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We are very grateful to the caring people who have kindly chosen to share their experiences and advice. We hope you find strength and comfort in their words. If you would like to add your own words of comfort and advice, please click the button below.
The comments expressed are the thoughts and views of the authors only and are not the views of the Charity. The Charity reserves the right to remove anything posted on this page anything which it deems inappropriate or unacceptable. The Charity will not engage in any correspondence should it remove such comments.
Carol Andrews
I sadly had to have my beautiful boy Jimmy put to sleep yesterday. 14 years and 9months old. He was a pure joy to be around. He had breathing difficulties and lost weight. Took him to the vets went home and waited for a call. I rang them they said he’s ready to come home. So excited. When I got there they explained what was wrong. My heart missed a beat. I decided it wasn’t fair to put him through any more pain so made the sad decision to let him go. I regret it but do believe it was for the best. I’ll miss Jimmys quirky ways. Cuddles on the sofa on a Saturday afternoon. Him head butting me or licking my hand to get my attention. Greeting me when I arrived home from work, playing with his toys and making me smile when I was feeling sad. I have lots of lovely memories the best is he loved snow. His eyes would light up when he saw it and couldn’t wait to go outside and play. He’s been my rock through the last two years especially the last year with covid and lockdown. Remember the good times the fun times memories are special. Animals are our fur babies you only did what was best. I miss him so much. Take care my furry angel love you lots. x
Gemma Pascoe
I’m still trying to come to terms with losing my best friend. She came into my life when I needed her most and also when I believe she needed the same love in return. We had so many happy years together and I will always cherish those memories. As soon as she got ill I had an awful sinking feeling in my heart and we tried to get her better for so long, but in the end we had to set her free. I struggled so much with this decision because I didn’t want to lose my best friend and I was worried she wasn’t ready... but I soon realised that her body simply couldn’t cope anymore. It’s a long process and I’m still at the very beginning but I feel her spirit around me so I know I will be okay. She’s with our adorable george now (bunny) and I can’t wait to see her again.
Sonia Barker
I lost Minn after 10 lovely years together. She rescued me after a bad relationship and I rescued her from being homeless. No one wanted her as she was such a feisty minx, but we had an amazing relationship. She lost her hearing and got hit by a car on 14th June 2020. Not a day goes by when I don't cry about what a sad end it was for my best friend. Love you always Minn. Xx
Nick & Pete Prior
We very sadly had to say goodbye to our lovely little boy Ginger on Wednesday 6th January 2021, he was 14. He came into our life 10 years ago when we adopted him, and he was our world. It was the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make to let him go. At the time we knew it was the right decision for him as he had been unwell for a while, and to have made a different decision would’ve been for our benefit and not for him. We have felt terrible guilt ever since and have really been struggling with the decision we made, but deep down we know it was right for Ginger. We’ve found it very comforting reading people’s similar stories and the feelings they’re experiencing, and it’s been a great help speaking again with our vet who reassured us we did the best we could for Ginge. We miss him pestering for food, his little chirp noises when he was really happy, and miss him coming to greet us when we came home. He was a lovely affectionate boy and would rub himself up against us or roll over and show us his belly. He would often stretch out to reach you if he was laying down, and his most favourite thing was chin and cheek rubs which he received constantly! He loved the garden and had a few favourite spots to lay in, and his favourite toy was a catnip banana. We have lots of photos and videos to look at, but the house just isn’t the same without him. In time we hope to bring home another little one to love. We miss you Ginger, lots of love from your Daddy N and Daddy P xxx Your daddies will see you at Rainbow Bridge
Rachel Whittaker
l lost my cat Jingles, aged 13 quite unexpectedly and suddenly today after waking up in the early hours of this morning to hear her making strange rasping noises from her throat. During the previous day she had lost appetite, indeed would not eat or drink anything apart from a few little pieces of boiled chicken which l had lovingly chopped up for her and put on her dish, still warm from the stove. The following trip to the veterinary surgery confirmed my worst nightmare, Jingles had fluid on the lungs, lowering body temperature and possible complications from heart conditions. Jingles was a 'one of a kind' of kind of cat! she used to mimic my actions and would sometimes sit in the bathroom sink staring into space in much the same way l would have a soak in the bath and stare into space. We used to have quite some interesting chats where she would mieoww and then l would copy her and then she would repeat the sound l made, this would happen for a good few minutes each time! Most of all Jingles was a loving affectionate feline friend, definitely a character who knew very well what she liked and didn't like. She shared my life for just over 8 years as l had adopted her at aged five - enriching my life with her winning ways. That l shall miss her is without a doubt and l will still look for her around the house even tho l know she is not there any longer in body, I am sure she will be around in spirit to comfort me and offer hope through my darkest days. Thank you Jingles for the affection you gave me and may your spirit live on wherever you are.
