no such thing. My two for example, know that they basically run the house and we are here at their pleasure. Your little lady had a great life with you and she knew how much you loved her.

Cats are never "just a cat" they are wonderful creatures who we are privileged to spend part of our lives with. The silence they leave behind is deafening.
It might be too soon. But I've found the best way to move on, and honour your cat, is to rescue another.

You saved her and she saved you right back. I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is truly devastating xx

I have an older boy with health issues. When we adopted him I asked DH "what if he breaks our hearts?" and DH replied "it's so much sadder if he breaks no one's heart".

You gave your girl that- you opened your heart to her and gave her a forever that was so much better than any alternative. So sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry. We lost our darling cat nearly two years ago and I still miss her dreadfully. There is something wonderful about animals and the love they give. Take the time you need to grieve. She was a dear friend to you and it will take a while to process what has happened. I didn't know how hard grief could be until my darling cat went. Be kind to yourself

So sorry, OP. It’s coming up a year since we said goodbye to our best girl, and I am teary just reading these posts. I read somewhere that “they are a chapter in your life, you are their whole book” or something along those lines - it helped me to think our girl’s book was the best one we could have written for her (until the plot-twist of cancer) and that she had such a happy life with us. I bet your cat’s story is the same.

We adopted a little boy cat shortly after losing our girl, and he’s been an absolute tonic. He was a stray kitten and I think we rescued each other.

Thank you for these messages. It's been a tough week and an even tougher day today, make just a little bit easier reading these experiences.
The house seems very quiet without her, as I go to bed now. She'd usually be somewhere nearby.
I think I will fill that silence with another little kitty presence at some point, but not quite yet

I'm sorry for your loss. It's lovely that you both gave eachother comfort during a difficult time in both your lives. I'm sure she would have felt loved in the few years you had together. Be kind to yourself

Sending so much love xxxx

They are never ‘just a cat’. I have loved all mine so much and been heartbroken when they’ve gone. They are your family and have shared your life. You need to grieve just as you would if a human loved one died. 💕

There will be one when you're ready
I never planned another cat so quickly but it became obvious that my tiny, noisy, weirdo void decided I needed a giant, silent, weirdo void to look after me and sent one 3 days after he left
It was 100% the right decision and I've never regretted it