I would just like to write a few words about my cat. He died a day ago very suddenly. We were not expecting it and I feel so guilty because I wished so many things could have been different. I wish I had noticed something and taken him to the vet before he died. I was with him and it was very sad. I am trying to think about the happy times he gave us of which there were so many. He was such a beautiful and loving cat who wouldn't have hurt a fly. He had such a character; we are all going to miss him so much.

I am very sorry you lost your cat. Please tell us your cat's name and I'll light a candle and pray for them tonight

Always remember that love never dies. Our memories may fade and we may move forward but one day when we pass over the ones we love will be waiting with their arms (and paws) outstretched to welcome us home.

Thankyou so much for your kind words. My cats name was Oscar. I will be lighting a candle myself tonight for him. I am thinking of him as he was in his prime. He had a huge set of teeth and was a prime hunter! It was his teeth that were always a problem though and he had to have most of them removed. I hope now he has a full glorious set of teeth! He was a very cheeky cat loved by everyone who came into contact with him and he made us very happy. I find it a great support to talk to people on here as I feel a bit silly as not many people I know understand my love for animals. I feel like they are part of the family. I will miss Oscar so much.

My new little kitty's name is Oscar too! I'll give him a big hug for you and when I light the candle I'll ask my Jesse and Edgar (two little kit-boys who have passed on) to guide him to the bridge to wait for us.

Never feel silly for loving one of God's creations. I'm not a religious person but these beings are as important to the universe as any other part and deserve our respect and love.

Today some of the postings have made me remember Jesse's death very clearly (Edgar died while I was away - I came home and he was already gone) I remember holding him and saying goodbye and then, after it was done, standing there smelling his fur and sobbing like a little boy.

I don't feel silly. I still feel a bit angry, a LOT sad and always, ALWAYS I remember how much they loved me. Every purr, every hug, every swat, every bite, every hiss, every meow.

I can't believe that your new cat is called Oscar too! I always thought it was such a cool name for a cat!! I'm sure he will give you as much happiness as my old boy gave me!! He was a black cat that we rescued from an animal shelter. When we rescued him he had been a stray and he was nervous at first but it was a pleasure to see him grow with confidence and become the most laidback cat around!!! He was so placid; I always wondered how he did it!! Whenever I was stressed out he would always calm me down!! He was a friend to everyone; he came into a house with other pets and they all grew to adore him too. I know they miss him as much as we do. We used to call him Mister Mistoffeles after the magician cat in the musical "Cats" as we could just imagine him pirouetting around the roof tops. He really was a magic cat!!
I must thank you again for replying. It really has helped, as it helps for me to write and remember him. I hope that I can also help other people to smile and remember their animals. I know they're all together now, enjoying themselves as only they could!! It has only been a day since Oscar passed away and I have found it very difficult. I can't seem to help thinking about the worst parts of him being sick. Then I will see something that will make me think of him and I smile. Your words help me do that.
I didn't feel silly for loving Oscar; I guess that was the wrong thing to say. It just often feels that most people around me don't understand what it's like to lose a pet. I feel like it's losing part of me. It's nice to know that there are other people that know what I am going through. It helps me remember Oscar how he should be remembered, full of life, love and cheeky mischief!!
Thanks again. Be sure to give your new Oscar a good back scratch! I'm sure my old boy will be playing with your two boys, roaming the fields as he so loved to do.

Annakin,
I am so sorry for your loss of Oscar, the magic kitty. A lot of times, people do not understand the loss you feel when a pet dies. But it is sad for them that they do not know how to love another creature that much. The pain does get easier to deal with, but it takes more than a day. So don't be surprised when next week you are still crying. It just takes awhile.
Love,
Jennifer

The worst time is at night that I think about it. He died at night, at the time when he would be making the most trouble! I remember him keeping me awake a few nights before he died, jumping about. I didn't want him to go out because he was ill but he still wanted to. He was climbing over things, trying to get into the wardrobe and waking me up with his little squeaky meaows!!! He sounded like he was singing! He loved being outside, always so interested in what was going on in the cat world! That's why I can't believe he's gone. He seemed so well in the few days before he died. I guess he had us all fooled, naughty little cat. He was an absolute fighter.
The pain is getting a little better already. Lighting a candle and remembering him in this forum is so helpful. My heart will always ache when I think of him but hopefully that will be replaced eventually with the joy and happiness I felt whenever I saw him when he was alive.
Thanks to you all again. I know that you are listening and it really helps

