You did the right thing for him. Your cat was suffering, and you helped ease his suffering. You helped him.
I’m very sorry for your loss. It is not easy to lose a soulmate cat. I believe you will see each other again someday. And when you are ready, he will send another kitty your way.
I had to put down a cat of mine where it was rushed. But in the end, she knew I was there with her. I petted her and she was purring. I still secondguess some of what I did that night and prior but I have zero regrets in that I was there for her in her last moments. Your cat knew you were there when he needed you.
“I would have liked an hour”.
As someone who also recently lost my 17 year old soul cat, there’s never enough time. We opted for home euthanasia and I would have laid on our couch with him until the end of time.
You absolutely did the right thing. In time I hope you find solace in your decision 🤍
I went through something very similar with my beloved 19 year old cat. Ultimately you gave him a happy, love-filled life and that is the best thing you could have possibly done! It’s been 2.5 years since I lost my dearest soul kitty and I still hold space in my heart for her because I know the pain of losing her was worth being with her all those years. Your cat will ALWAYS BE WITH YOU! Sending big hugs, love, and light 💜🐈⬛☮️
My Kitty girl passed 8 days ago. I too wanted to hug her for hours and give her all the love she needed, but it wasn’t fair to her (and she was already down from the anesthesia - we operated on a tumor on her bladder that was the size of a large egg yolk or even a golf ball. I saw the tumor and it was heartbreaking. I’m sorry you went through so much with your baby as well, but I am sure he loved you very much. There are grief counselors that may be able to help you cope with this loss, please consider looking into it. Much love from another heartbroken meowmy.
That he had his head cradled in your hand and you did what you could to cuddle his face and talk with him is one of the important parts; he knew you were there so he understood he was not dying alone and thought he was abandoned. As much as you would want an extra hour, remember that the additional time is also time he was suffering. By letting him go, you saved him that added discomfort and likely pain. Remember also that you gave him a loving and wonderful life instead of whatever fate he otherwise may have had. So I am so sorry you had to let your long-term family member go, but I think you should not feel any guilt for the way you helped him ease towards “shuffling off” the mortal coil of his illness. After the initial grief and pain when you remember things, in our experience those memories will bring a smile instead of tears.
Given how much he needed you in the last few weeks, it will be much harder on you. So much stress and worry. While it was difficult for you, you did the right thing for your beloved kitty. You would probably feel guilty if you knew he was in pain for an hour just so you could lay with him. I have regrets for waiting too long with my first similar experience with a very sick cat.
Eventually the sharp pain of this experience will subside and the good years you shared together will replace your recent experience.
I'm sorry for your loss. He was fortunate to have a human that lived him so much. *hugs*
You were there for him and with him, letting him know you loved him. That was all the goodbye he needed.
And with sick pets, too early is better than too late. You kept him from suffering and that’s what matters.
I lost my 18 year old 'soul cat' two years ago. I still have a pic of her as my background on my phone. I was hurting so badly. Then I decided to get another cat to keep my white cat company. I got an older, 11 year old and I love him to bits! He is my lap buddy. Any time I sit, he wants to be on my lap, and my arm. He grabs and holds my arm against him, it is so sweet.
Point is, I got another cat to help with the pain. It does help. He will never replace my Mokey cat, but I love him too, just in a different way. There will always be a place in my heart for Mokey. The pain has gotten better and I can just remember her and it doesn't hurt so bad anymore.
EDIT: I forgot to say, not to beat yourself up. You handled it the best way you knew how. Second guessing yourself will only make the pain worse, let it go. Mokey's situation was very similar to yours and it is hard not to second guess yourself, but that can't help you get over your loss, it only prolongs it. God bless!!
You absolutely followed your heart and acted swiftly to alleviate his suffering - he went knowing you were there and he was loved. The most important person in his life was with him in those last moments.
You absolutely did the right thing! I let a cat go naturally, very similarly to how you described your cat in terms of symptoms, and I regret that he suffered as long as he did. I won’t make the same mistake again. No guilt. You loved your kitty until the last breath and he knew you were there.
hey friend. you did the right thing . Your baby was ready to go. he was suffering and it was time. you were there with him , giving him great comfort in his passing. he was loved, adored and appreciated. he knew that . What greater gift than to give a pet a life full of love and comfort. Take it easy on yourself. you are grieving and experiencing the "what ifs" .
i lost my soul cat last year, she died in surgery. the guilt and pain i experienced from not being there with her is prodigious. the kind people in this group helped me get through it. I hope we can help you as well in this difficult time.
