Cat Channel / Pet Loss Support / All About Cats

My poor Duncan is missing!

Fran — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:36:20 GMT

My cat named Duncan was 1 of my best kitties ever! At the beginning of this month, he went outside to hunt. It passed the 4th of July and no sign of him! We don't know where he is. My papa went to the pound to check if someone caught him and took him there. No sign of him there either! He's never been gone this long before! He's afraid of loud things so it worries me even MORE because it was the 4th of july not to long ago! I'm SO worried about him! I don't know what I'd do without him! Duncan please come back!

Serpico-The Video

Bob S — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:19:14 GMT

It was 3 months ago today that we put our beloved Serpico down. Each day I miss him just a bit more but I realize I did the right thing by putting him out of his pain.
Please watch the video on You Tube in honor of him. He was certainly one of the best. The other "best's" are your cats and Serpico's lifelong pal Tang who is doing a bit better now but still misses him a lot.
The link to the video is below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-hLjulL8RY

Terrible Fire

Spookers — Tue, 29 May 2007 13:24:02 GMT

My husband & I just suffered a great loss. Our home was burnt by fire & we lost some of our most beloved pets. There was 7 that didn't make it out. Our son tried to get as many out as he could. We lost Spook (10years old) she was a bit nuts, Nerd (9year old) he was an intellect, Tanga (6years old) he was our sloth cat, Del(5years old) he was a bit slow but always lovable, Cally (9years old) was the queen of all, Lucky (3years old) was a princess and always on someones lap, Dude(1years old) was young but extremely long tail & tongue. Spike 12 years old was a incredible jumper, he made it out but his injuries took him 17 days after the fire. We are not sure how to deal with this kind of loss all at once. They will always be in our hearts. All of them had been rescues from one bad situation or another. It is hard when people dont understand that a pet is an important part in alot of our lives. We lost everything but the main thing that hurts is that we lost our family members. Anyone with advice on how to cope with this loss please feel free to give it. Nosey was Spike's brother we lost him at the beginning of the year do to complications to a cold he was a diabetic that lived for 6 years with the dieases

how do i deal with the loss of my cat

becky&phillip — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:39:24 GMT

toby was a special cat he wouldnt let no one touch him but me he was scard of my husband and freaked everytime he came close to him last summer in august we took him tro get nuetarded the vet found his baltter the size of a baseball toby couldntr go to the bathroom on his own.the vet fixed him up and he came home the next day.this febuary towards the end he started peeing blood and struggling to go to the bathroom. so we took him to the vet.3 vets couldnt find the cuz of his problem on the 2nd day the vet did an ultra sound on him and found that there was a rock hard tumor inside his blatter they could not find out what cuased it his blatter busted and his urine was leaking inside his body and we had to put him down.i miss him sooooooo much.how do i deal with losing him people look at me like im crazy i had his picyure put on a neacklace and i want a tatoo of him.

MY 3 CATS WERE TAKEN AWAY FROM ME ON mARCH 26, 2008 AND i NEED HELP COPING, NO ONE UNDERSTANDS HOW MUCH i MISS THEM

twiggy2001 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 03:47:51 GMT

HELP

Four months and I can't stop crying...

vettechgirl — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:30:59 GMT

It'll be four months since Leo left me this coming Sunday. I want to add another furry baby to our home, but in some strange way, part of me just can't find "That Connection" with another cat. I miss Leo so much. I feel like I'm replacing him. But my fiance and I are very spiritual people and greatly believe in balance of all things. We currently have two female and one male. We want another little boy, not only for those reasons, but because our one year old male has a lot of energy, and really needs a play buddy. The two female just don't play with him like he needs, and as much as we try, we can't play with him 24/7.

I just don't know what to do. I can't let go. I was my baby. Ever since he passed, I've been wanting to be a Mama more than ever before. But I can't do that right now because I'm not married yet, and we're not financially stable enough to do so.

I have so many emotions running in me I don't know what to do. My fiance doesn't understand. He wants to, but he wasn't as close to Leo as I was. Leo was my baby...my son...I'm praying so much that his soul will come back to me as my child when that day comes. I know that sounds crazy, but I just want him back...whatever it takes.

Does anyone have any advice? Has anyone ever been through his before? I can't afford a psychiatrist or I would. You guys are all I have.

Tyson and Katie Kat

fudgeyfreak — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:10:42 GMT

I lost Katie Kat about a year ago to a hit and run. She is buried at the end of my house. I lost Tyson on 6/28/08 to unknown causes. They were both given to me and they became very close friends...inseparable. When Katie died, Tyson was totally lost but was becoming close to our other kitties, Pumpkin and Shadow. He actually showed them the ropes of prowling the back yard and now Shadow takes the same trail that her big brother showed her. Tyson is buried right next to Katie. I ordered a memorial bench for their graves that just came in yesterday. It has an angel that lights up at night and the verse about tears building a stairway to heaven and bringing them back. I also ordered grave markers where you can put their pictures in it but they haven't come in yet.

I miss them SO much. I visit their graves often and still cry about losing them even though I know they are in Heaven chasing each other like they did here on Earth. Regular people think I'm nuts even though they say they understand....cat lovers will understand what I'm going thru better. It makes me feel good to talk about them because they know I haven't forgotten them and never will!

