Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Last night tonight

38 replies

SwirlyShirly · 24/02/2025 21:19

Tonight is our last night with my little BFF of nearly 18 years, Lola. We sat outside in the sunshine and watched the birds for a bit, sniffed some flowers, had a bit of a snuggle, and now she's pooped and just wants to rest. I'm beside myself. The vet is coming to the house tomorrow to put her to sleep. I know nearly 18 years is a pretty good innings but I'm not ready, even though I have to be. She's ready, she's been a wonderful emotional support pet, she was there on my wedding day, comforted me through every illness, 2 pregnancies, never his, spat, growled or bitten 2 boisterous boys. She's just the best girl I could have hoped for, and I'm not quite sure what I will do without her.

Last night tonight
OP posts:
JoanOgden · 24/02/2025 21:21

Oh, what a beauty Lola is! I'm so sorry, OP. You're doing the right thing for her but it must be so hard.

SwirlyShirly · 24/02/2025 21:22

Another pic because she has the most stunning eyes. X

Last night tonight
OP posts:
SwirlyShirly · 24/02/2025 21:24

It's incredibly hard. I won't have any more pets after the current cats are gone. We have 4 currently, 2 sets of siblings. Lola has always been very much my Velcro cat, she must always have physical contact. Her sister will be with her tomorrow. They bring so much joy through their time with us, but the heart break at the end is devastating.

OP posts:
CatsRabbitsDogsFish · 24/02/2025 21:27

She is beautiful. We have to do the right thing for our pets. It is heartbreaking but you are doing the best for her. My cat was pts 6 years ago. She was my best friend, Ive never met a cat like her and never will again. You will never forget her, she will always be in your heart. I wish I could give you a big hug.

SwirlyShirly · 24/02/2025 21:32

Thank you, I could really do with a big hug. I'm so nervous for tomorrow. I've never been through the euthanasia process, we had a dog pts several years ago but my husband took him and I stayed with the children. I'm terrified it's not going to be peaceful. But thankful she will be in her home where she won't be frightened.

OP posts:
FatLarrysBanned · 24/02/2025 21:39

Safe journey to the bridge beautiful Lola 🌈 🐾

I was with my old boy at the end, held him, stroked him, whispered in his ear how much I loved him and he just slipped away. It was so peaceful and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. DH couldn't be there, he was too upset, but I'm so glad I was holding him and I was the last thing he saw as he closed his eyes for the last time. 💔

Tortielady · 24/02/2025 21:43

Lola is a darling and you will have so many happy memories of her. We've had to let a couple of cats go with euthanasia and found it far less upsetting than watching them suffer. With Delilah especially, it was one of the most dignified, humane things I've ever seen. She just drifted away, resting on my arm. It was the first time I'd seen it happen and I was pleased I had. She knew I was with her and it demystified the procedure for me (and my OH), so we all benefited. Death is part of life and it shouldn't be frightening. All the best to you and your sweet little lady.

lozrox90 · 24/02/2025 21:46

What a gorgeous girl Lola is ❤️ She sounds like the most wonderful cat and companion. It is heartbreaking to lose a pet especially when they have been a part of our lives and family for so long, but you are doing the best for her and you will have 18 years of beautiful memories to look back on. Sending you lots of love and hugs. Safe journey to the rainbow bridge Lola 🌈 xxx

Pearl97 · 24/02/2025 21:50

Lola what a treasure. I promise it will be peaceful. She won’t know what’s happening - but she will know you’re there so she will feel safe. It’s lovely she will be at home.
Her love will live on. She will have given your boys a lifelong love of cats.
I will be thinking of you. We’re all on your shoulder tomorrow. Xxx

SwirlyShirly · 24/02/2025 21:54

Thank you all, I appreciate your kind words so much x

OP posts:
wanttokickoffbutcant · 24/02/2025 21:59

Oh bless you both. I have a big ginger cat who will turn 18 this tear and I am dreading having to make such a decision but you know you are doing the right thing for the lovely Lola. Strength and love sending to you for tomorrow x

boredsolicitor · 24/02/2025 22:02

Your final act of love for your precious girl -so hard but letting them suffer is so much worse. Flowers

thequeenoftarts · 24/02/2025 22:06

Hi, your cat is so pretty and what a great age she is. She has been very well cared for to get to such a great age. I have been at this point more times than I care to mention as I work in a vets and with my own fur babies too.

Before tomorrow take a clipping of her hair and using some paint ( any paint, ideally matt as it will wash off) get a couple of pawprints from her. Or use an ink pad if you have one handy.