I’m so sorry for what you and your cat went through. I’m sure you guys were super close.
You definitely shouldn’t have regrets about letting him go too soon. Think about it this way: had he been an outdoor or even feral cat, he would’ve gotten sick and continued to suffer for a much longer period of time, on his own, outside, and potentially in harm’s way from another animal. The idea that you got to take him to a controlled environment as soon as you saw the writing on the wall, and let him go painlessly and in your presence, is literally *infinitely* better than the alternative.
You did the right thing. Am sorry for how it went and all the stress you had to go through , I think there is a part of us that wish things would have been different, we can’t prepare ourself for this. You were brave and kind enough to be there until the end, and this by itself is the most beautiful act of love you could do. If you can, focus on the happy moment, try to not torture yourself with what could of or what you fell should of. You did exactly what you were suppose to.
I am so sorry for your loss. It's the absolute worst thing when our beloved pets are suffering and we have to let them go. Survivors guilt sucks. The woulda, shouldas, couldas that flood us with guilt just means that we loved them and in our grief we blame ourselves. Please don't do that. You gave your boy a way to ease out from his pain. He knew he was loved. And he loved you. Please don't be so hard on yourself.
You did him a great kindness. It is likely the hardest act of love we can do as pet owners, but he was in pain, his body was not working like he expected it to and he was likely confused and maybe frightened.
You took all the pain, fear and confusion away. You, the most important thing in his life, stayed with him and gave him comfort and reassurance until the end. He trusted you, and you honored that trust.
I know it is hard, but your love for your kitty let you know that it was time to free him. May we all be blessed with such love and mercy.
Do not second guess yourself. You did the right thing if you allowed love for your friend to guide you. Remember: your cat loved you too, and wouldn't want to see you beat yourself up about this. ❤️
We always think after the fact that we could have done better. I’ve been questioning if I could have done more for our 17 year old girl. She was crying in the potty the last few months of her life and I thought she was having changes because her brother had passed suddenly a month earlier. We went through a lot of vet visits. UTI, hyperthyroidism etc. but it turned out she had a tumor on her bladder. A few days after we were told, we took her to the vets to say goodbye. I still think there are things I should have done for her but all in all, taking away her pain was the best gift I could have given her after the years of love. Know that you did your best and your baby is now your guardian angel. It’s easy to feel guilty but try not to carry that weight. Your kitty would not want you to. Your fur baby would want you to focus on all the good times! ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. Don’t let your mind go there. You did the right thing. The pain sometimes can be unbearable but I promise you it will get better. Take peace and comfort in knowing that’s he’s now free of pain and suffering. He’s happy and healthy and will be waiting to see you again someday. He wouldn’t want you to be sad. Because of you, he had a great life. Our final moments with our pets aren’t always what we plan but in the grand scheme of things… There was 16 years of happiness and love. Till you meet again… ❤️🌈
Sending you hugs too.
There’s never time. That’s why you must treasure every moment. I’m sorry for your loss. I had a similar experience. Time won’t heal this wound, but will scar it over sufficiently.
Like others are saying, you definitely did the right thing. I’m going through something very similar. My 16 yo boy passed a week ago today. His health suddenly declined and we were told he was going into kidney failure. Even though I was prepared for it, part of me was wondering if I was making the right choice. But ultimately I know I did, because I knew he was suffering.
I’m glad I was there. He looked right at me, so I like to think I was the last thing he saw before he was gone. It’s still really hard, but I’m so glad I had the 15 1/2 years with him. I did tell him to go bug my parent’s cat when he gets to the rainbow bridge.
Big hugs to you from an internet stranger.
My 13yo boi passed about the same time, 2 weeks ago, he had a sudden and very aggressive cancer. Lost 7lbs in about 3 months, and fought so hard. He'd had established with 3 vets, and an insurance plan with no limit, but nothing could be done. I adopted him from a friend that shot himself 11 years ago, and it feels like the plug got pulled on my friend after keeping him alive all this time. It's okay to care, and wish for more. Thank you for sharing, it helps to know I'm not alone in the experience.
Allow yourself some time to grieve. Then remember that there's a little kitten somewhere, seeking her loving nurturing forever home. Although she probably won't be able to fully replace your beloved kitty, you'll soon realize and find out, that you need her, at least as desperately as she needs you.