In Loving Memory of Blu!

themarshall — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:07:50 GMT

Today is a very sad day for our family. Our beloved Blu was laid to rest today after a 2 month illness. We are not sure what happened to make our sweet baby so sick. However, we had our vet test her for everything she could imagine would cause her to stop eating, and lose so much weight. We will be keeping a close eye on all our lady bugs and pray everyone will continue to be alright. Thanks so much to all on Cat Channel who showed our Blu Belle so much love. She was a wonderful, wonderful girl who meant a lot to me. She literally nursed me back to health after two spinal fusions. I will never forget her leading me up the stairs when I felt I could not take another step. Also, many times when I was in a lot of pain and felt so depressed Blu was there for me. I miss her terribly and will always feel a void in my life now that she has passed on to her reward. I know she is at peace and I truly hope she did not suffer. This is not what I wanted. I wanted her to feel safe and loved. God Bless you Blu.

Sunny

GMarcan920 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:02:16 GMT

She's been gone 2-1/2 years and I still miss her. My daughter found her on a highway in MD at about 3 or 4 weeks. She was doomed (anemic, respitory infection, eye infections, bruised ribs to name just a few of her problems when found), but with a spirit that still amazes me, survived, came to live with us. We had her for 5-1/2 years when the week before Christmas 2005 she developed a rare, aggressive, and always fatal form of liver cancer. She died two days before Christmas. We now have two wonderful gentle sweet Maine Coon boys who we love but will always miss Sunny

Goodbye ZZ

blueyes132 — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:26:57 GMT

I don't know where to start... Although we only had Alixzander Mikal, a purebred seal point siamese, for a year (he is 16months old now) it seems like he has been in our family forever. For about a month he's been battling FIP. Unfortunately, Alix passed away July 4 from this illness. My husband was holding him and he was purring so we know he went peacefully. Even though he lived a short life, I hope it was good. he will be missed!

Music for grieving

vettechgirl — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:53:39 GMT

When my cat Leonardo DaVinic (Leo) passed away from FeLV on Feburary 11, 2008, I was obviously devastated. There was a song that kept sticking with me after he passed. I would find myself humming it at work, or spontaneously turn to it on some odd radio station. That song helped to inspire me to create a list of songs, a play list, that told Leo's story the best it could through song. Leo fought his disease with his head held high. He was inspired by the world around him and never gave up. Here are the songs. Put them together in your own play list creator, and see your own departed furry ones in it.

This play list was part of my healing process. It always makes me feel better whenever I listen to it. Maybe it can help you too.

"Seasons of Love"- Original Broadway Cast
"I'm your Angel"- Celine Dion
"Stand"- Rascal Flatts
"So Small"- Carrie Underwood
"My Wish" Rascal Flatts (This was the song that inspired me. I sang it to Leo all the time)
"You'll Be in my Heart"- Phil Collins
"The Circle of Life"- Elton John
"Borrowed Time"- Leahy (this one may be hard to find)
"There'll You'll Be"- Faith Hill
"Fly"- Celine Dion[/center]

Gone for good..?

BeeGirl — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:01:50 GMT

About 4 weeks ago, it was a Saturday night, my beloved Cat Jaeda got away under a fence in the backyard when I took her outside for some air. She was given to me while I worked at an animal hospital and one of our clients could not keep her anymore. I had become infatuated with cats and I had never had one so I was so excited that I was getting her. She was 10 years old, Spayed and de-clawed. She was the most amazing cat in the entire world. She always laid on everyones lap and loved to be pet and talked to. We had this amazing connection I can't even begin to describe. I had her for about 3 months before she got away. I ran over to the street behind mine, and looked and looked but I could not find her. I printed out posters and reported her at the shelter immediately. Ive called every single day since hoping that when they put me on hold, one of the strays that came in that day were her. Its so hard to even be in my house and go to sleep without her on my lap. I know she may not be dead and someone may have taken her in, but all I can think about is how irresponsible I was and how its all my fault that she is gone out there somewhere, or dead already. Four weeks have gone and I still cry just like I did the night that she took off. My heart is broken and my spirits are shattered. I feel like a murderer, that it is all my fault she got away, and was hungry and cold and wet for those days after she left. She was a naturally skinny cat, and declawed so she could not fend for herself. This guilt will forever be on my shoulders, and I will never forget her for as long as I live. I just don't know what to do with myself. I don't know if she will ever come home. All I keep thinking is that shes not alive anymore, and its all my fault. Not to mention the guilt I feel about the lady who gave her to me, who had mothered this cat for 10 years and loved it 10 times as much as myself. I only hope that one day this guilt will subside and I can forgive myself for losing her.. RIP Jaeda. You're still there in my heart.

Hip Dysplasia

lvonrueden — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:10:13 GMT

My 13 year old persian has hip dysplasia in both hips. I read stories about the surgery to treat this and it just seems cruel to put a 13 year old cat through this.