My heartfelt sympathies go out to you. My husband and I had to put our loving 11-yr old kitty, Rupert, down yesterday afternoon. It went very quickly, too, from a simple asthma diagnosis to end-stage emphysema. The vet assured us there was nothing we could have foreseen, nothing we could have done because there is no cure. We were with him at the end, and he went very peacefully. It's still very shocking and raw - I can't believe my boy is gone. I thought I heard him purring this morning as I got ready for work. I'm just so glad that it was a habit of mine to scoop him up spontaneously, hug him, kiss him, scratch his ears, and tell him how much I loved him. My husband is pretty torn up, too - Rupie loved to sit in his lap while my husband worked on the computer. Everyone tells me it just takes time, the memories will sustain us, and that it was the right decision. I know they are right, but until then, it hurts so bad, doesn't it? I guess you just need to let the balm of time heal things.

I'm so sorry to hear about Rupert. I know how hard it is. I keep waking up in the morning and hoping it was a dream and Oscar will come poking his curious little head up at me to say good morning. It does seem empty and it is painful to remember even the funny things because they're not here to do those funny things anymore.
Oscar's passing was not peaceful, unfortunately, and that is something still that leaves me feeling so guilty. His time came so quickly that we did not have time to do anything for him and that hurts more than words can say. I just hope he knew I was there with him at the end.
As I've said before though, I know that he would want me to remember him with smiles as that is what he so loved to make people do in life. I'm sure Rupert was the same!! They are all in a better place now, happy as can be, waiting for the time that they can share that unconditional love with us again! Rupert and Oscar knew that they had someone that loved them so much and it is that that gave them the happiest life a cat could have. Try and remember that.

Thank you. It helps so much to talk about it, and to talk with others who have had similar experiences. My dad said something lovely last night that I hope might help others thru these difficult times. He said "You know, Tracy, he's not alone. He's got Grandpa and Grandma and all of our family that's gone before us with him." My dad is not a sentimental sort, and wasn't a cat lover until Rupert charmed the pants off him! We lost my dad's parents 7 yrs ago to cancer, within 6 weeks of each other. Grandma was the first to go, and in those weeks before Grandpa died (at home), I would often bring Rupie over for a visit. Grandpa enjoyed that very much, so it's pleasing to think that now they might be able to spend some more time together until we can all see one another again. I think we can take comfort, too, in the knowledge that our pets go from our care to the care of a greater Power, be it God, Allah, Buddha, the Goddess, or whatever your belief might be.
We have another kitty, Mickey, who has grown up with Rupie as a constant companion. It's hard to see him searching for his friend, and crying at night. We left the radio on today for Mick, but I don't know, I'm afraid he's going to be very lonely. He's kinda of a nervous boy by nature, so I can see some behaviour problems possibly down the road. My husband doesn't want another cat, due to allergies and the fact that we are expecting our first baby in March, but I'm beginnng to think it might good for all of us. After a while. I do have to admit, I miss Rupie's afectionate ways. Mick just isn't as cuddly, that's ok, that's him.

I do believe that our pets are now being looked after in a better place. Lucky them! I'm sure your Grandparents are looking after Rupert for you and, as you said, all enjoying each others company while they wait for you.
I myself have other cats, one in particular who absolutely adored Oscar. She would follow him everywhere. It drove him crazy!! But as much as he SEEMED to protest, they always seemed to be together! He was also amazingly close to our dog. We actually thought he thought he was a dog as he used to curl up in the dog bed and even was known to follow the dog on some of his walks! I know that they are going to notice he's gone which is why we have to give them as much love as possible! I myself have a nervous cat, like your Mickey, but I have noticed that he is actually being a great source of comfort to me. I sit and cry, just to hear a cat's purr still makes me cry right now, and he now comes and gives me lots of cuddles. Let Mickey be a comfort to you.I'm sure he's there for you in his own little way, just as you are there for him.
Regarding getting another cat, don't decide too soon. I know that you miss Rupert but you have to get over it first. My dog died three years ago and we just couldn't cope without one so a few months passed and we got a new pup. In hindsight, it was too soon for my Mum who resented the fact that this new pup had VERY different ways to the other dog she had had as a comrade for thirteen years. Of course, she loves him to bits but just be sure that you won't be more upset by getting another cat that's not Rupert. If you do decide, and I do understand how hard it is to not have that faithful furry friend to curl up with, then maybe consider rescuing your new cat. Oscar was rescued and I really believe that makes all the difference for me now, and him then, because I gave him a wonderful life whilst he may have not had such a good start. There are a lot of cats who are not as lucky to have had an owner to love them so it is always worth while considering adopting one.
Also congratulations on your baby! Thankyou for listening and responding. It is nice to hear from other people too and also to hear about Rupert and Mickey and all the other animals here. It helps us to remember them and makes you realise how lucky we are to have, and to have had, pets in our lives!!