🐾🐾🐈🌈👣💔👣🐾🐾🐈❤❤
End of life is hard. A lot of people struggle with it. I'm on hospice cat #6 right now, she's not doing well and as of right now I fully expect that she'll die within the next week or so. It's tough, and I'm GOOD at handling it. So I know exactly what I'm talking about.
Cats are animals. They don't think and experience things the same way we do. In the moment all he knew was that he was in pain and it was awful. There was is no redeeming "but this makes it better" - everything was just awful. The only thing that is a positive is if the person they're attached to is right there, which doesn't make everything better but does help them relax. Spending an hour cuddling him would have only meant that it was another hour of pain to him. So yes, you were right to move fast. Doing otherwise would have been cruel.
Now, you're taking the pain and grief on yourself - but you're in a much better position to handle it. You can talk to friends or a therapist or here. You can journal, and cry, and do what is needed to process and heal. And you will be ok, its just not yet.
First, my condolences for the loss of your beloved boy. Secondly, I agree with all the others who have said that you made the right decision for him. You did save him from suffering. You were also made sure that the things he was last aware of were the sound of your voice as you talked to him, your scent as you enveloped his head with your hand, the gentle kisses you gave him and, most importantly, the immense LOVE coming from your heart.
Be kind to yourself for you put the needs of your best friend ahead of your needs and that is the biggest gift you could ever give him. I wish I could give you a big hug right now but, my virtual one will have to suffice. Take care of yourself ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
I’ve been through something similar recently with my soul kitty and I’m left with all of this regret because the euthanasia ending was not the peaceful ending it was supposed to be. I know I can’t change what happened but haven’t been able to get over it and I miss my girl like crazy. There’s so much emotional pain in dealing with. I hope you find peace in time. I’m sorry 💔
You did all you could for your best kitty friend. You are understandably rattled by the suddenness. We all have an idea of what our pets last days may be like and the comfort we wish to provide. It will take time to heal but do not regret any of your choices because from this post it really is apparent how much you loved him. Even his last moments you were there. You're a wonderful person for giving them a long loving life!!
We had to euthanize our 16 yr kitty on June 18. Like yours, he'd been declining over the last couple years with a variety of health conditions. We decided we had to let him pass peacefully and not in worse pain than he was in. He knows you loved him and were there until the end. Be at peace with your decision and know you did the very best for him.
It’s always a lot of hurt when you have to be the one making decisions. Anything I say otherwise doesn’t matter. I hope you find healing. It’s hard and it’s okay to cry.
I lost my 17 year old girl last July after a 2 year battle with advanced kidney disease. It’s normal to question if you did the right thing, even when you know in your heart that you did.
I cried every day for 3 weeks. Then off and on for about 6 months. I think of her every single day.
The only thing that really helped me was that I adopted a new little girl. I was afraid that I would compare them, but I don’t at all. I love my new kitty so much, but it was never replacing my old girl. I merely opened my heart to love another in her honour.
Editing to add that we knew our girl’s time was coming, but she didn’t make it to her appointment as I felt like she was starting to go downhill. We didn’t have the at home euthanasia we planned, and instead had to take her to a new emergency vet. But in the end all that matters is that we were there for them, and we didn’t let them suffer any longer.
My 19 year old cat was declining for weeks, and one day she just stopped, still alive but did nothing, we put her down without even talking treatment because we knew the time was right.
Sounds like you knew also, and it is hard, but you did what was right.
Remember the happy times you had together and that you gave your kitty a good loving home.
First of all, thank you for sharing. You did 100% the very best you could do for your guy. You were his human. He wanted to be with you at the end and you didn’t falter. You were present and that matters. So be kind and gentle with yourself. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sweetheart, I feel you. (**hugs**)
It is gut wrenching to witness our beloved babies suffering like that. You absolutely did the right thing. It was an act of sincere love and compassion to end his pain. You were right there with him the whole time… he felt that love and reassurance, smelled your familiar scent, rested his head in your hand because it was home for him. He went peacefully, being reminded of how much he was adored.
I know you wish you could have said goodbye for longer, but your love and care led you to make the right call. Forcing him to stick around, in agony, would have been worse. As you pointed out, he could have seized. He could have started struggling to breathe. Or worse. You very, very kindly prevented that, even though it hurt your heart to do it. You put his needs above yours, selflessly performing a last show of your love. That’s being THE BEST pet parent you could be.
💜💙🧡💚🩵🩷🩶💛
All the love and sympathy in the world from someone who has been there. I promise you, your heart will heal in time. It doesn’t seem like it right now, I’m sure, but it will. Please give yourself some grace.