She is currently being treated with "off label" with Metacam, a drug for dogs that is not recommended for cats (my vet is being very conservative with the dosing). This does seem to help her a lot, yet her legs still are giving out on her from time to time.

Has anyone else been through this and have guidance?

Two Weeks Now

karebu — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:49:32 GMT

Time sure flies when you are miserable. I can't believe two weeks have gone by since I had to bury my best friend of 18 years.

A terrible day remembered

Navy Cats — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:06:14 GMT

Two years ago yesterday a horrible thing happened. OUr cat Petrie suddenly died. He was my daughters cat and he walked into her room and just died. With all my training as a Vet Tech and I couldn't do anything, I felt like I let my daughter down. I let myself down. Why did he die? He was happy and purring when my Husband left for work and less than 10 min later he was gone. There was never any clue as to why or what happened. No signs or symptoms of any disease. I will never know why.

His passing has left a huge hole in our house. We miss him every day. His brothers looked for him and morned his passing. My daughter and Husband still cry to think about him, he was a wonderful cat. He would great people at the door when they came in. He didn't care who you were he was there with a purr and a bunt. Once we had a Military Police officer come into the house and he tried to climb up his leg to get petted, he was like that. If you didn't pay attention to him when he was there he would bunt your hand untill you held him, even if you were asleep he would make you move your hand to give him a tummy rub, and he would kneed your hand or your arm untill he fell asleep. Petrie also had a purr that you could hear from across the room. He could also tell the time, he knew that dinner time was 8:30 every night and he would meow at the kitchen door and stare at us knowingly untill we fed him.

The loss of Petrie has had only one good effect. after many years of thinking I was to old, or as some people say, " To soft hearted about animals" I going to become a Veterinarian. I know it will be a long road to do this, and I will be in my mid 50s when I'm done but I never want to have another litter girl to go through the greif of not knowing what happend to her wonderful cat.

Many appologies for ratteling on like this, but after two long years, I still miss him.

Petrie we love you.

Navy Cats

I miss him (mufasa)

Angel1124 — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:27:03 GMT

I miss my little kitty Mufasa. He was a great kitty. He was only 2 months old when he died. He got run over by a truck. We wanted to save him but we couldn't. I miss him so much. He was the best. I still grieve over him dearly. I wish he never died. I still remember his face just before he died. I'm while typing this. He was so innocent. I wish he was still here. My family isn't comforting me much. They say, " that was LONG ago." It seems to me it only happened yesterday.

The Hereafter for Lost Pets

Kenogirl — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:46:39 GMT

Here is something for all of us who are currently grieving over a loss or have grieved in the past. The author is unknown, but it never fails to stir my heart and offer a bit of comfort when I find myself mourning the furry loved ones I have lost over the years:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Tribute To Serpico-His Final Day

Bob S — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:29:39 GMT

It was just 2 weeks ago Monday that we had to make a dreaded decision on our beloved, almost 14 year old tabby, Serpico. Serpico had been diagnosed with diabetes 3 years ago and had it quite under control. We weren’t expecting this. On that Sunday afternoon we were holding Serpico as we were listening to music. He was moving his lips as if he were singing. I said to my wife Cindy that this is quite unusual because cats usually breathe through their nose not their mouth. Into Monday he was still taking these short gasps. Even though he was eating, drinking and going up and down the stairs I felt something was seriously wrong. After watching a pet for 14 years you have a sense about these things. Monday morning I brought Serpico to the vet and they confirmed that this was not normal. They listened to his heart and detected a bit of a heart murmur. Also his mucous membranes were pale. Not good. They took an x-ray and gave him some oxygen to help him breathe better. At this point I could have used the oxygen myself after the vet showed me the x-ray. Serpico’s chest cavity was filled up with fluid which said that he is probably suffering from heart failure. I was given medical options. All of which sounded very expensive and also very pointless since his condition was guarded to poor. They also gave me humane options at which point I felt my stomach stick right to the roof of my throat. I knew this day would come and it is everything it is cracked up to be. Devastating! I told them I had to call my wife and discuss these options and I would return with my decision after they reopened for lunch. Really, at this point, I knew what option I would and should take and the only thing to discuss was how much we loved him. I just wanted to make sure that Cindy would meet me at the vet so we could both say our goodbyes together.

When we returned after lunch they had drained a massive amount of liquid that had filled up in Serpico’s chest so he would feel comfortable. They also had him in an oxygen box to help him breath better. We gave the vet our decision and they let us know how all of this was going to happen. We had the option of being in the room when they put him to sleep but one of the technicians knew I would not handle this well but it was my decision to make. She is the same technician who found Serpico for me when he was a 4 week old kitten 14 years ago. I agreed that I just couldn’t see him die in front of me. Cindy agreed. We spent our time telling him how much we loved him and if there was any way we could cure what he had wrong we would. I held him and cried openly. I told him how much we would all miss him and that it was an honor to have him in our family. Cindy then held him and said her goodbyes. We then left.

At that point all the financial and cremation arrangements were taken care of. We picked up his ashes last Friday.

This has also affected our other cat, Tang, who was his lifelong buddy for all 12 of her years. She was never without him. She still retraces his steps looking for him. We had to go away that weekend and leave her alone for the first time in her life. I was never so happy to see her than when we walked back in the house a few days later. After a respectful period of mourning I am sure we will find another buddy for her and us.