angela c
We adopted Dimsum when he was 5wks old and needed hand-rearing. Been by my side for 14.5yrs, very entertaining, the best company, he was so loyal & a well travelled cat! He got sick from lymphoma last November we did our best to get him better over the course of a month. However he deteriorated rapidly over in his last week. Although deep down I wasn’t ready to let him go, I knew it was the best/ kindest thing I could give him after all his years devotion. I found the most amazing palliative care vet who came to my house at very short notice. It was the best death he could have had; at home, peacefully on a sunny afternoon, cuddling him on my lap, no fuss no drama. (Covid has made it difficult for many vets to do home visits & he hated going there) I miss him every day but I’m sure I will adopt another cat with their own special personality in time.
Karl Hughes
Ollie was a beautiful black&white cat aged just 6 when he was hit on the road one night in Spring 2015 while I was at work. Living alone with no family or relatives, Ollie was my sole companion. A personal tragedy, the suddeness was the most traumatic thing I've ever dealt with, including the loss of both my parents young. The sadness&guilt so overwhelming I thought I would never recover, but somehow you will, in ways that are hard to explain. It took time, lots. Do not put a timescale on your recovery and avoid those who do not have empathy; instead, roll with it as you would a wave, let it go over you, do not resist it, allow the grief to flow. It will pass. 3 years later I visited Cat Adoption Centre and fell in love with a beautiful tortoisehell I called Amba..Amba is a word used in the Russian Far East by indigenous people for the biggest cat of them all, the Siberian tiger. Amba means 'Guardian Spirit' of the forest, which is what we are to our cats while we share our lives with them here. When they pass, they become spirit, and wait for you to join them once more.
Gail Thompson
I lost my darling Ralphie on Tuesday at the age of 17 and a half. I’d rescued him when he was 4 weeks old and he had a wonderful life. I’d sat up all Monday night with him and he passed in my arms, snuggled in his blanket, on the way to the vet so I didn’t have to make that last awful decision, he did it for me bless him. I hurt like hell but take comfort that he had the best life to the end. I’ll miss him and his funny ways, run free over the rainbow bridge Moofy 💙
Emma Pask-Zulkiflee
Monty passed peacefully at the vets on the 4th January 2020. He was 18 and the most beautiful cat. He did not have a bad bone in his body and we all have so many lovely memories of him. It doesn’t feel real at the moment and we are all feeling very lost. He became very weak and he was ready to go with no struggle or fuss and it was the hardest thing I have ever done in my adult life. I am now grieving and missing him so much. Give yourself time, cry, cuddle your pets blankets, talk about your pet. We all feel broken and I know this is normal. Rest in peace my monty moo xxx
Emma Whittle
Monday 4th January 2021 was the day we had to finally say goodbye to our beloved cat Dudley. Friend and companion for nearly 20 years. We have been blessed as a family to have had some wonderful pets over the years and none more so than with Dudley. He was a cat with a personality all of his own. Never hissed, scratched or bit a single person. He was so soft and kind, if not a little clumsy, but he was our Dudley and he will be missed so very much. He was choosen when he was a kitten, along with his sister Poca, because he had his head stuck in a wellington boot. That vision always makes me smile and summed him up perfectly. I know he's safe with his sister now and all our dearly departed furry friends from years gone by. I know we'll meet again some day and you'll be there to greet us when we do ready for a cuddle.
