Coping with losing a pet

[Al Fresco]

My cat went out last night and hasn’t come home. We’ve had him for 7 years after we rescued him from an RSPCA home. He’s never been gone before but we think he’s taken himself over the rainbow bridge as he’s old, we think deaf and has been very unhappy. Vets appointment was Wednesday. Maybe he knew

So sorry to hear that. My old cat went missing years ago and I thought I’d never see him again. He always wore a collar with our contact details but he wasn’t microchipped in those days and nobody called. After a couple of days we rang the most local cats protection home which is about three miles away and someone had found him and handed him in but his collar was missing. No idea what had happened and no details of who found him and where. It may be worth a try.

 

[Bettyboo2475]

My cat went out last night and hasn’t come home. We’ve had him for 7 years after we rescued him from an RSPCA home. He’s never been gone before but we think he’s taken himself over the rainbow bridge as he’s old, we think deaf and has been very unhappy. Vets appointment was Wednesday. Maybe he knew

 

[Maid22]

Just bringing this thread back to life.

I've just lost my cat. He was my absolute best friend of nearly 12 years and I am absolutely inconsolable. I cannot stop crying and my eyes are swollen. The pain is absolutely unbearable. He was the sweetest, happiest, most loving boy. He had the most expressive face and sweet soul. I cannot imagine by life without him. I am devastated beyond words. I have never felt pain like this, it's worse than any human I've lost.

I just need people to know he existed and to know how much I love him.

How long does the initial gut wrenching, crushing pain last?

Am so really sorry, it's so bloody hard to lose them, my experience, the ache in the heart does go, it does take a while though, lost my dog last September,can't even look at photos of him yet, I know how how you feel xx

 

[rebremm99]

I fully understand this , I discovered our cat when he was killed and the image of his lifeless little face will never , ever leave me even though this was years ago !

I totally relate to this, I can’t get the image of seeing my cat dead out of my head and it’s been months sending love to everyone on this thread who is struggling like I am x

 

[disneys]

My dog died just over two years ago due to being attacked by another dog and I am never ever going to be over it. I tend to go through waves of it, I’m having a tough time at the moment. Some times it’s ok and other times I feel so lost. Today in fact I keep having flash backs to the incident, which hasn’t happened in a long long time. It’s scarred me for life, not just what happened but the loss itself.

I fully understand this , I discovered our cat when he was killed and the image of his lifeless little face will never , ever leave me even though this was years ago !

 

[rebremm99]

Thank you both so much x

 

[Chickenandgravy]

I had to say goodbye to my dog tonight. She was a rescue, and I had her for almost 9 years. She was 15 but pretty healthy apart from horrible neurological issues. It took her over and her life was getting miserable apart from enjoying eating. Today she told me it was time. I am broken! I will read everyone else's stories on here now because there is no way I can sleep on the bed where she usually is!

You did the bravest and best thing for her, especially since she let you know. That's the most selfless thing we can do as animal owners is give them their final wish. I hope you're as okay as you can be

 

[Tinkerbell cat]

All of your posts are breaking my heart. Our little cat is 2 in a couple of months and I honestly dread the day she isn't here. I worry about it all the time even though there is nothing wrong with her and she is fit and healthy (that we know off).. I always panic about giving her too much treats etc as I never want her to get sick. Sending love to you all

 

[Ethel's little Willy]

(I'e mentioned this one before elsewhere - I wasn't aware there was a thread on this)

My parents have been talking about putting down their 13 year old dog and I'm really struggling with it. I don't know if it's different this time around because he's old and I know it's coming. My parents 2 previous dogs died suddenly and were much younger. (7 & 4)

Oh sweetheart. I am so sorry I know how hard I is making this decision. My old girl got very ill quite quickly and we had 1 last weekend with her, spoiled her with lots of cuddles and kept her as comfortable as we could. We spoke about our memories of her throughout our 12 years with her.

Have you spoken with your parents about how you're feeling? The vets were brilliant with us, we have her ashes with a photograph of her
I hope you're doing as well as you can be. Thinking about you

 

[rebremm99]

Oh bless you , then I know exactly how you are feeling .. it is so so horrid but just try not to let it eat at you , for me the guilt was the worst part and lasted much longer than anything else , just try to think that as tragic as this is , it was part of a bigger plan and something you can’t control now , you’ll torture yourself with the “what ifs” and “if only I had...” , and not helpful

I’m sure my little guy met your little guy at the gates of kitty heaven and is welcoming him with open paws

I’m welling up reading that it’s so lovely. I’ve no doubt x

 

[Lonewolf]

I'm still really struggling and I feel totally stuck. This has absolutely destroyed me, I feel like it's forever changed me. I think I'll give the Blue Cross a go.

Thinking of you and we're always here

 

[Sabbie]

I’m so sorry for your loss, I hope you’re getting better day by day?

I’m struggling with similar only it’s not neurological it’s very bad arthritis. He’s healthy in every respect other than walking. I don’t know how much longer we can continue he still has his zest for walks, still a hungry hog, he’s never been one for cuddles so no change there but l I don’t know what to do other than keep making accommodations and providing pain relief.