I know this is not the last time I will have to go through this. It was the first, though, and I’m sure it will not get any easier. You know the saying “it is better to have loved and lost then not love at all.” I couldn’t imagine my life without these guys. Now I know what it is to lose an animal companion but to know they enhanced our lives and we enhanced theirs gives me peace.

A Dude Named Alice

irisha — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:50:33 GMT

A Dude Named Alice

Although, he was not the first male ever with the name of Alice, it was a tough name to grow up with. Alice Cooper also had to endure the name and became a famous rock star in spite of this social hindrance. And even though he shared the name, I always associated him with Arlo Guthrie and the song Alice’s Restaurant. It became our song, mainly because of when we first met.

Our first encounter was on the eve of Thanksgiving in the year 2000. An old and dear friend introduced us and we became buddies almost immediately. He was high strung, and very uncomfortable around most people. He was too thin and very nervous, much like someone on crack. Despite his antisocial behavior and other personality problems, I liked him. He appeared to me as someone I could get along with very well, despite his dysfunction.

It took him time to trust me. At some point in his life, prior to meeting me he was not treated well and the emotional scares would always be there. He was one of few words, but when he had something to say, there was never a misunderstanding. Over time, we grow closer and closer.

I worried about his weight and health, but over time he filled out and became muscular and strong. His face was always handsome and when his body recovered from the stress he had been under prior to our meeting, he was magnificent. He gained self-confidence and it became apparent in his body language. He began to walk with pride and grace, but he was still the strong and silent type. And very few women could help being attracted to him.

As our friendship grew, I knew that he would always have a place in my heart that no one else would ever be able to fill. I loved him, but we were both in relationships. I was happily married and his girlfriend was his true love, his soul-mate. We never discussed it because we both knew that we would never leave our partners. But there was an unspoken bond between us. We both loved others but could not help loving each other.

We began to see each other in secret. Neither of us wanted to lose our partners but we needed to be together. It started subtly. He would kiss me when no one was looking. He was always very careful not to show affection in front of others. This was also the case with his girlfriend, Dana. If she was around, he would wait to kiss her when he thought that no one was watching. I think that he was afraid that kindness would be mistaken for weakness. And for him, that was never an option. He had to be strong always.

Time went on and he would start showing up in the morning after my husband left for work. He would sneak in an open door or window and wake me up in the morning. This became a regular thing, usually 3 or 4 times a week. He would lightly touch my face to get me to wake up. We would stay in bed for an hour or so before I had to get up for work. And he often would sit on the edge of the bathtub while I bathed and sometimes get into the water with me. This relationship went on for years.

He would rarely come around when my husband was home and if he did, his stay would be brief. He did seem to like my husband but thought that our relationship should always stay covert and discrete. I have no doubt that my husband was aware, maybe not to the degree of what was really going on or how often, but never spoke of it. They remained friends and continued a civil relationship.

His girlfriend also must have been aware of our relationship, but never said a word about it to either of us. She was beautiful and truly the kindest soul I had ever met. The guilt I felt was mostly for her feelings. But somehow she seemed to except him for what he was. She did not display any jealousy or insecurities about the two of us in the many years that we were friends. She was truly better then any person I had ever met and I knew that I would never have him to myself. I understood his love for her and could not compete with such a giving and loving soul. I admired her greatly and even aspired to be more like her.

Our encounters went on for years. I couldn’t image not having him around. His warm body was always something I looked forward to waking up next to in the morning. His kisses were sweet and sincere. There was no doubt that he loved me as much as I loved him, although he never spoke the words.

One day, he didn’t show up for our morning visit. I assumed that he had just been busy and thought that I would see him the next day. Then the news arrived, he had passed away. I was crushed. He had drowned in a small body of water, near my house. It appeared to be some type of freak accident. He was buried shortly after that.

My depression suffocated me. I did not want to get out of bed and medicated myself for days to try to block the pain. My secret love was gone. There was no one who would understand our relationship and hence no one to talk to about losing such a great love. Everyone knew we were close but no one knew just how close. The tears flowed for days. I could not be comforted.

His girlfriend was worse. She sat at his grave for hours at a time. I should have tried to provide her some support, but I was too distraught myself to comfort anyone else. The last time I saw her, she was lying on the grass next to his grave and I left her there to lock myself away and cry. Once again I medicated myself and went to bed. A few hours later, I was awakened by my husband with the news that her body was found next to the pool of water that he had drowned in.

They could not say for sure what had caused her death, but suspected that she had suffered a heart attack. I believe that she died from a broken heart. She loved him even more then I did and could not live without him. Soon after, she was buried next to him.

My pain remains. I lost two of my best friends in less then a week. I continue to cry for them everyday. I can only take comfort in the fact that will be together always, as it was meant to be. They were soul-mates in life and remain soul-mates in death. Although, my love for both of them was a powerful one, it paled in comparison for their love for each other. And as the time slowly passes, I try to consoled myself with the knowledge that they are together for eternity and I was fortunate to know them both. They will both live forever in my broken heart.

