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I can’t stop crying after making the decision to end my cats misery

(47 Posts)
Nansypansy Sat 27-Jan-24 07:10:33

My beautiful red Birman boy has gone. I feel so unhappy. He had cat flu but also an underlying kidney problem. He’d stopped eating, drinking, toiletting etc. And I couldn’t bear to see him look so miserable so I decided to take him back to the vets yesterday to see what treatment might help. In a nutshell the vet said he felt he couldn’t shift the virus because of his kidneys which was probably compromising his immune system. There were things he could do in the short term but I realised it would prolong the inevitable so made that horrible decision. Now I’m the one who’s miserable and can’t stop crying. He was approaching 16 and has been such a comfort to me over several years of unhappy times. There’s just no answer is there when it’s their time to go over the rainbow bridge. I’m 79 and the house is so empty without him.😢😢😢

Granny23 Sun 25-Feb-24 12:03:52

Our cat was old and obviously very ill. We took him to the vet and she concurred that it was time to PTS. DH could not face it and went outside As the vet left to get the necessary drugs the cat had another fit. I picked him up and cuddled him and he died in my arms. No charge from the vet who said 'He knew it was time to go'.

Primrose53 Sun 25-Feb-24 11:39:28

Losing any pet is dreadful. We have lost ponies, dogs, a cat, guinea pigs, terrapins. It is part of the cycle of life to let them go when they are very poorly. Take care.

Dinahmo Sun 25-Feb-24 11:33:03

NansyPansy We all cry when we lose a pet so you are not alone. Even though I have Zelie (subject of another thread) I still cry when I think about the two dogs that I lost earlier this year but for different reasons. In time she will become as dear to me as the others who have gone before her.

Curlywhirly I have always looked for another dog when I've lost one. For me it's a form of distraction. Once they arrive with you, you do the best that you possibly can to make their lives better. There are so many needing homes that the refuges are overflowing. Sadly, those in France are very poorly funded compared to those in the UK. Battersea, the RSPCA and the Dogs' Trust are like palaces compared to the SPA in France.

Curlywhirly Sun 28-Jan-24 19:47:48

Oh I so know how you are feeling; we had to have our gorgeous labrador PTS in October - she was 13 and we absolutely adored her. The house is so empty without her, but she was so poorly that I know it was the right thing to do. You too, have made the right decision, it's so upsetting, but definitely the kindest thing to do. My DH would get another dog in a heartbeat, but I am not ready yet. But I do realise that there are so many rescue dogs that we could give a loving home to and the day will come when I am ready to home one and perhaps you too, in time, can adopt another cat to fill the void in your quiet house. Think of you thanks

Allsorts Sun 28-Jan-24 16:44:28

It’s horrible making that decision but was a kindness. In time you will realise that. You might in time get another cat, you will love it but in a different way. I lost my very special cat, I’ve had one all my life, in 2004 and I still shed a tear as she was irreplaceable, I’m so glad I had her in my life.

Pammie1 Sun 28-Jan-24 16:34:40

TwiceAsNice

I feel so sorry for you . I had to do this last August my cat was not well took her to the vet and a scan showed she had advanced cancer . I had only hours to know she had to be PTS. I was with her and it’s was awful I’d only had her 4 years she was a rescue and only 8.

I’m still grieving but recently adopted 2 older kittens and they are helping but will never take her place . She’s in my heart and reading your story made me cry.

💐. I feel your pain.

TwiceAsNice Sun 28-Jan-24 12:09:12

I feel so sorry for you . I had to do this last August my cat was not well took her to the vet and a scan showed she had advanced cancer . I had only hours to know she had to be PTS. I was with her and it’s was awful I’d only had her 4 years she was a rescue and only 8.

I’m still grieving but recently adopted 2 older kittens and they are helping but will never take her place . She’s in my heart and reading your story made me cry.

Pammie1 Sun 28-Jan-24 11:50:04

grandtanteJE65

Does it help just a tiny bit to know that I, and doubtless other readers are crying just reading your post?

You did the best and only thing you could do for your dear cat.

We have all been through this and it hurts so dreadfully.

I hope you will feel a little better tomorrow.

This is very true - I was weeping openly as I read it. We give ourselves over to loving our pets even though we know from the start that we will lose them, and the price we pay for that love is the pain of loss. I know for myself, I’ve never had a pet that wasn’t 100% worth that pain.

