tiny cat, huge personality.

sorry forbesisnow2, for referring to Panda as "she" ...

We have a black and white cat who came to us in very similar circumstances 3 years ago. He came in out of the snow in minus 10 degrees when his owner wouldn't have him in the house! I look at him now, on his back, draped over the sofa, wallowing in complete happiness. This is how your Panda will have felt all his years with you. I know it doesn't help fill the gap, but he will have been very happy and that is some comfort I hope

Oh forbesisnow2, makes me cry to hear your sad news. I know just how you feel, it brings it all back. The world seems divided into those who understand, and those who think "its just a cat". For us and you, they are part of our family.

We lost our much loved tortieshell Rosie just a year ago, age 14, and were devastated, it took us by surprise how much it affected us, and still does, but it eases. We have 3 cats left, all getting older, so I treasure every day with them.
I still say hello to Rosie at times (out loud when alone).

Your beautiful Panda was so lucky to eventually find such a loving home with you, I'm sure she knew that and loved you back, and as time goes on, you'll be able to rememer the happy times more. Best wishes x

Any super photos of Panda? If so, I'm happy to paint a wee portrait as a gift.

Thank you Soop, I am also deeply touch by The Little Prince. It sounds just like my experience with Panda

forbesisnow2 Panda was a member of your family. You loved him. We have adopted a feral cat... well, he's adopted us. He's important and we love him. Some time ago, a lovely GNetter posted the following. It touched me deeply. Substitute cat for fox, and it makes perfect sense.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Expury

'To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. And I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me. To you, I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world.'

Not pathetic at all, I posted on here when my dear old Clucky cat died (the thread was "And then there were 2").

Our pets are part of our lives and it is only natural that we should miss them terribly and grieve for them.

Thank you everyone who has replied to my sad post. It is helping me so much I really didnt expect anyone to reply. Looking after grandaughter today so kept on my toes and really busy, but not without the odd flood of tears as I keep finding things around the house like Panda,s favourite blanket and the little heat pads I bought to comfort him. I cannot believe how unprepared I was for the flood of grief that has swept over me. I hope I dont sound too pathetic.
Love to you all.

forbeisnow2, we had to have our cat (a 'rescue') put to sleep just over a year ago. He was 12 and was loved so much. I really grieved for him, and said I couldn't cope with the despair of another pet dying. Then, a couple of weeks afterwards, we decided to see if there was another wee cat needing a home....hence Daisy joined us from the Cat Shelter. I still miss Lucky, but I know he knew he was loved - just as your little Panda would have done. xx

Sorry, Pepper.

forbesisnow2, it`s very normal to grieve for your beloved cat. We only had our lovely Pwepper for a few months, and now have another rescue cat, but he is still very much missed and grieved over.

Its been 10 years since our much loved cat had to be put to sleep and I still think about him. At first it was hard and the tears were frequent but now I think of all the happy memories he gave us - it will take time.

forbesisnow2 Having said goodbye to two of my much beloved bunch just after Christmas, about a year after saying goodbye to the senior one, who was very much _my- cat, I understand just how you feel. Cry a river and then remember just what a special and unique joy your Panda was.

forbesisnow2 I understand your grief at losing your pet. He is the last to go which makes it all the more difficult to bear.

Oh yes; quite normal. I'm sure the thing to say is 'try to remember the good times' but, heck, that's not going to take any of that pain away. Just go with it but know that people understand how you feel right now. What a sensible little cat he was to choose you .

forbesisnow2 - . It absolutely IS normal to grieve for Panda especially as you have so recently lost him. He was a much-loved member of your family and you gave Panda the best possible life during his 13 years with you.