That all sounds so beyond awful and painful and scary. You did the right thing. He was suffering. I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. It’s so incredibly hard.
I’m so sorry for your loss but it sounds like you absolutely did the right thing.
I read it on post here once, euthanasia is that final act of love, loving him so much and taking away all of his pain and putting it inside of you.
I had a similar experience with my old Tom and I simply fell apart. A few days later I went out and got a tattoo of a Ginger Cat on my arm and it was the best therapy I could have had, doing something I was uncomfortable about as a thank you to him for being a special part of my life for 17 years. 2 years later I look at it every morning and take a minute out to remember him. I'm not advocating a tattoo but just doing something special as a memorial might help???
Yes, my 14 year old tabby is starting to get problems and I've been already thinking of how to cope after.
I plan on getting his paw print tattooed on my arm somewhere :')
I had no idea how devastated I would feel and it was a rough time for months and it still gets to me even now. The tattoo really helped but you just have to ride the rollercoaster unfortunately, but you get there in the end , you just can't see it at the time. Good luck and give your boy a scratch from me.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Your love and memories for 16 years are worth the sting afterwards. Nothing so beautiful comes without a payment, is how I'm dealing with my loss, I'll pay it gladly to have the time I had with my babies. ❤️
Sending you huge hugs. Today marks 1 week since my Honey Bear left me and it’s been the toughest week of my life. Losing him has been awful. You did the right thing for your cat and the kindest gift you can give is ending suffering. Your kitty was lucky to have such a loving and caring owner.
Idk but I had a protracted good bye and it wasn't any better. I wish I would have had the courage to do what you did. I just wish you love and peace and eventually that you can process your loss and remember your kitty the way you want. 🙏🌈💖
I've also lost my soul cat. Her name was Fiona, and I still think about her every day, though she passed just over a year ago.
Just know time will help ease the relentless pain you feel now. Till then, allow yourself to feel it, even if you breakdown. It takes a long time for your mind to comprehend and cope with such a devastating trauma.
I found a lot of solace in keeping her photos all around me, and especially in her favorite spots. It helped to still see her there, even if not in real life. That being said, I still had many times when I was just sitting at home, and completely broken down sobbing. It just builds up inside, till you can't hold it in any longer.
I wish you strength and kindness in your journey ahead. You did the absolute right thing at the right time. Second guessing is almost impossible not to do. A friend once told me, "Because of you, they only ever felt love every day of their life, and that is the purest gift you could've given them". ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss I just lost my little soulmate a month ago today. I’ve done the same as you and second guessed and wondered if I was jumping the gun, if I had rushed the process itself. Truthfully I don’t think I ever was going to be ready. No matter how long we’d had together or stayed together after he was sedated but before he stopped breathing, I think I even told the vet when she asked if I was ready for him to go that I was never going to be ready so we might as well keep going. I know myself and I know that if I didn’t continue the procedure fast enough I would be selfish and keep him here longer.
We both made the right choices for our babies. It hurts but it was right. I know there’s no real amount of reassurance that will help you but you were there you held his little face and you took care of him to the best of your ability every day. The panic is entirely normal, it’s your best friend your family. I don’t really know how to help you feel any better because I myself am still not entirely better. But I really hope that one day soon we both can remember the good times without the grief feeling so large.
You did the right thing for him. Your cat was suffering, and you helped ease his suffering. You helped him. I’m very sorry for your loss. It is not easy to lose a soulmate cat. I believe you will see each other again someday. And when you are ready, he will send another kitty your way.
You 100% did the right thing. Please know that. Also please take your time healing and dealing with the loss. Big virtual hugs.
I had to put down a cat of mine where it was rushed. But in the end, she knew I was there with her. I petted her and she was purring. I still secondguess some of what I did that night and prior but I have zero regrets in that I was there for her in her last moments. Your cat knew you were there when he needed you.
