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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.
Gavin Nicholson
It’s amazing how quickly things can change. Our cat was taken for a check-up, then two days later put to sleep. She was only 6 and an absolute character. Loved her Mam and had her own little personality. Feisty then loving, all in a matter of seconds. Our lives revolved around her, making sure we never left her alone too long, keeping her entertained and leaving the door open so she could play in the garden (she didn’t like cat flaps, and it made the home freezing). We never minded and all we cared about was that she was happy. She had a stomach condition over Christmas, which was treated and we believed everything was okay. However it was possibly just the early signs of trouble. She has been very tired and lazy recently, more than usual. She was taken to the vet and it was assumed more stomach troubles. A couple more days passed and no improvement. She returned to the vet who changed our world in a matter of hours. Cancer was diagnosed and rapid weight loss was spotted. We had no idea. It would have been almost impossible to spot the signs of cancer. It wasn’t noticed at Christmas, and she has been happy as anything since then. Her organs rapidly shut down and before we knew what was happening, the decision was made. She displayed no weakness until the end and we are so proud of her. We would have done anything, but I don’t believe anything would have helped. She will be in our hearts forever. We don’t want to forget, but hopefully we can learn to cope. Get on that Rainbow Bridge baby.
Anouska Hamilton
A week ago I lost the love of my life, my best friend and saviour - Biscuit. A beautiful tortoiseshell cat, I rescued her as a kitten and she passed away in my arms at the grand old age of 20. Having her by my side for half of my life span, she was my sunshine on dark days, and my bright ray of light on good days. She saw me through several house moves, relationship and job changes. The one and only constant in my life - Biscuit taught me what unconditional love was. The sweetest and most gentle natured cat, she fought kidney disease and hypertension for years. She was incredibly brave, but finally her little body succumbed to the crippling pain of arthritis and she was so weak and kept collapsing. It broke my heart to let her go, but she told me it was her time. I cuddled her in my arms like a baby at the vets, and I know my face was the last thing she saw, my warm arms were the last thing she felt, and my soft words of comfort were the last thing she heard as she gently slipped into her eternal sleep - crossing the rainbow bridge to meet the Angels. My heart is shattered into a million pieces, but I'm grateful that she got the peaceful and dignified end she so deserved. Biscuit was my beautiful baby girl and my life will never be the same without her. I may have rescued her 20 years ago - but she also rescued me xxxx
Anita Hodge
Tara…where do I start? Had her from a kitten until the age of 21. Fiesty, independent, didn’t take any nonsense from any person…dog…or car!! She nearly died aged 1 from some infection but got through that. She wanted me with her when she gave birth…took time off work to just be with her. Phoned my mum to tell her the good news and she came looking for me with a new life trailing behind her. Sat with her , nursed her and she trusted me with her kittens and no one else. As it turned out she was a really good judge of character and didn’t like my ‘ex’. She would ‘sunbathe’ in the road and wouldn’t move for any white van or car!! I had to physically lift her out of the way of a beeping horn! I loved her and still remember her strong character and even my neighbours still remark about her some 18 years on!! You take their memory and they never leave your heart. Time moves on for all of us and I have found a new love ….Olly….a big ginger Tom who thinks the world of me and I likewise…memories are golden treasure that stay within our hearts and deep into our souls…they our purr babies …they knew they were loved and are never forgotten and their paw prints are embedded with us until our lasts days on this earth.x
Rae Green
Ellie Cat was my best friend and close companion. I am lost without her. She died a few days ago whilst I was away. My neighbour had been popping in to check on all three rescue cats whom I share a home with. She was old but nothing prepares you for the shock of getting home and finding them like that. I feel so guilty because I wasn't with her when she died and I should have been. I didn't get the chance to say goodbye and I will have to live with that. She was cheeky and affectionate and sensitive and loving. She wasn't a pet. She was a close companion and I feel very privileged to have had her in my life for over ten years. I wish people could extend their love and compassion for their 'pets' to all animals. That is something I truly wish for, that all animals get the same love and respect that Ellie did, whether they be a cat or a pig or a cow or a sheep.
