Why am I so devastated after my cat died from cancer? Is it normal?

Hi, sorry to hear about your loss. I totally understand how lost you feel, I have been through the same a few times and recently I have lost my mum who was extremely precious to me.. I stayed by her side 21 days and when I left for one night she died in hospital on her own. I wonder if she was scared and frightened and I wasn’t there.. I would have never left her alone So imagine all this occurred 6 months ago and I still suffer a lot. I also feel bad for trying to make her move, as they advised me to do, because she was in pain and since she passed away probably didn’t need the extra aggravation. Remember we are only human, we do the best that we can, we live, love and die. Please visit https://www.theralphsite.com a fantastic pet bereavement support web-site set up by a great, sensible vet in the name of his cat Ralph. Hope this helps

I am so very sorry that you lost Charlie. Every time I lose one of my kitties, I am devastated, so I can feel with you. I am sure it was not an easy decision, however ending his suffering was the best gift you could have given him. You will remember the good times with him, and maybe one day another kitty will find you and make you happy again.

First off, I'm so very sorry had to say goodbye to Lucy! It's always hard to say goodbye to a pet, and it also sounds like it was a tough experience for you. When cats are old and sick, a lot of times extra medication is needed to get the desired effect. It's because their system isn't working as well as it used to, and you can find yourself in a situation where more drug is needed than expected. I work for a home euthanasia service, and I've unfortunately had this happen to a patient of mine before where I have had to use three times the normal amount of sedative to get the animal fully sedated. It doesn't mean Lucy was healthy, and the vet wouldn't have put her down if she was healthy. It simply means she was very sick and her body couldn't metabolize the drugs normally, leading to more being needed. It's still upsetting to see, and I'm sorry your family went through that, but it does happen and we as vets cannot predict 100% how a euthanasia will proceed. While we'd like it to be easy and smooth, it doesn't happen that way all the time. I'm sure the vet did everything in their power to make it as comfortable as possible for you and her. Again, I'm sorry for you loss and I hope this helps!

I am sorry to hear about the passing of your kitty. Pets do mourn and this is highly individual how long this will last, just like humans. There are some things you can do at home which may help the remaining cats to feel more comfortable. Stick to a routine, pets generally do best if they know what to expect. Considering using a Feliway diffuser which dispenses feel good pheromones. Set aside 30 minutes a day for vigorous play with the cats. Provide climbing and hiding opportunities in the house. Make sure to give them plenty of calm and gentle attention. Best of luck.

Oh wow, I am so sorry. That is so hard. Don't feel guilty, based on his symptoms, I don't think Dustin would have survived surgery. Letting him go was the best option for him, the kindest thing for him. You let him pass without any further pain or suffering. I hope this helps.

I am so sorry about the loss of Honey, Linda. It is always devastating to lose a beloved pet. Without seeing her in person, I cannot say for certain, but if she was in a coma, then I would suspect she didn't feel anything. Please look after yourself and take the time to grieve her passing. Again, please accept my condolences for your loss.

Greetings. First, I'd like to say how very sorry I am for your loss. I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a pet, especially when we can never be sure what they're thinking or feeling. At 15 years old, it sounds like Rocky had a wonderful, long life with you. Without knowing his exact history, I'm afraid I won't be able to tell you a whole lot about what he might have experienced specifically, but what I can tell you is that chronic kidney failure is a debilitating, painful disease process that only gets worse with time. With 100% certainty, I can say that if Rocky was exhibiting the classic symptoms of kidney failure and not responding to the suggested treatment, you absolutely made the right decision to let him go. Euthanasia is, of course, and extremely personal and heart-wrenching decision to have to make, but it is, in all regards, the last great gift that we can give our beloved pets. Unfortunately, I can't have a proper back-and-forth discussion with you about Rocky in this particular format, but if at any time you would like to discuss his particular condition in more detail, please feel free to look me or any other of our pet experts up in the Consultation Center for one-on-one guidance. Please try to take comfort in knowing that Rocky can no longer experience any pain or distress from his chronic disease, and that he loved you for giving him the best of his life, and for the great gift of choosing to let him go during the worst of it.