In loving memory of

Alice - Feline, age 8, 23 lbs.

May 20, 2008

And

Dana - Canine, German Shepard, age 9, 90 lbs.

May 23, 2008

Something I made for my kitty

My_Girl_Lilly — Mon, 26 May 2008 01:18:17 GMT

I just thought Id share this. I made a music video after Lilly was killed by a racoon. She was such a sweet heart and like a little angel with just the cutest face. Its been 6 months and I still cant believe she's gone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i79XtpWYDo0
I actually should have used the song "Forever And Always" by Shania Twain becuase thats what I used to sing to her... call me crazy but yes, I sang to my cat.

In a memory of Radjiv

Elena Russian — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:27:18 GMT

Radjiv Dio Sheikh (March 15, 1994- May18, 2008) Siamese and Siberian color-point mix. Survived by his mother Estersita Dio Suzabi, grandmother Rikki Dio and 2 uncles Portos Dio v. Schtolberg and Philipp Dio v.Schtolberg with whom he shared the home since the day he was born.

Rest in peace, Radjiv!

Even Eleven

evendozen — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:42:13 GMT

One of the ferals we adopted has been missing for 4 days or so. Hobo was a sweetie. He was initially terrified and untrusting - as ferals tend to be, but we trapped him, had him tested, fixed, vaccinated, tipped and returned him to our yard. Many months later he suddenly became friendly and let us pet him. We really got attached to the little guy.

We fear he was killed by a coyote or maybe he was hit by a car.

The life of a stray or feral is hard and short. At least Hobo had about a year of steady meals and not making kittens.

Completely and Utterly Devasted

beefsteak — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:11:05 GMT

I just lost my first and quite possibly only kitten I'll ever have....

My boyfriend and I went out for two hours this past Saturday night. When we returned home, I couldn't find my 12 week old baby Atlas. I called and called for him. He finally crawled out from underneath our roomates' bed. The first thing I noticed was his behind was covered in feces. I thought he simply had an accident and then I noticed blood was coming out of one eye and there was blood around his mouth. He could hardly walk.

I immediately began to go into hysterics. My boyfriend quickly confronted our roommate who had his two year old daughter and a friend over. He said he had no idea what happened and that maybe it was our ferret. Impossible as she was in her cage. Then he said it may have been his adult cat. I saw her outisde in front of the house when we left and when we came back. Besides, he did not look like he had been beaten up....

Since we discovered him in this state so late at night and did not realize the severity of his injuries at the time, we waited until morning to take him to the vet. There our worst fears were confirmed; he was bleeding internally. It was determined he had most likely been squished. Despite our and the vet's best efforts, our baby died on Sunday.

As I said, this is my first cat ever. And I am taking it extremely hard. Everything reminds me of him. I would often sit and talk to him and call him my baby and he would look at me with those big green eyes and then crawl up to my face and give me kisses. I did not know that kittens could be so loving. I thought cats were very stand offish creatures and now I feel like a part of me has died. I grew to love him so much in the month that I had him.

I've never taken an animals death this hard as up until this point I've only experienced the death of my pet rats. I feel like if I ever got another kitten again, it wouldn't be the same. That no kitten could be as special or sweet as him. I don't want another cat, I want Atlas.

I'll probably never know exactly what happened to him as our roommate played dumb and has know been kicked out of the house. All I know is I find myself bawling my eyes out everyday. I need people who understand how I feel. Please understand.: (

I have so much guilt, right now

tapper — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:58:16 GMT

I am new here. I found this site while I was looking for answers. In January I had to put my little girl Pooh to sleep. She was suffering from kidney failure and was not eating or drinking anymore. I could not bear to see her in so much pain. I said my farewell and my husband took her to the vet and had her put down. I cried for a long time. I still had 2 other cats to comfort me and help me through it. Well, in mid March, my one cat named Bailey was due for his shots (rabies and distemper). I took him to the vet despite knowing he always had a hard time with them. Two days after receiving his shot my husband and I had to rush him to the vet. He was having trouble breathing. The vet said he was having a severe allergic reaction to the shots. He also said that he had fluid in his lungs and had cardiomyapothy. He put him on steroids, lasix, and powerful antibiotics. He did get better, but he suffered from diarrhea for several weeks. The vet put him on more medicine to help firm his stools up. The medicine was helping I thought he was going to pull through it and be fine. Monday night, April 14, 2008, he was chasing a string across my lap, playing with the light from the laser pointer, eating and drinking normally, and overall being a loverbug. At 4:00 Tuesday morning I heard him jump off of the bed and start dragging his butt across the floor. He did this, when he had runny stools. I got out of bed to wipe his butt. I noticed he was throwing up his medicine. I moved him to the tile, so it would be easier to clean up. I started screeching out in pain. A meow that I have never heard of and don't want to ever hear again. He could not stand up on his back legs. I called the vet, my husband and I rushed him to the vet. The vet said that he threw a blood clot and the clot has blocked off the blood flow to his back legs. That is why he could not stand. His meowing came from being in so much pain. The vet said that is outlook was poor, but he would sedate him from feeling the pain and give him blood thinners. We went back to see him later that day and he was at peace. The vet still said prognosis was not good, but he would give another 1-2 days. I agreed. I told Bailey that I would see him later, and we left. Bailey died on Wednesday at noon. Right now I am suffering through so much guilt. I am playing the could have and should have game over and over in my head. I know it was my fault for taking him back in March for his shots. If I would have not done that then he would still be alive. He was perfectly fine before that day, and afterwards he was not. Pooh was 13 and Bailey was 12. I have lost 2 cats in less than 3 months. Now it is just my Midnite.