When the vet arrives ensure you know the process is very fast, the vet and most likely a nurse too will be there to assist in the process. They clip some hair from one of her front paws and place a cannula ( needle) and tape it in place. They will ( or should, do ask them to) give her some sedation at that point so she is sleepy, then they will ask you if you are ready to proceed and they will inject the euthansia drug. Within a minute Lola will slip away for a forever sleep.

Then afterwards they will either depart and leave her with you to bury in the garden or take her with them if you decide on cremation. If you decide on garden burial, make sure you dig a hole a lot deeper than you think is necessary, esp as you have other animals and children.

There are 2 types of cremation, group or individual. Group - no ashes are returned, they are usually scattered in the cremation companies garden or a field they have permission to use and if you choose individual cremation you select a casket and get Lola's ashes back. There is no right or wrong choice, just whatever is right for you as a family.

Your children can be there or in another room, if there with you just explain that Lola is old and tired and she is going to a special place where all pets go when their bodies get too old to be in this world, and the vet is going to help that happen. If the kids are old enough they will understand and may cry, if younger some just accept it but will have loads of questions afterwards.

I wish Lola a peaceful passing tomorrow and sending all the love and comfort to your family to get through the coming days.

Whatisthisbs · 24/02/2025 22:06

Oh OP 😪😪😪😪 this is so sad. What a beautiful girl. She will run free with my boys. They break our hearts when they go, but know that she had a good life full of love xx

Sunshineandrainbow · 24/02/2025 22:08

Thinking of you and your gorgeous girl 😻

It is so very hard but the kindest thing, cats live in the moment and it will be very peaceful.

LemonPanda · 24/02/2025 22:17

Beautiful girl ♥️ It sounds like you've had a very happy life together.

iamnotalemon · 24/02/2025 22:22

Oh I'm sorry x

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 24/02/2025 23:00

So sorry, OP, she is beautiful. We had to let our darling girl go last year (she was only ten and had intestinal lymphoma) and I got the vet to take her paw prints which they sent me in a lovely card. I later had one tattooed on my arm so she’s always with me.

@thequeenoftarts mentions sedation and I really wish we had known this wasn’t always given. At our vet they don’t do this as standard, and then there was some faff with the canula and she cried out and it was awful. The vet did end up taking her out, sedating her, then bringing her back, and from there it was very peaceful - she slipped away with me holding her and singing her her song (You Are My Sunshine). I hope we have a long, long time until we are in that position again but I would 100% request sedation first.

IJWMM · 25/02/2025 01:42

What a beautiful girl and a wonderful companion through your time together over the last 18 years.

It really is the hardest chapter to take, but it is also one that signifies your utmost love for her. To be with her at the end, to hold her and talk to her - you will be fulfilling that contract that we all take on. Their unconditional love in return for our promise to give them release when the time comes.

It is never easy, but as time passes, it does give me a measure of comfort that I did right by them and was there right until the very end. And you’re giving an extra level of comfort with being with her in your own home.

Will be thinking of you both 🐾💕

SwirlyShirly · 25/02/2025 08:58

Yes she will be sedated first. She has had tuna for breakfast and I have some smoked salmon ready for when the vet comes today. I wish I knew what time but I haven't heard yet.

OP posts:
lozrox90 · 25/02/2025 09:07

I'm thinking of you today OP ❤️ I promise it will be peaceful for Lola. She is very lucky to have had such a lovely life and home. Love and hugs to you x

myfitbitisfucked · 25/02/2025 09:22

Oh @SwirlyShirly she is a beautiful cat. I have had to say goodbye to two of my girls over the years. The lead up and dread I found was worse than the actual moment. They were both getting old and both were unwell one acutely and suddenly. When they passed I held them and told them I loved them. Of course it was incredibly sad but there was also so much love and trust there. And it was peaceful.
Lola will also be with you. It sounds trite but it’s true. A lifelong bond and a life full of love isn’t diminished when they leave us. Nothing will ever take that away.

Thinking of you 🐾🌈💕

SwirlyShirly · 25/02/2025 13:04

All done, she ate tuna and salmon and fell asleep very peacefully in my arms earlier today all wrapped up in my fluffy dressing gown. I told her how much I loved her and enjoyed all the snuggles. It was very gentle, and I didn't feel rushed at all. Perfect ending for the best girl.

Last night tonight
OP posts:
lozrox90 · 25/02/2025 13:14

Thinking of you @SwirlyShirly ❤️ I'm so glad it was gentle and peaceful at the end. She will always be with you 🐾💕

Cattery · 25/02/2025 13:14

That’s so sad 🥲

Swipe left for the next trending thread