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I'm really struggling to deal with the sudden death of my beloved 6 year old cat Gino. I feel sick thinking he's not in the flat with me. In situations like this I would go to him for cuddles as he always made me feel better. I relied on him so much, it was just him and me as I live alone. He suddenly became ill on Thursday (I was working a long shift that day and had my mum pop in to see him at lunchtime). I rushed home and found he had been sick with bile and was just sitting in the hall looking unwell. He always runs to the door when I come in. He's such a happy, chatty cat and I love him so much. I had a sleepless night waking up to check he was still ok and breathing...I rushed him to the vets the next day...The vet thought straight away it was likely pancreatitis. He had scans, X-rays, bloods, IV therapy and an NG inserted. I took him from my vets to the vet hospital at night. They battled over the weekend to treat him but on Sunday I got a phone call saying he had deteriorated. I was a mess and rushed to see him. I took him home for a few hours that afternoon and we sat at the window (his favourite spot) with the sun streaming in...I couldn't bring myself to have him put to sleep when I took him back to the vets so went in the next day and had to say goodbye. I was filled with guilt as thought if I just gave him alittle longer maybe his pancreatitis would resolve. The vets wanted him put to sleep and it was horrible as he was still awake and alert despite being in pain, feeling sick and unable to eat, drink or walk..I just don't know how i'm going to live without him as my life really revolved around him and he brought me so much happiness.

Hello Jude, I am so sorry to read of your sadness and I feel your pain. Gino was your close companion and suddenly life seems empty and lonely. His death was so sudden and he sounded as if became poorly quite quickly. All the feelings you are having I understand; my precious cat Toffee had to be put to sleep 5 years ago and the last hours still remain in my memory. Don't feel guilty ; you did everything you could ; take each day at a time; in time the happy days you shared will be more in your mind than the last few days. It is a sad and difficult time for you and living on your own makes it harder. Always here for you Jude ; if you want to talk; take care and big hugs XXXXX

Thank you Penny for your reply and kind words. I feel lost without him. I keep expecting him to pop his head around the corner. When I'm upset and crying I always get a cuddle from Gino..I hoped he would be my companion for many more years. I spoke to him alot and life is not going to be the same without him..I hope it will get better as I only seem to feel better for short bursts ..

I do understand how you are feeling Jude; have you got some photos around of Gino; I wanted photos all around the house when Toffee died ; found them comforting, and didn't rush to put away her toys etc. I always said we wouldn't have another cat, but 2 years ago we decided to foster for the local Cats Protection League; we had a 10 month old pregnant kitten brought to us; she was found wandering around a town a few miles from us and seemed so young to be a mum she had her kittens while she was with us and when they had been rehomed we decided too adopt the little cat who we named as April as that was the month she came to us. I feel that she was sent to us to be loved and I know Toffee would have loved her. I loved Toffee so much ; she will always be in my heart ; and in time you will be able to look back and remember the wonderful life you gave Gino. Always here for you Jude ; please keep in touch and take care XX

Hi Jude, I am so sorry for the pain you are feeling now. Gino was an integral part of your life and that sudden and unexpected loss is an immense and devastating shock. You and the vets did all you could, and it seems so unfair when he was so young. I had a similar experience this time last year when I lost my 8-year-old cat to cancer following a very short illness. I also live alone and it is incredibly sad to come back to an empty, silent house, and to wake up in the morning without that constant companion to greet you. I also thought there would be many more years. It doesn't feel like home anymore. These will be very tough times for you and I hope you have people around to talk to. As Penny has said, it is now one day at a time, even one hour sometimes. I spent those first few weeks printing all the photos from my phone and camera and putting them into albums. I also bought a memory box for her things. Going out for a walk each day helped a little. Now, all the good memories are stronger than the bad, and it will be the same for you I’m sure. Take care, and know that there are many people on this site, and with other organisations, who do understand and will support you, xx.