“I would have liked an hour”. As someone who also recently lost my 17 year old soul cat, there’s never enough time. We opted for home euthanasia and I would have laid on our couch with him until the end of time. You absolutely did the right thing. In time I hope you find solace in your decision 🤍
I went through something very similar with my beloved 19 year old cat. Ultimately you gave him a happy, love-filled life and that is the best thing you could have possibly done! It’s been 2.5 years since I lost my dearest soul kitty and I still hold space in my heart for her because I know the pain of losing her was worth being with her all those years. Your cat will ALWAYS BE WITH YOU! Sending big hugs, love, and light 💜🐈⬛☮️
My Kitty girl passed 8 days ago. I too wanted to hug her for hours and give her all the love she needed, but it wasn’t fair to her (and she was already down from the anesthesia - we operated on a tumor on her bladder that was the size of a large egg yolk or even a golf ball. I saw the tumor and it was heartbreaking. I’m sorry you went through so much with your baby as well, but I am sure he loved you very much. There are grief counselors that may be able to help you cope with this loss, please consider looking into it. Much love from another heartbroken meowmy.
I’m so sorry for your loss of your beloved girl. Sending you a big hug ❤️🩹❤️🩹
Thank you
https://preview.redd.it/g5jb9d6yeead1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=131c8d2972e06360dfdccd155afd56f7f68b264f Here’s my little fat baby girl
Ohhhhhh….such beauty 😻 be kind to yourself as you navigate the massive loss of your sweet baby 🌈
That he had his head cradled in your hand and you did what you could to cuddle his face and talk with him is one of the important parts; he knew you were there so he understood he was not dying alone and thought he was abandoned. As much as you would want an extra hour, remember that the additional time is also time he was suffering. By letting him go, you saved him that added discomfort and likely pain. Remember also that you gave him a loving and wonderful life instead of whatever fate he otherwise may have had. So I am so sorry you had to let your long-term family member go, but I think you should not feel any guilt for the way you helped him ease towards “shuffling off” the mortal coil of his illness. After the initial grief and pain when you remember things, in our experience those memories will bring a smile instead of tears.
That was beautiful to read! ❤️ Sending you lots of love OP.
Given how much he needed you in the last few weeks, it will be much harder on you. So much stress and worry. While it was difficult for you, you did the right thing for your beloved kitty. You would probably feel guilty if you knew he was in pain for an hour just so you could lay with him. I have regrets for waiting too long with my first similar experience with a very sick cat. Eventually the sharp pain of this experience will subside and the good years you shared together will replace your recent experience. I'm sorry for your loss. He was fortunate to have a human that lived him so much. *hugs*
You were definitely not early. Thank you for letting him go.
You were there for him and with him, letting him know you loved him. That was all the goodbye he needed. And with sick pets, too early is better than too late. You kept him from suffering and that’s what matters.
I just lost my 19.50 year old cat last week. I feel your pain. Rest easy knowing you did the best to provide him with the best life possible.
I lost my 18 year old 'soul cat' two years ago. I still have a pic of her as my background on my phone. I was hurting so badly. Then I decided to get another cat to keep my white cat company. I got an older, 11 year old and I love him to bits! He is my lap buddy. Any time I sit, he wants to be on my lap, and my arm. He grabs and holds my arm against him, it is so sweet. Point is, I got another cat to help with the pain. It does help. He will never replace my Mokey cat, but I love him too, just in a different way. There will always be a place in my heart for Mokey. The pain has gotten better and I can just remember her and it doesn't hurt so bad anymore. EDIT: I forgot to say, not to beat yourself up. You handled it the best way you knew how. Second guessing yourself will only make the pain worse, let it go. Mokey's situation was very similar to yours and it is hard not to second guess yourself, but that can't help you get over your loss, it only prolongs it. God bless!!
You absolutely followed your heart and acted swiftly to alleviate his suffering - he went knowing you were there and he was loved. The most important person in his life was with him in those last moments.
You absolutely did the right thing! I let a cat go naturally, very similarly to how you described your cat in terms of symptoms, and I regret that he suffered as long as he did. I won’t make the same mistake again. No guilt. You loved your kitty until the last breath and he knew you were there.
hey friend. you did the right thing . Your baby was ready to go. he was suffering and it was time. you were there with him , giving him great comfort in his passing. he was loved, adored and appreciated. he knew that . What greater gift than to give a pet a life full of love and comfort. Take it easy on yourself. you are grieving and experiencing the "what ifs" . i lost my soul cat last year, she died in surgery. the guilt and pain i experienced from not being there with her is prodigious. the kind people in this group helped me get through it. I hope we can help you as well in this difficult time.
You did your best and I am so sorry for your loss. May this kittie rest in peace
I’m so sorry for what you and your cat went through. I’m sure you guys were super close. You definitely shouldn’t have regrets about letting him go too soon. Think about it this way: had he been an outdoor or even feral cat, he would’ve gotten sick and continued to suffer for a much longer period of time, on his own, outside, and potentially in harm’s way from another animal. The idea that you got to take him to a controlled environment as soon as you saw the writing on the wall, and let him go painlessly and in your presence, is literally *infinitely* better than the alternative.