I am pregnant, and this may sound so stupid, but before I was pregnant I had 3 cats. The first one died in the first trimester, the second one died in the second trimester. I just can't help but think that the third one will die in the third trimester. I know that sounds dumb, but that is how I feel.

I apologize for this being so long.

A true story

loops88 — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:14:13 GMT

i do job in a commercial bank and you know what happened today afternoon..i saw a young pigeon came came and suddenly struck to the mirror..i rushed towards him and offord him a glass of water and he drank full glass...it was all happened due the 40 temp...and thanks God he is fine and now with me at my home/....i draw his portrait which you can view here pet portraitshe is really so innocent and i wana to help all other birds or pets who are homeless and walk on the road in this high temp..and the purpose of this all is to give some awareness about the pets that they are looking towards us for shelter and basic feed...so please help them.

Cat lovers must read

loophole2k — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:41:56 GMT

Anthony Harrison Dill of Tipp City, OH was arrested Thursday evening for cruelty to animals, public indecenancy and injury to animals which are all misdeamenors.

According to reports the 5"11 190 pound 20 year old threw the cat off the roof of the house, ran down the stairs and stomped the animal to death in the street in front of a group of small children.

Hers is the link to the story in the Dayton Daily News:

http://www.daytondailynews.com/local/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/04/23/ddn042308abusedanimal.html

This kid is on Myspace Member ID# 106404874. Everybody let the kid know what you about people who torture and kill animals in front of children. Here's the link to his Myspace page

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=106404874

My first cat gone

horselady — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:11:36 GMT

this is the first time i have written here but i really need help. on april 18 i had to put my first cat that i ever owned down . his name was elvis and i loved him so much he had a urinary blockage and this was the fith tim in his life that he was blocked really bad and he was in such pain that i could not put him through it anymore . but now i feel so lost without him there is ahole in my life that i think will never go away the pain is so un bareable i miss him so much . he was really like a child .......how am i going to get over this ?

SHE IS GONE

mymittens — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 08:48:05 GMT

At 5:53am yesterday, February 04, 2008 our cat, MITTENS passed away suddenly. It was a morning like any other morning, the alarm clock rang, i awakened and MITTENS greeted me as always. She led the way for her and i from the bedroom to the kitchen where i lifted her up on the counter, proceeded to brush her and prepared her food. I placed her soft food on her mat along with fresh water, then i lifted her from the counter and placed her in front of her food. MITTENS smelled the food and then her legs gave out from under her, she collapsed and died right before my eyes. She was only 11 1/2 years old. Yes, she was a little overweight, but we did everything to keep her healthy, diet and increased play-time. MITTENS showed no signs of sickness, just aging, you know more sleepy-time than usual, not being able to jump to places she had jumped before, just the usual life process of aging.

Needless to say my partner and i are devastated! We did not want to have a necropsy performed on her because we didn't want to have her little body torn up. MITTENS died, quickly and peacefully; she looked as if she was asleep. Our thoughts were that she had an immediate, fatal heart attack.

MITTENS brought so much joy, love and happiness to our lives, and touched so many lives with her unique personality and disposition. She will truly be missed, my partner and i already feel a void in our lives without her.

We decided to cremate her (yes the thought of her burning was a tough pill for us to swallow), but we will get her cremains and bring her home with us. The memory of our beloved MITTENS will always have an extra special place in our hearts. We have to accept the fact that SHE IS GONE. The memories of MITTENS will be treasured in our hearts and our minds, and her spirit will remain with us forever. SHE IS GONE, but she will NEVER be forgotten.

Thank all of you for reading this, somehow telling this story again is providing a source of comfort.

Thanks

loss of companion

red90m — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:53:01 GMT

Saturday morning I was forced to have my lovin feline companion put to sleep. I had owned her since 1986 and lived alone with her since 1991. Somehow saying she is missed is not quite adequate. My sense of loss is nearly overwhelming, my home has turned into a silent unhospitable place. Two years ago I was disabled and since then have spent nearly all of my waking hours with her. I always knew the time was coming as I had been infusing her for the last five years for her kidney condition. But saturday morning she had a severe seizure that took her about 45 minutes to recover from. I rushed her to the vet and was advised that euthanasia was recomended. I agreed because I had vowed to do my utmost to see she never suffered. I had always thought I would have some time to spend with her between the decision and the act but it was not to be. I could have postponed the euthanasia but feared I could not leave her alone after witnessing the severity of the seizure. I know all the good things about this, that she was loved constantly, that I did my best to see she never suffered and that she is better off. Even realizing these things coping is difficult, the death of my parents was easier, I didn't live with them and fate determined I didn't witness their deaths. If anyone has had a similar experiance I would greatly appreciate their advice.