Lucy Cunningham
I adopted Tucker 5 years ago from CP. He was FIV positive and therefore a house cat. Tucker was quite a complex little personality at first, he seemed very keen for affection but also very scared, so he'd come for cuddles but then change his mind, attack, and run off and hide inexplicably. I worried he'd never settle, he spent most of his time under the bed for the first few weeks he came to me. However I am honoured to say that although he'd obviously had some experiences which had made him nervous, I eventually earned his trust and from then on we really were best friends. It's a special feeling when you help a rescue cat learn to trust and feel safe with you. He became such an affectionate little friend and brought me a huge amount of joy and laughter. He was put to sleep on Saturday 10th July as he had a blockage in his urinary tract which the vets were unable to remove. I am genuinely in shock, he was his funny little self on Friday morning - it happened so quickly I feel like I haven't had time to process it. I keep forgetting he's not in the flat, and thinking I can hear him in the other room. I am grateful that due to the pandemic we were almost always together for this last year. I will miss him terribly. RIP Tucker, I'll love you forever x
Leanne Judge
Kovu came into our lives at 8 week olds. Today, a couple of weeks over 12 years, we had to say a sudden and heartbreaking goodbye. For 12 years he had zero health issues, 7 days ago, we noticed he wasn’t eating, his back legs were weak and he was hiding from us. A ultrasound today confirmed Lymphoma beyond recovery. He was my first and only pet. My baby. I’ve since had two children who he adored and they he. I can’t imagine not hearing his little footsteps on the kitchen floor. Not hearing him push open our bedroom door on a morning. Not jumping into my lap for cuddles the minute the kids have gone to bed. Not miaowing a little hello, every time I entered any room he was in. The pick up snuggles he grew to adore. Sitting on the step in the morning sun together. No little friend at my heels around the house. I am utterly broken. I’ve never felt as lost. I can’t quite comprehend the future without him.
Rosie Krafft
All I wanted as a child was a cat. I put one on every birthday, Christmas and wish list I could and for my 7th birthday, I was finally able to choose one of my own. After searching and finding none, we came to the CP and there I saw Felix. All I told my mum was that I wanted him and we took him home there and then. For 15 years he has been my best friend, my comfort in every trial of growing up, my baby and my one truest love. On the 30th June 2021, I made the decision to let him go after he had fought so hard and for so long, and reached the ripe old age of 17. It happened too fast I am still trying to process losing him. It hurts but I know that he needed this and I know that he knows I love him so much still. He is buried next to our family dog, Robbie, who he missed terribly when he died, so they will be bickering up on a cloud somewhere, knowing that they are loved by all of us. My little fighter, I want you back more than anything and I will miss you and love you always xx
Alison Ashton
It's been just over a year since our youngest baby boy Biscuit was taken from us suddenly due to, we believe, was a road accident. He fought like the mighty tiger he was but unfortunately passed away in recovery after his life or death operation. He had a soul that was so good and loving, that we knew he was special. We were lucky to have him in our lives for seven fantastic years. Unfortunately six months later his big brother Tom collapsed with a blood clot and he fought back from being paralyzed in both back legs, we nursed him night and day after getting him home from the vet's and he put up with the necessary four months physiotherapy. He was finally allowed out in April and we watched how he enjoyed the garden again, sunbathing and chasing all the local wildlife. We were overjoyed as thought that we would never see that day again. Then, on 29th June he collapsed and we were told that another blood clot had appeared in his front legs. He fought again but it was just too much and on the morning of the 30th June, his beautiful heart stopped. He was just eight years old and had like his brother, the most beautiful personality and pure spirit. We shouldn't play favourites with our pets but I have to admit Tom was my soul mate. Both my boys had the most gorgeous ginger fur and stunning eyes. My husband and I are devastated by our loss but have to keep it together for our remaining cats who are also grieving. We know we will all be together again one day and the pain of loss will be gone. We love you Biscuit, we love you Tom. Thank you for all your cuddles!
