Saying goodbye today

[Hattermadness]

Just that really, we knew it was coming, and we are all so heartbroken. He's had a long and happy life, and we know we are doing the right thing, but God its just so hard. He's had a last little walk around the garden this morning (he's an indoor cat, but loved to try and escape now and then!) lots of treats and we've taken lots of photos. I just can't believe this is it.
We've made all the arrangements for him to be cremated etc, I just can't believe that we will never see him again.
I've never had to take a pet to be pts before, hubby took our last cat as it was an emergency in the middle of the night and at the time our daughter was only 3, this feels so much worse as its 'us' that are making the decision rather than being forced in the moment.
It's not an option to delay it as he really isn't having a great quality of life, and I want it to be me, as he is closer to me than hubby.

It's for the best, I just need a handhold, really.

It's so hard, and there's nothing that I can say to make it easier. However, it's not as hard as letting them suffer when you know you could do something about it, so for me it's an honour to be able to offer that peaceful end to a much loved pet and to support them at the end.

If you've not seen it before the fear of the unknown is big. Usually the nurses will prep him and put a catheter in to ensure good vein access. Then you'll be able to hold him while it's injected. You'll have a few seconds of wondering if it's working, and then he'll just slump in your arms and you can gently lower him down to the table to say goodbye. It's nearly always incredibly peaceful. They'll then give you a bit of time to say goodbye.

Don't expect too much of yourself - it's the end of an era.

Oh it’s hard, so unbelievably hard. I’ve had to do it twice and each time I cried huge noisy tears into their fur once the vet had given them their shot.

Sending you a handhold and a hug, just because it’s the right thing to do doesn’t make it any easier.

It's so hard to do. We had to take this decision suddenly with our last cat after months of misdiagnosis. She was still very much herself, looked as she always had, and it didn't feel like time, but she couldn't eat. The only consolation I can offer is that it was very peaceful - and I am sure will be in your boy's case.

I’m so sorry. It’s next Thursday for my wee cat and I know how hard it is. All you can do is know that you’re doing the kindest thing x

Oh OP it really is so sad, and you feel like your heart is breaking when you are in those moments. Nobody can tell you otherwise. The only way I had got through this twice with two of my beautiful girls with fur was that the grief is the price you pay for a life of love. Memories get easier and you can think of them with a smile again, recall the stories and look at photos.
But right now I am thinking of you and hope the goodbye is peaceful for you both.

It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. What helped me was taking his favourite blanket or whatever he loved sleeping on most as I wanted him wrapped in that when our cat crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I also spent time afterwards just holding our girl.

Oh I'm so sorry. It is hard, it hurts like hell. I had my lovely pony of 15 years pts 3 weeks ago. Sending you hugs xx

So sorry, OP - it's really horrible and so sad, but it truly is the last kind gift you can give a much loved family member who is suffering. Sending lots of love.

Sending lots of love, you are doing the kindest act of love for him.

Thanks everyone, it was so hard, and yet so peaceful, he seemed to perk up slightly after his trip into the garden this morning and some treats, but I know in my heart of hearts it really was the best for him. He went to sleep resting on my arm and once he had relaxed he really was just skin and bone, he had lost so much weight. We've got pawprints and fur, and the crematorium people should have picked him up at some point today too.

I can't explain how hard this has hit me, I've cried all day. His medication list on fridge-that set me off. His dishes. The bag on the bench with his medication in. I miss him so much already 💔

I can reduce myself to tears thinking about the moment this will happen. It is the price of years of love.

@Hattermadness sending love - I had to be brought out of a secret door in the vets after we had our girl pts. I was literally a wreck and just couldn’t have exited through the people waiting in reception. I had one of her lovely paw prints tattooed on my arm a few weeks later, with a heart because I always called her “my sweetest little heart” - probably a bit drastic but I love that she’s with me every day. I’m blinking back tears just typing this, and we’re almost two years on, at the time I just remember feeling kind of scraped out and raw. Pets aren’t just animals, they are our family. 🤍

We have a little boy cat now who we adopted indecently quickly, because I couldn’t bear the empty space - he’s a very different cat, a wee menace, but I am sure our girl sent him because she knew he was exactly the cat I needed. Maybe in time your cat will send you another little friend if you want him to.

I'm so, so sorry. Well done for making the kindest decision for him. I know how extremely hard it is. (((Hugs)))

Well done @Hattermadness for doing the kindest and hardest thing. It sounds like your boy was ill for a while and the gap that the cessation of caring duties leaves is also huge. I was so used to Elton's long and complicated feeding routines that I didn't know what to do with myself. If you need someone to talk to I can absolutely recommend the Blue Cross Bereavement Helpline - I phoned a few days in because I just didn't know what to do with the sadness and they were great. Wishing you peace

I'm crying for you & fir most experiences.

it hurts so much ❤️‍🩹

there is a small amount if comfort in knowing you did what was right for them! & are saving them from pain & misery. But trying to hold onto that is very hard!!

big big hugs 🤗🥰

I totally understand - we had to do the same for our boy Marv today. Absolutely the right thing but so so hard.
Inexplicable how two different species can build such a bond.
Sending you love - they are very much family and a huge loss

I’m so so sorry for your loss. You did the kindest thing for your boy after a lifetime of love, a peaceful passing rather than suffering, and he got to pass having a cuddle from his favourite person too

We had to say goodbye to our 16 year old girl 18 months ago, and coming home to her bed, bowls and favourite teddy was awful, but like your boy, she passed having a cuddle with me and my husband and I like to think she knew in that moment just how much we loved her.

Be kind to yourself. Pets are family and their passing is heartbreaking x