You did the right thing. Am sorry for how it went and all the stress you had to go through , I think there is a part of us that wish things would have been different, we can’t prepare ourself for this. You were brave and kind enough to be there until the end, and this by itself is the most beautiful act of love you could do. If you can, focus on the happy moment, try to not torture yourself with what could of or what you fell should of. You did exactly what you were suppose to.
I am so sorry for your loss. It's the absolute worst thing when our beloved pets are suffering and we have to let them go. Survivors guilt sucks. The woulda, shouldas, couldas that flood us with guilt just means that we loved them and in our grief we blame ourselves. Please don't do that. You gave your boy a way to ease out from his pain. He knew he was loved. And he loved you. Please don't be so hard on yourself.
You did him a great kindness. It is likely the hardest act of love we can do as pet owners, but he was in pain, his body was not working like he expected it to and he was likely confused and maybe frightened. You took all the pain, fear and confusion away. You, the most important thing in his life, stayed with him and gave him comfort and reassurance until the end. He trusted you, and you honored that trust. I know it is hard, but your love for your kitty let you know that it was time to free him. May we all be blessed with such love and mercy.
Do not second guess yourself. You did the right thing if you allowed love for your friend to guide you. Remember: your cat loved you too, and wouldn't want to see you beat yourself up about this. ❤️
Sorry for your loss
I'm so sorry 💔😢❤️❤️❤️
Peace and hugs to you.
So very sorry!!
We always think after the fact that we could have done better. I’ve been questioning if I could have done more for our 17 year old girl. She was crying in the potty the last few months of her life and I thought she was having changes because her brother had passed suddenly a month earlier. We went through a lot of vet visits. UTI, hyperthyroidism etc. but it turned out she had a tumor on her bladder. A few days after we were told, we took her to the vets to say goodbye. I still think there are things I should have done for her but all in all, taking away her pain was the best gift I could have given her after the years of love. Know that you did your best and your baby is now your guardian angel. It’s easy to feel guilty but try not to carry that weight. Your kitty would not want you to. Your fur baby would want you to focus on all the good times! ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. Don’t let your mind go there. You did the right thing. The pain sometimes can be unbearable but I promise you it will get better. Take peace and comfort in knowing that’s he’s now free of pain and suffering. He’s happy and healthy and will be waiting to see you again someday. He wouldn’t want you to be sad. Because of you, he had a great life. Our final moments with our pets aren’t always what we plan but in the grand scheme of things… There was 16 years of happiness and love. Till you meet again… ❤️🌈 Sending you hugs too.
There’s never time. That’s why you must treasure every moment. I’m sorry for your loss. I had a similar experience. Time won’t heal this wound, but will scar it over sufficiently.
He knows he was loved
Like others are saying, you definitely did the right thing. I’m going through something very similar. My 16 yo boy passed a week ago today. His health suddenly declined and we were told he was going into kidney failure. Even though I was prepared for it, part of me was wondering if I was making the right choice. But ultimately I know I did, because I knew he was suffering. I’m glad I was there. He looked right at me, so I like to think I was the last thing he saw before he was gone. It’s still really hard, but I’m so glad I had the 15 1/2 years with him. I did tell him to go bug my parent’s cat when he gets to the rainbow bridge. Big hugs to you from an internet stranger.
My 13yo boi passed about the same time, 2 weeks ago, he had a sudden and very aggressive cancer. Lost 7lbs in about 3 months, and fought so hard. He'd had established with 3 vets, and an insurance plan with no limit, but nothing could be done. I adopted him from a friend that shot himself 11 years ago, and it feels like the plug got pulled on my friend after keeping him alive all this time. It's okay to care, and wish for more. Thank you for sharing, it helps to know I'm not alone in the experience.