Hayley Morgan
Aoife was a rescue cat and was very sadly knocked down by a car outside our house on Wednesday 7th July. She was only 14 months old. She was a lovely playful cat who would wake us up at night for attention and played and chased everything she could see. The house is now so empty without her. We miss her terribly and it is a very sad time. Rest in peace Aoife our dear little friend x
Anthony Crumpton
Yesterday I said goodbye to my best friend Bootsy. He came to me 8 years ago from Cats Protection and lived to 16. I had to make the sad decision to let him go to The Rainbow Bridge. He was such a unique boy and I have been privileged to have had him in my life. I am so going to miss you mate.
Mowgli's Mum
I had to make the very hard decision to put Mowgli down last Feb, after 15 years together. It is not an insignificant thing to do, and I took a week off of work to spend time with her and allow myself some time to grieve. Hardest thing I have ever done, guilt and 'what-ifs' and regrets for things done and not done. I still grieve every day. Just because they are not human does not mean you love them any less, or that there loss is any less significant. Your grief is justified. If you need to, talk to someone, friend or professional. Grief can be isolating, but you are not alone. Xxx
Katie Obrien
Today I said goodbye to Jess, my 21 year old fluffy, orange, green eyed soul mate. I’m 24 and so she’s been with me through childhood, teenagehood and now adulthood. We rescued Jess’ mum from a beach in Cyprus not knowing she was pregnant, a few weeks later Jess popped out. 4 years on we got her a passport and all flew back to England, where I grew up alongside her. She had a great life. She liked to lay outside our house at the exact time all the school kids went to and from school, as this is when she’d get the most attention. I was so proud of her. She was loving and funny and the biggest comfort. Today was the hardest day of my life. I held her in my arms as the vet administered the drugs. She died in her own home and loved. We buried her in the garden shortly after. The last picture I took of her was her laying in the spot she is now buried. I feel guilty and I’m scared I did the wrong thing, but then I think of her suffering and how it would’ve only got worse. She had a huge cancer on her shoulder and could barely walk, her breathing didn’t seem easy anymore. I think guilt is normal? I will love her forever and I thank her for the 21 years of companionship. I don’t think a day will go by when she isn’t missed. She’ll always be my favourite being.
julie hobday
Remembering our 17yr old girl Quiver, on Friday July 2nd 2021, in her own sweet way, showed us it was time to leave, she passed away with mommy and daddy holding her, The keeper of secret's, the guardian. Leaving her companion's, Spice girl, Ellie, and Heidi. Our family group is now a member missing, and the tears flow, we remember her humble beginning's as a kitten in the rehoming center, coming home with us, bring such joy as we all learned about life together, We all miss her so much, so, who ever reads this, her family both feline and human say Thank-you Quiver for welcoming the new additions so tenderly,and caring for us all. Rest Well our dearest lady.
Amy Waters
My baby Milner. He was only 1 years old when we had to put him down. He had struggled with cystitis for a couple of months and it would end in blockages which resulted in strong pain relief and catheterisations. He was a happy, funny, mischievous, loving and caring cat. He loved his cat brother Oreo and also his big human sister (4 years old) the decision to put him down was heartbreaking and the guilt I hold from is unreal. I know deep down it was the right decision and the vets agreed this too - However it doesn’t make it any easier. I loved him dearly and he will be sorely missed. My emotions are extremely high and My house feels empty without him but I know he has passed over the rainbow bridge happy and pain free. Love you always, Milner.
Libby Gayler
I adopted Rosie from CP last August, during lockdown. She was a cat that wanted to be a house cat, which suited me, living in a flat. She was very very shy and nervous and it took time but we bonded, and were company for each other. I loved having her around and someone to spoil and talk to and take care of. I was aware she had asthma but never though that cancer would take her from me and so quickly. In May, she started being sick and had an enormous mass appear in her stomach. Did not want to put a nervous and anxious cat through Chemo and ops, so tried steroids but they didn’t work and today 3rd July, I had to let her go. I keep thinking, should I have tried the Chemo and op? it might have given her a bit longer. Less than 5 weeks after being diagnosed and she has gone. I was allowed to hold her whilst she quickly and gently left me. I could have drawn it out, but was it fair to do that? I’m feeling very lost and feel sick inside. Friends do understand and I know will be supportive but it’s going to take time to get over this. I’m hurting so much.