Aveline Sun 28-Jan-24 07:08:15

It's such a horrible time. I know this as we had our lovely Finn put to sleep this week. I know it's the right thing to do just as you do. However, that doesn't take away the pain evoked every time you unthinkingly call him or look at 'his' empty bed. I don't know if you have other pets. I hope you do . They can't fill that special gap but can be a comfort in their own way.
You did your absolute best for your lovely boy.

grannyactivist Sat 27-Jan-24 23:05:32

So sorry Nansypansy, losing a much loved pet is inevitably going to lead to sadness because when we love we give away a part of ourselves I think. Be kind to yourself. 💐

Lucyd Sat 27-Jan-24 21:29:52

So very sorry. You did the right thing and I am sure your beloved cat had a wonderful life. I was heartbroken each time one of my pets was put to sleep but was glad that I was able to put an end to any pain they were suffering. If there is an afterlife then I am certain our beloved pets will be there too.

tickingbird Sat 27-Jan-24 21:18:59

So sorry. I’ve been there more than once and have been heartbroken. You’ve done your best for him; given him a wonderful life in a loving home and he’s returned that love. It’s a cliche I know but you will get over your grief and I believe we’’ll see them again flowers

Oldbat1 Sat 27-Jan-24 21:13:28

Do be kind to yourself. Your cat will definitely be a huge miss. It is very hard when they die even if we know it was the correct decision.

Dempie55 Sat 27-Jan-24 20:55:17

Forgot to say, if you Google Cats Protection Grief and Loss, there is information on how to cope, and a helpline number if you feel you need to talk to someone tomorrow. (Don’t know how to do links!) xx

Dempie55 Sat 27-Jan-24 19:01:10

So sorry to hear about your poor cat. You definitely made the right decision, but that doesn't help the pain you feel right now.

When we take on pets, we always know that one day we will have to say goodbye to them, as they will have shorter lives than our own, but it's so hard when the actual day arrives.

You gave him a good, long life, he spent many happy years with you.

Rosalyn69 Sat 27-Jan-24 18:29:36

You did the right thing. Your beautiful puss is not in pain or suffering any more and is waiting at the rainbow bridge for you. My Poodie is there waiting for me.

ttgran Sat 27-Jan-24 18:07:54

It’s so hard to say goodbye they take a piece of your heart every time

Labradora Sat 27-Jan-24 17:57:19

Hi NansyPansy

So sorry you are so sad. This really, really is our last act of love for them.
It may take awhile so cut yourself some slack. It took me a year after our dog's death to talk about him without crying. We had had him 11 years.
Your boy knew you loved him, never fear.

srn63 Sat 27-Jan-24 17:41:59

Your last kindness for your beloved pet. RIP little cat.

grandtanteJE65 Sat 27-Jan-24 15:22:49

Does it help just a tiny bit to know that I, and doubtless other readers are crying just reading your post?

You did the best and only thing you could do for your dear cat.

We have all been through this and it hurts so dreadfully.

I hope you will feel a little better tomorrow.

2507C0 Sat 27-Jan-24 12:35:56

Nancypancy I am so very sorry. It's the worst decision to have to make and the pain from having to make it is awful. You didn't have a choice because the alternative would be his suffering. Pain is the price you pay for love and your lovely boy was surely loved and he loved you too. You have a broken heart 💔. Be kind to yourself. RIP sweet boy 🐾🌈🐾💜

Visgir1 Sat 27-Jan-24 12:20:55

Thoughts with you, it's hard. But you cared right up to the end and let him go.
The perfect owner... in time somewhere there is perhaps an Older Cat that needs you to care for them.
Take care all our thoughts with you 🌹

JaneJudge Sat 27-Jan-24 12:13:24

You made the best decision for him and that was a very brave and selfless thing to do. Be kind to yourself flowers

toscalily Sat 27-Jan-24 12:07:50

You did the right thing in not letting him suffer any more even though the decision was so hard. Remember the 16 years you had together, a comfort and joy for you both. So sorry for your loss flowers

SueDonim Sat 27-Jan-24 11:49:55

I’m so sorry, Nansypansy. It hurts so much to say goodbye to our furry friends. We lost our last Boy at the end of ‘22, similar to your beautiful lad - recurring cat flu, kidney problems and he was blind. He was a rescue and about 15/16yo.

There will always be a cat-shaped part of your heart reserved just for him. ❤️ xxx