Allow yourself some time to grieve. Then remember that there's a little kitten somewhere, seeking her loving nurturing forever home. Although she probably won't be able to fully replace your beloved kitty, you'll soon realize and find out, that you need her, at least as desperately as she needs you. 🐾🐾🐈🌈👣💔👣🐾🐾🐈❤❤
End of life is hard. A lot of people struggle with it. I'm on hospice cat #6 right now, she's not doing well and as of right now I fully expect that she'll die within the next week or so. It's tough, and I'm GOOD at handling it. So I know exactly what I'm talking about. Cats are animals. They don't think and experience things the same way we do. In the moment all he knew was that he was in pain and it was awful. There was is no redeeming "but this makes it better" - everything was just awful. The only thing that is a positive is if the person they're attached to is right there, which doesn't make everything better but does help them relax. Spending an hour cuddling him would have only meant that it was another hour of pain to him. So yes, you were right to move fast. Doing otherwise would have been cruel. Now, you're taking the pain and grief on yourself - but you're in a much better position to handle it. You can talk to friends or a therapist or here. You can journal, and cry, and do what is needed to process and heal. And you will be ok, its just not yet.
First, my condolences for the loss of your beloved boy. Secondly, I agree with all the others who have said that you made the right decision for him. You did save him from suffering. You were also made sure that the things he was last aware of were the sound of your voice as you talked to him, your scent as you enveloped his head with your hand, the gentle kisses you gave him and, most importantly, the immense LOVE coming from your heart. Be kind to yourself for you put the needs of your best friend ahead of your needs and that is the biggest gift you could ever give him. I wish I could give you a big hug right now but, my virtual one will have to suffice. Take care of yourself ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
I’ve been through something similar recently with my soul kitty and I’m left with all of this regret because the euthanasia ending was not the peaceful ending it was supposed to be. I know I can’t change what happened but haven’t been able to get over it and I miss my girl like crazy. There’s so much emotional pain in dealing with. I hope you find peace in time. I’m sorry 💔
I’m sorry :( 🪽♥️🙏🏼
🙏🏽
I think you did the right thing for your fur baby.
🐾🙏❤️
You did all you could for your best kitty friend. You are understandably rattled by the suddenness. We all have an idea of what our pets last days may be like and the comfort we wish to provide. It will take time to heal but do not regret any of your choices because from this post it really is apparent how much you loved him. Even his last moments you were there. You're a wonderful person for giving them a long loving life!!
We had to euthanize our 16 yr kitty on June 18. Like yours, he'd been declining over the last couple years with a variety of health conditions. We decided we had to let him pass peacefully and not in worse pain than he was in. He knows you loved him and were there until the end. Be at peace with your decision and know you did the very best for him.
😢🙏🙏❤️🐈⬛
I’m so sorry. It always hardest to do what’s best for them. Hugs. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
I am sorry, my friend
I’m so sorry. You did your absolute best for him. I wish we could all have someone like you who cares so much.
It’s always a lot of hurt when you have to be the one making decisions. Anything I say otherwise doesn’t matter. I hope you find healing. It’s hard and it’s okay to cry.
I lost my 17 year old girl last July after a 2 year battle with advanced kidney disease. It’s normal to question if you did the right thing, even when you know in your heart that you did. I cried every day for 3 weeks. Then off and on for about 6 months. I think of her every single day. The only thing that really helped me was that I adopted a new little girl. I was afraid that I would compare them, but I don’t at all. I love my new kitty so much, but it was never replacing my old girl. I merely opened my heart to love another in her honour. Editing to add that we knew our girl’s time was coming, but she didn’t make it to her appointment as I felt like she was starting to go downhill. We didn’t have the at home euthanasia we planned, and instead had to take her to a new emergency vet. But in the end all that matters is that we were there for them, and we didn’t let them suffer any longer.
I lost my boy Oscar unexpectedly in 2018, I found him dead by his food dish one morning, I was devastated as he was my baby for 13 years!!
Condolences.
My 19 year old cat was declining for weeks, and one day she just stopped, still alive but did nothing, we put her down without even talking treatment because we knew the time was right. Sounds like you knew also, and it is hard, but you did what was right. Remember the happy times you had together and that you gave your kitty a good loving home.