Absolutely! Thanks for reminding me of that.

Both Rupert and Mickey were rescue cats. I agree completely with you on that. We got Rupert from the Humane Society (he was 1-1/2 yrs old), and Mickey was a stray kitten my husband found under the bushes in front of his office.
Actually, Rupie chose us. We were looking at the cats, and there just didn't seem to be one that was connecting with either of us. Then my hubby noticed this big cream and tan tabby rubbing back and forth across the bars, purring like a steam engine. We went over there and this cat looked me right in the eye and went "MEOW!" as if to say "Finally!" I opened the cage, he jumped right into my arms and snuggled up to me. Well, there was no question then, we'd found our boy. Sometimes I would look into his eyes and see him looking right back at me, and I swear there was something, I don't know, larger there. Like maybe he'd been been human in a previous life, and we'd been together before. Is that crazy?
He took such good care of Mickey as a kitten, too. Such a maternal instinct for a male cat. Groomed him, slept with him, even let him nurse (that was kinda weird, but I think it was a comfort thing), and then when Mick was older, a constant companion and wrestling partner ("C'mere, you punk kid - I'll teach you a lesson!"). * sigh * miss him so.....but we are all three trying to work out the new way of life.

It sounds like your baby had a wonderful life too, with lots of happy family around him. I suppose it's because we love them sooo much that it hurts so bad when they must leave.

Rupert sounded absolutely wonderful. Like I said before, as he was a rescue cat, then the time you had was even more special. Life didn't work out for him at first but then he met you!! The same goes for Mickey!
Oscar was in an enclosure with lots of other cats and we were allowed to go in with them. Another cat called Alf ran and jumped straight into our arms and as we were fussing over him we sat down on the bench and there was Oscar! Laid back and relaxed as ever! I have to admit our first choice was Alf but we went away to think about it and the next day Alf had been adopted. Call it fate but Oscar was meant to be with us!! I couldn't have been happier; he was an old stray that also looked like he had seen a lot before. I don't think it is at all crazy that Rupert could have been someone closer to you in another life. Who knows why these little furry angels are put into our lives but thankfully they are!
Rupert sounds a bit like Oscar in that he used to groom our dog and appear to be mentor to the younger, crazier Amber Cat. I think he was put here to teach us all something, he seemed so wise! And he taught me not to be too stressed, because he never seemed to be. That is something that is getting me through this, when I beat myself up about him dying and all the what-ifs, if onlys; I think of him lazily wandering up to me and doing his little march to make his bed and if he could speak he would say "Heeeeey! don't worry about it!!"
You're right; it is harder because we loved them so much. It seems weird and probably will for a long time. Part of our lives will never be the same again, but mainly because we knew such great pets!!

Today I sent the vet at the specialty hospital Rupert had been referred to a thank you card. I wanted her, and the student assisting her, to know how much we appreciated their expertise, patience and kindness. They brought us bottled water and an extra box of tissues and brought Rupie to us in a soft blanket, and gave us all the time we needed, before and after. That must be one of the hardest parts of the job, no matter what kind of doctor you are. Last night, Mick slept on my pillow next to my head nearly all night, between my hubby and I. I keep thinking about what you said, to let Mick be a comfort in his own little way. He's so sweet. I suspect that a playmate might be a good thing in the future. He's a high-energy puss and loves to play, I hate to think of him alone at home for 9+ hours a day, bored and lonely when he's not sleeping.