I need help.

kx100chic11 — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:40:41 GMT

I need help.

My Link has been missing since Thanksgiving 2007. I have not stopped looking for him and don't know if I ever can. My heart aches every moment of every day.

One day I'm fine and the next I'm a mess. He was my baby......and the thought of him alone ,scared,cold and hungry just tears me apart. My family says its time to let go.....I cant.

He is a 6 year old black and white tuxedo cat. Large neutered male. I have been missing from Pacheco,Ca, since Nov. 17th 2007. Can anyone help me?

My baby girl

pkaye — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:28:17 GMT

I lost my beautiful baby girl last Sunday, March 16th, on my 40th birthday. I had my precious Lucky for nearly 11 years but it was not nearly long enough. I miss you, Lucky!!! Love, Mommy, Daddy, and Brett

An Eating Issue

Ciccilo — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:02:03 GMT

I'm in need of some advice. I have a 15 yrs old Exotic Shorthair named Selena. She has lost most of her teeth and has difficulties eating, even can food and baby food. She has lost a lot of weight and is always hungry. I have her on CatSure which is a supplement. However, that doesn't seem to fill her up nor put any weight on her. I'm really concerned and was wondering if anyone know of anything that I might be able to add to her milk so that it would fill her up and put some weight on. I feel so sorry for her because I know she's hungry. Can anyone help?

Thank you,

2nd cat buried in less than a year

siameselover3 — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:04:23 GMT

Today I had to make the very difficult decision to end Jellybean's life at nearly 14 years old. She fought the kidney failure for 18 months and had been responding to most treatments up till the end. Last night, she began using the bed to urinate on and then later her hind legs seemed to be failing. She curled up in her bed for a few hours and stopped eating. The vet, not her own that I took her to said that she probably wasn't suffering, but wasn't going to get any better.

Her companion, Mozart was buried in April after developing a large chest cavity tumor. I never thought that they would both go within the same year. I am drained and just want to stop the emotional hurt. It is comforting to know that there is a support network out there along with those family/friends close to me.

My other Cat is in mourning

ladykay2574 — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 16:23:51 GMT

As I posted under the post “I feel like I lost my child”, my cat Monken passed this past weekend. Now I have a situation developing that is of great concern. Monken’s biological father Casper has become withdrawn and is clearly depressed. He has lost some weight, is not grooming himself, and sits all day on the sofa basically where Monken lay during the last days. I have been trying to give him special attention, petting him constantly, brushing him daily, calling him to come sleep with me at night, but he doesn’t seem to be snapping out of it. This poor boy has gone from being with his family to being alone. I’m getting really concerned that he will die of a broken heart. I thought about getting a kitten but I’m not sure. Does anyone have any suggestions about what I might do to help him beyond what I’m already doing?

Pictured in order are Monken and Casper

A Loss So Great

My Cats — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 07:33:08 GMT

I recently had to put my 16 1/2 yr old cat, Max to sleep. He was diagnosed with Intestinal Lymphoma in Aug 2007. He did great for 6 months and then the last week in Feb. he wouldn't eat, had a hard time walking and just looked tired. So I made the painful decision. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. I miss him so much.

I brought Max home and buried him. Now all I keep thinking is that he has started breathing again and is scared. I know that's impossible, he was gone when we left the vet's office. But I just can't get past it. Somebody please help. This hurt is unbearable.

I feel like a lost my child

ladykay2574 — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:29:59 GMT

I had to make the dreaded decision on Saturday, December 22, 2007 to put my beloved cat to sleep. In June, of this year Monken developed kidney disease and spent 4 days in the hospital. When I got him home, he had daily meds and routine veterinary follow ups as prescribed. He was doing great for months, and I really hoped we would have many more days together. However, in December he started to take a turn for the worse. His blood work indicated the kidney disease was progressing and they found an unknown mass in his stomach. Because he was already almost 15 and sick with kidney disease, the vet said he was not a surgical candidate and they would not be able to do anything about the stomach mass. I was devastated to hear the news. The vet increased his meds and I began giving him water subcutaneously. Within a week he began to lose his appetite and in turn weight. As the second week of December progressed, Monken began to get noticeably weaker and thinner and with every day ate less and less. By the start of week 3, Friday December 21^st, he was not even capable of standing up. It was that night I made the decision that I had to do it. I had to end his suffering regardless of my broken heart. I stayed up all night and cried myself to sleep while holding his paw as he lay on a pillow above my head. After maybe two hours of sleeping I awoke and he was still with me but barely alive; I called the vet and got in the car. From that moment I started crying and I’ve barely stopped since. I think the only time I’ve really stopped crying is when I’ve cried myself to sleep. I can barely function. In September I miscarried my unborn child at 6 weeks and now I’ve lost my child of 14 ½ years. I don’t know what to do with myself. Al I keep thinking is my sunshine is gone and he’s never coming back. No one seems to really understand why I am so sad and most around me aren’t helping the situation at all. Am I crazy for being so deep in mourning for a cat?