Thank you. It's been a tough ride. I can sympathize that you are in a similar situation, and it's never going to be easy. Have you tried things like CBD and cold laser for pain? They helped her a lot. She ate her food with as much enthusiasm as a puppy on her last day. Didn't have any sight or hearing problems. It was truly heartbreaking.

 

[MinnnieMouse]

Oh I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm welling up typing this as I understand exactly how heartbreaking it is to lose a beloved pet. I think you just have to ride with the grief unfortunately and I think it's perfectly acceptable to take a day off work if you need to. Sending you a big hug x

 

[vallend]

We had our beloved cat put to sleep this afternoon. He was 13 years old and had been with us since he was a kitten. It feels like only yesterday we were having our beautiful dog put to sleep even though it was in 2019. I hope they have both been reunited over rainbow Bridge and are looking after each other again. I can't stop crying.

I’m so sorry it’s so hard no matter what their age. You being so upset and caring so much means they were very loved and had a good life x

 

[Taythomlau]

I'm so so sorry, I am sending you so much love. It's not silly to get upset about loosing a pet of any size, they are our family and are the best companions. My dog isn't well currently, been in and out of the vets since last Saturday and I'm worried sick... I haven't been able to focus on work, luckily my manager has been so understanding.

Please take the rest of the week off if you can, to allow time to grieve and get your head in a better place. Sending lots of love to you xxx

 

[Tangent Tiger]

All you can do is live in the moment with her. Enjoy every cuddle.

Agree; enjoy every moment. She's here.

@Lonewolf I was touched by your post I hope you are ok

 

[Base2019]

I’m so sorry for your loss I know how much you must be hurting right now but I promise it will get easier.

Pets really are one of lifes greatest gifts just think how happy they made you, you can only imagine how happy you made them too

I hope you can take tomorrow off work and have a well deserved duvet day xxxx

 

[rebremm99]

I am so so sorry for your loss. I too lost a male cat very young only a few years ago (he was hit by a car) and I still well up when I think about him

Some of the things that helped me were

- we bought a frame and chose a really nice photo of him and had it framed so we can always remember him
- when we moved house , we planted a tree in the garden to honour him
- I cuddled my other cat a lot , I think he could sense I was feeling sad and he was also very confused and grieving his brother
- he was hit by a car and was killed instantly so we took a lot of comfort in the fact that he wouldn’t have known anything about it and died fairly painlessly and quickly
- time .. one of my favourite lyrics is from a Taylor swift song and it is “time can heal most anything” and it is so true .. the first day was awful , the first month was hard but after that it got better and things got easier
- don’t be afraid to cry and talk to people about it , I thought people would mock me for being so upset about losing my cat because “its only a cat” but most people have pets and are very compassionate and understand a pet is part of the family too .. I talked to my mum a lot about it as she’s a big animal lover and it was really helpful ..
- when you can , start to discuss happy memories of the cat ! My husband and I always laugh about our old cat and how he used to love to eat green beans , so every time we have green beans we talk about him and smile

if you need to talk , please do message me ! I know what it’s like to lose a cat suddenly

Those are lovely ideas, thank you so much

 

[Dolly x]

My cat has just died and I am absolutely devastated he was only 7 and literally my best friend in the whole world. We had such a bond and he’s gotten me through some awful times, especially the last year. I always thought I’d have him for a long time and I just feel so sad and lost now that he’s gone how do you cope with losing a pet? I almost feel silly for being this upset but he was more than just a pet to me. If anyone has any advise or tips please let me know, I don’t know how I’m going to get through work tomorrow

Hey hun
Ino the feeling I have lost 3 of mine this year. It’s the worst feeling in the wo

My cat has just died and I am absolutely devastated he was only 7 and literally my best friend in the whole world. We had such a bond and he’s gotten me through some awful times, especially the last year. I always thought I’d have him for a long time and I just feel so sad and lost now that he’s gone how do you cope with losing a pet? I almost feel silly for being this upset but he was more than just a pet to me. If anyone has any advise or tips please let me know, I don’t know how I’m going to get through work tomorrow

Hi hun
Sorry for your loss don’t you dare feel silly ,
Honestly it’s the worst feeling in the world. This year I lost 3 of my cats . Each time I have felt as though I didn’t want to carry on . We become so attached they each have their own personalities. You will never forget your fur baby but everyday you learn to live with it although we still get our sad moments. Often I will break down cuz I miss them so much , and other times I smile at their memories. And also what helped me was getting a new fur baby not to replace them but to help keep ur mind busy. I also watched you tube videos from pet psychics , I’m often told there still with us but just not in their physical body , I suppose this belief helps and gives us some comfort. Sending hugs xx

 

[Libbylulu]

My cat went out last night and hasn’t come home. We’ve had him for 7 years after we rescued him from an RSPCA home. He’s never been gone before but we think he’s taken himself over the rainbow bridge as he’s old, we think deaf and has been very unhappy. Vets appointment was Wednesday. Maybe he knew

I’m sorry but he may well come back. If you live in a house, put his litter tray outside. I know friends who have done this and it’s been successful in helping the cat find it’s way home. I hope he comes back to you. Big hugs