My cat.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

I was about to put this in emotional mastery, but I don't really want to master the emotions around this...just to share and get some hugs.

My cat is really sick. She's old. I've had her since I was 9. We think that she is not long for this world. My mom is going to take her to the vet today (because I can't really handle that) and see if they can do anything for her or if not at least end her suffering sooner. She's not eaten for several days and as far as I know has not even drank water since early yesterday.

I kept her in bed with me part of the night and just tried to keep her warm and comfortable, but I just feel so sad for her. I'm one of those people who definitely thinks that animals have feelings. Most of all I hope we are doing the right things for her and that she's not in any pain.

That's all. Thanks for letting me share.

[JimOfferman]

So sorry to hear!

You're right, animals do have feelings (I think it's pretty silly to think they don't)... so just be there for her!

Strength and a big *hug* to you.

love,
Jim.

[Remorse]

I am so sorry to hear that your cat is doing poorly. We just recently lost our tabby of 13 years and I know it is very hard to watch.

*big hug* Peace for you and your family.

-Remorse

[Honeywith4bees]

I'm not surprised to hear that you are a cat lover Clarity, so am I. My cat woke me up this morning by pressing his cold nose onto mine!

I'm sorry to hear about your cats health trouble. How lucky that you've had her for so long!

I'm sending you some love and wishing you a happy holiday . . .

[Rose of Cairo]

Aspiring, I send you a big, big hug. I'm so sorry, I feel for you. She's lucky she spent her life with you. I don't doubt she'll still be at your side after her death. Just in another form

[JaredR]

A week ago we had to say goodbye to our feline friend. The best thing you can do is provide as much love and warmth as you can while she makes the transition to eternal peace.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Thank you everyone...so much. *cries*

My mom just called me from the vet and they indeed strongly recommend putting her down. I hate to do it, but also would hate to have her suffering prolonged.

It's just so weird...she'd been around so long I almost hoped she'd somehow live forever.

Mostly I hope she knows how much I love her and how I'll miss her.

Thanks again guys.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Remorse, Jared, I wanted to say that I'm sorry about the friends you lost as well.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

And, Rose, I remember you recently lost your cat as well. I feel that you and I take a similar view on the animals that live with us so another hug for you too.

Hopefully our cats are somewhere having a grand time right now.

[Angela]

Big warm hug to you, aspiring.

You might want to let go of the phrase "put her down" and think of it as "setting her free." It is an act of love and generosity to let her go when it's time.

I don't know what she thinks, but my guess is that she has had an enviable life, full of love and cuddles and yummy cat food and freedom and catjoy. My guess is that she has really loved her life with you and she is more reluctant to leave YOU than to leave life. I suspect she is grateful to you for all the love, comfort, security, and food and that she'll be grateful to you for not requiring that she stay alive for you.

It's hard, huh? I'm so sorry you're hurting, and I send you lots of love.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Thanks, Angela. I never liked any phrases that have to do with animals being gone, so I jump at the chance to know what else I could say.

She was indeed spoiled rotten.

I really appreciate everyone taking this trauma I'm going through as valid. We all, even me, have "bigger, more important" things going on in our lives, but to me it really sucks. I know I'm okay, but it is hard for me.

So, thanks again for the love and hugs!

[dancer]

Hey Aspiring,

Animals are friends and family so please don't think your feelings of sadness are invalid. I'm sure she is aware of your love and enjoyed sharing her life with you.

Warm hugs

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Thank you, dancer. Always an encouragement to me.

[seeker5]

*Big Hug to you Aspiring*

[Lisa McGregor]

I'm so sorry to hear about your cat ATC. Lots of love and hugs to you. It's sad to lose someone we love and animals are not any less precious than humans.

Love
Lisa

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Thank you both.

I had another big cry when I got home and had to really face that she was not there, see her food bowl and litter box and her little bed where she basically chilled these last few months.

I've been feeling like I let her down lately because I didn't spend as much time with her as I should. You know, like I could have done a better job as her caretaker and she'd still be here. But the vet said to my mom that he could tell she was very well taken care of. That eased my sadness a little.

Thanks again everyone for your kind words and support. It means so much to me.

[Rose of Cairo]

Oh my, Aspiring, you just made me cry again... I'm so sorry for you.

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

And, Rose, I remember you recently lost your cat as well.

Two of them One of which I was very, very close to. I still cry over him regularly, even though it's been almost three months now.

I feel that you and I take a similar view on the animals that live with us so another hug for you too.

Big, big hug to you too! I wish I were there with you to hug you for real. I have no smart words for you unfortunately, I just want you to know that I feel for you.

Hopefully our cats are somewhere having a grand time right now.

Yes for sure She's okay you know. And she's still there. After my cat died, I felt a very loving, friendly presence around me several times for about a week. I'm sure it was him!

I'm sending Love to you and to your cat

[Rose of Cairo]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

I've been feeling like I let her down lately because I didn't spend as much time with her as I should. You know, like I could have done a better job as her caretaker and she'd still be here

I can relate, I felt the same way. I too thought I didn't spend enough time with him and didn't give him enough love and I thought if I had better taken care of him he would not have gotten this cancer and he'd have lived much longer...

We can always be an even better caretaker... I'm sure you were absolutely wonderful and did a great job. Don't beat yourself up. Big hug to you.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Thank you sweet Rose. Now we're both crying again!!

[Cristal Lilly]

just joining in on the hugging party.... *hugs*
I have my felines too.. and I went through what you were describing before, so I know it's rough.. if it's any comfort, I had those thoughts.. but they're not true. you -are- doing what you can. and your cat knows it.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Thank you, Cristal. I am doing a little better, but I still find it so odd that she's not there and sometimes start talking to her for a second before I remember. I know I'll miss her for a long time...

[cacheborn]

Sorry to hear about your cat, aspiring.
*a warm hug*

[Dan.Linehan]

Awww, I'm so sorry ATC.

I can paw at you and rub up against you if it helps. Just say the word.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by cacheborn

Sorry to hear about your cat, aspiring.
*a warm hug*

Thank you...a hug right back.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Dan.Linehan

Awww, I'm so sorry ATC.

I can paw at you and rub up against you if it helps. Just say the word.

We'll definitely have to set that up .

Thanks, Dan. You gave me a much needed smile this morning.

[The Cloud]

My mom had a cat named Ptolemy that she got before I was born that died when I was twenty. It still sometimes makes me sad that he isn't around when I go home. So my condolences .

Love,

The Cloud

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by The Cloud

My mom had a cat named Ptolemy that she got before I was born that died when I was twenty. It still sometimes makes me sad that he isn't around when I go home. So my condolences .

Love,

The Cloud

And mine to you. We had some old cats. It just seems like something's missing in the house...

Love,

ATC

[lifetimelearner]

my cats daisy and lilly want to give you a big hairy hug


and me too
although I am less hairy

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by lifetimelearner

my cats daisy and lilly want to give you a big hairy hug


and me too
although I am less hairy

Thank you! I'll take it all.

[Lauxa]

I had to euthanize my dog today. She had congenital heart failure. She was about 13 years old, but we got her when she was 5.

Same sorts of feelings of guilt and regret. Although it's some comfort that she didn't have heart worms. They thought she might have at first and I nearly went insane with guilt since I know they're preventable. Cause of death was multiple organ failure due to old age.

Really sad tonight, can't sleep.