I may have to have my cat put to sleep today. How am I going to deal with my loss?

Question

I tooke her to the vet yesterday, and the doctor said the prognosis is not good. She has a lot of fluid in her stomach and he thinks it's liver problems. I think he is going to suggest that I put her to sleep. She is only 10 years old. I did not think that was that old for a cat. I spent the night crying and I feel really bad today. It seems like only yesterday that I got her and now, already, she may be gone from my life. I feel so sad.

Answer 1

Our family just lost a cat last week. She was 11. We are dealing with our grief by remembering what a good life she had, and how much she made us laugh. You will probably be very sad for a while, and there is nothing wrong with that. Just remember that she will not be in any more pain, and that you did the responsible thing as a pet "parent" (I hate to say "owner") and made her passing more comfortable and peaceful.

And psychologists mostly agree that it is NOT a good idea to get another pet right away. Chances are that you will not bond as well with that animal and that's not fair to the animal.

Wait until you are ready to give your full love and attention and have healed from your grief. The sadness may never fully go away, but eventually we move on to love again.

Answer 2

I'm sorry for what you're going through. It's not easy.

What did the vet say to you about the prognosis? Did he give you the impression that this was something that couldn't be taken care of? If you are monetarily able to and he says there are options, maybe you can try his suggestion(s). 10 is not old for a cat....Mine have lived well into their late teens.

Before you make any decision, get all of your options. And although it's difficult to think about, think about what would be the best for your furbaby. If there's hope, and you can, then try it. Trust your vet, he'll steer you in the right direction.

Whatever you do, know that you're baby knows you're doing right by her. If and when the time comes when you have to let her go, it will be one of the most difficult things you'll ever have to do. But you'll get through it because you have to.....you'll always have your memories and the love will live on until you meet again.

You're in my prayers....good luck.

Answer 3

People deal with loss in different ways. It however is never a good thing to keep it in. I can suggest you spend as much time making her as comfortable as possible. If the vet thinks that putting her to sleep would be the best thing for her then, then don't let her suffer anymore and have her put down. I have had to put several animals to sleep over the years and I have had them pass away from old age. It is never an easy thing to deal with. You need to grieve, she has been part of your life for a very long time. You just need to be strong and do what is best for her.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

First of all, I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. I almost felt your pain reading your words.

The thing is, you need to know that there is nothing wrong in feeling sad. Feel however you have to feel but feel pressured to hold in your feelings. Cry however many times if you have to. Don't try to be too strong. You need to let yourself grieve because greiving is a necessary emotional release.

Talk about your feelings to someone close to you who will listen to you patiently and sympathetically, maybe someone who had a similar loss. If necessary, write it down, like you did.

Some people have feelings of guilt when they lose their pet, even though they couldn't have been a better owner. Real or imagined, guilt is a normal grief reaction. Again, talk about it. Another normal reaction to loss is to feel angry, perhaps at the vet, or even yourself. Sometimes one can get angry without any reason. You may find rigorous exercise when you are angry a helpful release.

I don't know how else I can help. Again, so so so sorry about your cat.

A big hug to you.

Answer 5

Is she still eating ? Does she look in pain ? It is very hard to put a pet that you love to sleep, but if she is suffering it's what you have to do. I went thru that 2 years ago with 2 cats that I had for many years they both got kidney disease the first one I waited for 6 months before putting her to sleep, because I coudn't do it but she was suffering to much. You will never forget and at times you will remember and be very sad, but always' remember that she was lucky to have the life she did with you. If you must have the vet give her a shot to calm her to sleep, then give her the last shot and be there and tell her you love her and it will be ok. Good luck and I am very sorry.

Answer 6

My sister just put her 11 year old golden retriever down yesterday. It's very sad. You have to realize, tho, that this is the best thing. I'm sure you wouldn't want her in any pain. She is probably very uncomfortable. Sometimes we keep these pets alive for our own selfish reasons. Know in your heart that you are making the best decision for her, like you always have. Keep her bowls, collars, etc. as long as you need to.

I've noticed that having 2 pets of the same type sometimes helps. Its hard to think about now, but will you ever get another cat? Maybe think of getting two. Not as a replacement to the one you love......just an addition to your life. You obviously have love to give another creature.

Answer 7

Think u must wait 2 hear what the doctor say. There are pills for liver problems and the stomach can be pumped out. If you feel so bad phone the doctor and ask him what’s going for what, then you’ll feel better. Because know your just guessing. If she needs to be put to sleep, all I can suggest is you must be there next to her and then after that cry cry cry! If you stand next to her it will help to get over her quicker. I know because my one dog were put to sleep and I’ve seen him fall asleep, but with the other dog I wasn’t there and still today I haven’t found piece. Good Luck.

Answer 8

This is a very difficult time for you, you see some years ago my diabetic cat who I had to inject twice daily got worse and sadly I had to part with her, it was only a short while before thatI I lost my husband so my grief was doubled as my cat was my sole companion. Then I thought of all the good times we had together and it would have been cruel of me to let her to continue to suffer.
I am not ashamed to say I cried buckets, but I wrote a poem about her life as a diabetic cat and after putting things down
on paper I began to feel better, I wish you all the luck in the world,
you are a very caring person.

Answer 9

Know that in putting her to sleep, she will pass easily, with someone she loves and who loves her, from the home she has always known. She will be safe and secure as she lets go, and will no longer be sick. You are doing the right thing by her, not selfishly making her suffer because you can't let her go. You love her enough to let her go.

You will grieve her just as you would a human who passes. Allow yourself to grieve, cry and cuss and hate the world. It's your right. Don't let anyone tell you it is silly to grieve your furry child, you understand the bond you have, and you should allow yourself to feel the way you need to until you don't need to anymore.

She IS young for a cat, but some Angels are only with us a short while before they are needed elsewhere. Keep your heart open, don't close up to other kitties, and someday, when you are ready, she will send you someone.

Answer 10

I had to put my 15 year old black long hair cat down no more than a month ago and I still feel the sadness in not seeing him by my side waiting to put his paw on my arm to get me to scratch his favorite spot on his back. But he was now in the final stages of Feline AIDs and we did what we had to do. But it hurt me as I loved my cats very much. They are like my children that I can never have.
I have started to look at the animal rescue centers for cats who need a home and am looking at adopting two older cats who need a home to call their own.