My husband got a card today from a co-worker friend who had to put her 23-1/2 yr old cat down last year. Wow....that's a long time. I suppose time doesn't necessarily mean greater or lesser love, but that's a heck of a long time, half her lifetime, actually.

Each day gets a little easier. I've been thinking of making a memory book, like a scrapbook, for Rupert. I think it would help to get thru the process. Thanks, too, for being there, listening, and replying like you have. It helps so much.

I think a memory book is a great idea. As you said, it would be a great way of helping you at the moment and also a great way to remember Rupert in the future. If you're feeling down one day, imagine looking at that book and I'm sure it would make you smile!
It sounds like Mickey IS comforting you. He is probably lost as well so I'm sure appreciates the company. He will be lonely right now; I'm sure a playmate would be nice for him in time. You'll never have another Rupert but I'm sure he would want you to give another cat who's down on its luck the love that you gave him.
You are lucky to have a vet like that. We weren't so fortunate. Our vet was never particularly sympathetic or helpful and I had a lot of anger about that. Life's too short I suppose, you just have to get on with it.
Like you, I find it a huge relief to find people to talk to here. I can talk to my family but it really helps to get it all out to someone who knows exactly how you're feeling.
Many thanks and best wishes to you all. You will probably never know how much this helps!

I think scrapbooks are a wonderful idea!!! I have a memory box that I keep my little guys' stuff in. And their names and birth/passing dates are on the top.

I also sent my vet a thank you card from Edgar and Jesse - thanking her for taking care of them while they were here and hoping to see her in the next world. I drew little kitty angels inside that looked like the two of them and called her "Auntie France".

She cried - and I felt a bit better knowing I had a vet who was so sensitive and caring. She later told me that putting pets down was something that she hated doing and that it hurt every time. I thanked her again - without her I would have been lost.

Best wishes to you, too. Take care, and thank you for everything. I agree, this is a wonderful way to get thru our sorrow.

I am feeling a lot better now. I have almost stopped thinking about anything bad to do with Oscar, and I can almost talk about him without crying!!
Went to work the other day; I work part time looking after unwanted cats. Seeing so many cats made me want to cry and I almost did. None of my workmates said anything about Oscar, even though they all knew he had died. This surprised me and I was upset. I said to my partner when I got home that I thought it was better to say the wrong thing than nothing! That's why this forum was such a huge support. So many people don't want to talk about it.
Being at work made me feel better after a while though. I was angry at first that, as I would do anything to have my cat back, then how could so many people be so flippant about theirs and hand them over so easily? Then I thought that at least I was there to look after them now and I felt that I was carrying my love on for Oscar through looking after them.

Today was a bad day. My other cat, Amber, looks so small and lonely without Oscar. She was his shadow. It made me so upset. She has taken to sitting on his grave. I find this a little odd, I just wonder if she knows he is there... Am trying to decide whether to get her a new wrestling partner. She just looks so lost. : (

Have you tried sitting with Amber? Just sit beside her and see what she does, I hope its not too cold for you to sit with her having suggested it.
I think animals mourn too, although they have this great ability to live for today I think they have become domesticated enough to pick up on our emotions.
Another cat may be the answer but remember it will not be Oscar and may not like/want to wrestle in the same way.
I remember Jude wanted to play all the time but sometimes Sadie would look at her like she was mad, Jude didn’t care and played anyway, rushing round the garden like a fox was on her tail then turning as if she was now chasing the imaginary fox then stop dead like it was a confrontation, then start running again. Sadie would look on in amazement. Ian and I would be killing ourselves laughing saying ‘she’s mad’
The time, I think, to get another pet is when its to have another pet, not to replace one that’s gone, I know it sounds hard to say/hear it but it’s a long time commitment and when we bring them home, we have no idea what their personality is going to be like.

Whatever you decide, a new cat may not replace Oscar, but I'm sure it will have a loving home and be loved for its own sake.

|Love Sue

I could never replace Oscar, in terms of having a cat that was like him. That would be impossible! I thought that it may be a good idea to get another companion for Amber. I guess it hit me how lonely and sad she looked. We are giving us a lot of fuss (well, she always has a lot of fuss!). I'm probably more upset than her!!
i know the time is not right yet to get another cat. I miss Oscar and would probably end up resenting the other cat for not being him. I'm just confused, I suppose. It's just I work with cats too, and I see so many that I absolutely love and wish I could do more for!!