In Loving Memory Of Our Cats

Kit-Kat8 — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:37:03 GMT

Post a memory or/and a photo of cats of yours who have died.

RIP Bobbi 3/18/08

kcgirl88 — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:49:03 GMT

I don't know what happened! This all happened so suddenly. Just this morning my cat seemed fine. I got home from my doctors appt. at like 11:30 and I thought my cat was trying to get up a hairball... I walked over to her and she ran straight to me. She started breathing harder out of her mouth and then meowing like she needed help. She kept running up to me and nudging me and running away like she was frantic. My boyfriend looked inside of her mouth to see if she was choking and he mouth was full of blood. She began choking harder and then it was over. My poor Bobbi died right there after about 3 minutes of labored choking and breathing. I am trying to think of her health problems in the past few months. She had been acting a little more introverted but I figured it was because we moved into a new apartment at the end of November. She was beginning to act a little more normal. She and our other cat got in a fight and she got a scratch on her nose a few weeks ago, but nothing enough to kill her. I wonder if she maybe had FeLV. Our vet thought her strange behavior after the move was due to an intestinal virus and he gave her some meds and she seemed okay, but not quite back to normal after that. Could she have had FeLV all along?? What are the symptoms?? How do the cats with that disease end up dying?? I just don't know what happend!! She was only a year and 1/2 old. A beautiful cat too. One of my best friends and companions. She only liked me!! Poor thing. RIP BOBBI!

Pinkie 3/11/1995-2/5/2008 The kitty in the world

pinkiesmom311 — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:04:09 GMT

I just lost my best friend of 13 and 1/2 years Pinkie. She was born in my mom's closet so we had her from the minute she was born. She would say hello to people when they walked in.
I feed her this morning and when I went to leave for work I petted her and told her I love her. When I came home I had gone back out right away to go vote when I got home I didn't see but didn't think anything of it. Alittle while later I realize she didn't come to ask me about her dinner so I went in the bedroom and saw her on the bed I went in calling her name I realized she might of passed away. My mom thinks she had passed a couple hours before that.
She was the best cat. She was never sick didn't show any signs that she was sick. She was a health cat. She was indoor cat the last 3years. She was the best cutiest cat.
I have three days off in a row this week I told my manager what happen and they gave me Wednesday off so now I have four days off this week which is good because that is what I will need in the long run.
To Pinkie,
I love you. You were the best kitty in the world and my best friend. You were the best present I ever got or ever will get.

Euthanasia

MissYowser — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 05:52:51 GMT

Euthanasia is a very hard topic for some of us. I just thought I'd share how it is from my viewpoint. I work in a veterinary hospital, and it is something we see often. It is NOT a bad and horrible thing. It is the kindest and most loving thing you may ever have to do for your pet. I've seen too many people who just want their pets to "die at home in their sleep". The painful fact is, that in so many cases, they are slowly being poisoned to death by whatever is in their bodies that made them sick in the first place. I imagine it is painful and slow. We care about our clients' pets very much, and usually shed a tear when they pass.

When the difficult decision to euthanize is made, owners can choose to be present or not. Either way is fine. There is no right or wrong. It's the owners personal preference. Many want to be there for their pets final moments. Some don't want to have to have their final memory of their pet being euthanized. They want to remember them as being alive and healthy. Others just can't bear to watch. In any case, our veterinary hospital offers the owners to drop off the animal. Owners can say their goodbye's in their own time in their own way. Some even like to leave a special toy or treat with the animal. We perform the euthanasia with the same care and respect for an owner and the pet no matter if the owners are there or not.

For those who want to be with their pets for euthanasia, our veterinary hospital will offer office visits (usually during a quiet time, so there aren't many other regular appointments) or sometimes even a house call will be arranged. Sometimes the whole family comes, other times, just one person. I've been the one to hold the pets in the office, or a living room, kitchen, or even in the back yard by a tree for the final moments. I have the awkward task of holding the animal so the veterinarian can give the IV injection, while still letting owners be with their pets, and preventing anyone from getting bitten. I hear lots of whispers of owners telling their friends they're loved and missed. Some say they'll meet again at the Rainbow Bridge, I've seen big strong men (sometimes in uniform) cry uncontrollably. Knock on wood, no animal has ever tried to bite, but occasionally one will try to move a little. When the injection has been given, I quickly retreat, taking the syringe, and anything else away, and hand the vet the stethoscope. He or she will listen for any heart beats, they nod. Then it is over. Some owners stay for a while, still saying goodbye in private, until they want to leave.

Our veterinary hospital has options for after an animal has passed (from euthanasia or other causes): Depending on your local laws, a pet may be buried at home. For this, I've seen one or 2 homemade coffins that were beautiful, some buy a coffin, some simply wrap the animal in a towel, blanket, shirt,or even pet bed; some even get a headstone for their pets. If burying at home isn't possible, a pet cemetery is another option.Yet another option is cremation with ashes returned to you (in a wide selection of tins or urns), that can be saved at home or sprinkled someplace special; or no ashes returned at all. Again, there is no right or wrong. It is simply a choice.

I hope this may help. I don't want to cause any chaos or hard feelings.