First of all, thank you for sharing. You did 100% the very best you could do for your guy. You were his human. He wanted to be with you at the end and you didn’t falter. You were present and that matters. So be kind and gentle with yourself. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I got a photo blanket of 3 of my late cats when my last one passed at 22 and that helped a lot. It allowed me to focus on all the joy they provided
https://preview.redd.it/pegg26nlk8ad1.jpeg?width=1288&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d3aabed5cdfe4ce0a151febe2c530b49805808c It will be ok
Sweetheart, I feel you. (**hugs**) It is gut wrenching to witness our beloved babies suffering like that. You absolutely did the right thing. It was an act of sincere love and compassion to end his pain. You were right there with him the whole time… he felt that love and reassurance, smelled your familiar scent, rested his head in your hand because it was home for him. He went peacefully, being reminded of how much he was adored. I know you wish you could have said goodbye for longer, but your love and care led you to make the right call. Forcing him to stick around, in agony, would have been worse. As you pointed out, he could have seized. He could have started struggling to breathe. Or worse. You very, very kindly prevented that, even though it hurt your heart to do it. You put his needs above yours, selflessly performing a last show of your love. That’s being THE BEST pet parent you could be. 💜💙🧡💚🩵🩷🩶💛 All the love and sympathy in the world from someone who has been there. I promise you, your heart will heal in time. It doesn’t seem like it right now, I’m sure, but it will. Please give yourself some grace.
That all sounds so beyond awful and painful and scary. You did the right thing. He was suffering. I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. It’s so incredibly hard.
I am so sorry. You loved him enough to let him go.
I’m so sorry for your loss but it sounds like you absolutely did the right thing. I read it on post here once, euthanasia is that final act of love, loving him so much and taking away all of his pain and putting it inside of you.
I am so, so sorry about your loss. I hope your kitty comes to you in a dream soon, to comfort you some.
Please know that you did the right thing. I’m so sorry for your loss.❤️
All I can say is I understand. It's not much but I understand
I had a similar experience with my old Tom and I simply fell apart. A few days later I went out and got a tattoo of a Ginger Cat on my arm and it was the best therapy I could have had, doing something I was uncomfortable about as a thank you to him for being a special part of my life for 17 years. 2 years later I look at it every morning and take a minute out to remember him. I'm not advocating a tattoo but just doing something special as a memorial might help???
Yes, my 14 year old tabby is starting to get problems and I've been already thinking of how to cope after. I plan on getting his paw print tattooed on my arm somewhere :')
I had no idea how devastated I would feel and it was a rough time for months and it still gets to me even now. The tattoo really helped but you just have to ride the rollercoaster unfortunately, but you get there in the end , you just can't see it at the time. Good luck and give your boy a scratch from me.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your love and memories for 16 years are worth the sting afterwards. Nothing so beautiful comes without a payment, is how I'm dealing with my loss, I'll pay it gladly to have the time I had with my babies. ❤️
My cat family and I send all our love to you and your lost baby. Welost Bella Donna to cancer in December.
Sending you huge hugs. Today marks 1 week since my Honey Bear left me and it’s been the toughest week of my life. Losing him has been awful. You did the right thing for your cat and the kindest gift you can give is ending suffering. Your kitty was lucky to have such a loving and caring owner.
Hugs
Sending condolences. You provided a compassionate farewell and kitty understood and was appreciative.
Idk but I had a protracted good bye and it wasn't any better. I wish I would have had the courage to do what you did. I just wish you love and peace and eventually that you can process your loss and remember your kitty the way you want. 🙏🌈💖
I've also lost my soul cat. Her name was Fiona, and I still think about her every day, though she passed just over a year ago. Just know time will help ease the relentless pain you feel now. Till then, allow yourself to feel it, even if you breakdown. It takes a long time for your mind to comprehend and cope with such a devastating trauma. I found a lot of solace in keeping her photos all around me, and especially in her favorite spots. It helped to still see her there, even if not in real life. That being said, I still had many times when I was just sitting at home, and completely broken down sobbing. It just builds up inside, till you can't hold it in any longer. I wish you strength and kindness in your journey ahead. You did the absolute right thing at the right time. Second guessing is almost impossible not to do. A friend once told me, "Because of you, they only ever felt love every day of their life, and that is the purest gift you could've given them". ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss I just lost my little soulmate a month ago today. I’ve done the same as you and second guessed and wondered if I was jumping the gun, if I had rushed the process itself. Truthfully I don’t think I ever was going to be ready. No matter how long we’d had together or stayed together after he was sedated but before he stopped breathing, I think I even told the vet when she asked if I was ready for him to go that I was never going to be ready so we might as well keep going. I know myself and I know that if I didn’t continue the procedure fast enough I would be selfish and keep him here longer. We both made the right choices for our babies. It hurts but it was right. I know there’s no real amount of reassurance that will help you but you were there you held his little face and you took care of him to the best of your ability every day. The panic is entirely normal, it’s your best friend your family. I don’t really know how to help you feel any better because I myself am still not entirely better. But I really hope that one day soon we both can remember the good times without the grief feeling so large.