my cat put to sleep?

Question

we had our 12 year old cat put to sleep last night and it tore both me and my husband up. we loved him so much and got such joy from him, we'll miss him so much. no questions, just wanted to vent a little. he was a joy to have in our lives.

he was treated for a blockage that came right back. the dr then diagnosed cancer. thank you to everyone for all of your wonderful words of kindness.

Answer 1

so sad...

Answer 2

I so understand. I had to have my cat, Silly, put down a few years ago, also because of cancer, and he was also about 12 years old or so. My mother then recommended that I get some kittens to take my mind off of the loss. I thought that it was a horrible idea and said no way. She pushed me so much though, that finally I agreed to go and look. Well, we brought home 2 little kittens from the same litter. We only intended to get 1, and maybe at that, but there were only 2 left, so we took both. Like I said, I thought it was a horrible idea at first...I felt like I would be replacing my Silly....but as it turned out, she was absolutely right....watching those little kittens run around the house really put a smile on my face, and just when I needed it.

Answer 3

So sorry for you loss, it is very difficult to lose a pet, they become such a big part of our lives. Venting is part of the grieving process, and will help you and your husband while you are finding your way through this loss.

Know in your hearts that you made a difficult decision for the well-being of your cat, and he went to the Rainbow Bridge knowing that he was well loved. God bless you.

Answer 4

I'm sorry for your loss. But remember you did the right thing. Your kitty knows you loved him, quality of life is very important. 12 years is a long time for a cat to live.
My beloved Lily was ill and I knew I had to make that hard decision to have her euthanized, but before I did she passed away and I wasn't there to help her ease into the next step or to talk to her and soothe her as she slipped from this life to the next, I still cry knowing I did not do what I should have done sooner. Knowing this will make my decision easier the next time I have to make it, because I'd much rather be there soothing her than letting her die alone and frightened. I had her cremated and have put her ashes into a stuffed tiger I had. Her ashes are sitting on a bookshelf next to my bed.
Please be comforted by knowing you did the best thing you could.

Answer 5

That is really sad, my heart goes out to you. When you get over the shock and trauma of this maybe you can do something to honor him. You could make a donation to a shelter to help sick cats or adopt a homeless cat from a shelter.

I lost my cat 2 days after Christmas 2005- She was so sick all December and I asked her everyday to try to make it through Christmas for the kids (and for me too). I was crushed and told my husband I was never getting another cat. We have 2 now. I got Harry 5 months after she passed and I am so thankful that I healed emotionally enough to go adopt another cat because he is so great, he reminds me of Frank all the time. But it does not make me sad, it makes me happy because her memory lives on.

Answer 6

Chin up hun, my kitten is the first pet i've ever had and i've only had him for 5 months and i can't imagine my life without him so i can't imagine how you feel having had your cat for so long. Don't let anyone trivialise this for you by saying "it's just a cat", he was obviously such a big part of your life and you loved him very much. I hope you feel better soon x

Answer 7

We love our pets and when we lose one it is like losing a little child. It hurts just as bad. It makes the house seem empty. I know how that feels and I am so sorry. Yes they are a joy to have in life. It is OK to vent a lot when you lose what you love.

Answer 8

I am sorry go ahead an vent. cry. what ever you need to do. it is all a part of grieving and you need to do it. I just had to put down my baby boy 4 weeks ago. he was only like 7 years old not his time to go yet. I am tossing between the shock and grief still.

Answer 9

I'm sorry for you loss. It's never easy, I know. I've had to do that more than once.....most recently last September with our 15 year old. His health was fading so fast, I know in my heart it was the best thing to do. But our cats are our "kids." It hurts just like losing family....

Answer 10

I know this was a real hard decision, but now your cat is in a better place and he is not hurting anymore. Cats are so worth putting first. My little jewels are so precious and special to me, so when they start getting sick I'm going to have to make that hard decision too.

Answer 11

That happened to me a couple of years ago. I'm so sorry. I feel your pain. I couldn't even walk past where he would sleep in the house without balling my eyes out. It is literally a death of a loved one. My deepest condolences!