Jenna Maloney
I'm lying here at gone midnight on 4 Jan 2021, with a yearning in my heart for my darling little sister Mabel, who to my heartache we had no other option but to set free and put to sleep on April 16th, 2020. Mabel came into and changed my life when I had just turned 10. Since I could talk I had begged my family for a cat and finally here you were. I knew I loved you the day we brought you home, but what I didnt realise at that age was that you would become engrained into my heart as my little sister. Through family death, a messy divorce, uncertainty, heart break from boyfriends, illness, mental health issues etc you have been there through it all, the good and the difficult. Not only were you beautiful and gave me so many cuddles and love I will cherish in my heart forever, but you were so kind too - never caught animals, never got into fights, never intentionally hissed or hurt anybody. You just wanted to have as much love as you gave. I hope, and I know, we gave you that. I will never forget when you woke up from a nap in March 2020, at 17.5 years of age, and something had happened. As strong and positive as you were, you just werent the same after that. I struggled to see you go, and as time goes on the pain of your loss just doesnt get any better. I just hope you're with nan and grandad, and I hope you're still with me, mum and our sister in spirit, and that I'm doing you proud. I love you Mabel - my good girl and darling little sis. I will never stop loving you. Xxxxx
Dee Fallon
I said goodbye to Alfie today 4 January 2020. He was 15 and I loved and love him dearly. He’s been by my side through difficult times - always happy to be hugged. Very chatty. Always answering back. Snuggled up at night, purring when I stroked him. He’d sit on your lap in a flash. Everyone loved him. God I miss you Alfie. Forever in my heart. RIP lovely boy. Xx
Sarah Winyard
Our beautiful kitty passed away in the early hours of NYE 2020. We took you on at 9 years old and you seemed so healthy and happy living with us for 4 years...then suddenly became very ill in the middle of the night. We rushed you to the vet, but sadly it was too late. You were such a special, friendly boy, always content to be picked up for a cuddle or sit on a lap - anything as long as you got something to eat afterwards! I have never had such a curious cat, with your big wide eyes and mischevious ways. Thank you for the years of wonderful memories and unconditional love that you gave. You are missed and loved beyond words, and our little home feels so empty without you now. I keep thinking I see you around every corner in all your usual sleepy spots....but I have hope that we will meet again one day. Sleep tight baby boy, so much love always, from mummy and daddy x
Sam Deeprose
I lost my beloved black cat, "Spook" in September 2014. When I found him at the near end of his life; he was having seizures, my young child was with me at the time (he was 5). The kids had just broke up from school and so witnessed this horrendous episode and were there when I made the decision to put him to sleep - with no hesitation. It still hurts now as I'd put him out that night. I found him on the garden table just outside my back door. I really wish I'd kept him in that night, and that decision will stay with me forever. I feel so guilty when I visit that day...crying now! I made the decision to never ever have cats again. In the February after I came across the RSPCA appeal for rescue - guess what did!? I now have two rescue cats one black, "CoCo" (apparently they struggle to re-home black cats!?) Black cats are lucky NOT the opposite. In the old days a black cat trinket was given to new brides! I also have a white tabby cat; "Tibby"; they are both female and big on hunting! It's not pleasant in the spring! Tibby is very nervous and doesn't like to be picked up, which is different for me as our cats have always been okay to be picked up. CoCo on the other hand gets under my quilt and nibbles me to get me up! Tibby gives "high fives!" CoCo is greedy and thinks she' a dog - she has played fetch and chased her tail - she's mental! Tibby is so loving and always wants my lap (as long as I dont cuddle - she has her boundaries!) Im making it right with god and his animal kingdom.
lisa fraser
We lost our wee darling on tuesday 29 December 2020. He had been battling with lymphoma for a few months. We started the grieving process at diagnosis and it was a sad exhausting journey of highs and lows. What I will say is there is a privilege to looking after a terminally ill pet too. You are keeping them comfortable and secure despite your heart breaking. Winston took a turn in the early hours and passed in my arms en route to vet. He passed as I told him we adored him and were so glad he picked us at the rescue centre all those years ago. I am grieving deeply. I am finding some comfort in talking to like minded people on forums and watching comforting you tube videos on pet loss. I will always love Winston. My best pal. My support when my parents passed. My everything. My advice is talk to people who understand. There are so many of us who have travelled this heartbreaking road. We understand.