Our cat passed away unexpectedly

I'm a long time lurker and just came here to vent. Two days ago we unexpectedly lost our cat, she was only 20 months old.

I knew there was something going on for about a week, she was a little off and slow and not feeling well. But nothing bad or uncommon. Three days ago she suddenly started breathing heavy, from her stomach and we made an appointment for the next morning. I dropped her off, not knowing she would never come back.

It turned out she had so much fluids around her lungs that they kept collapsing. When they tried to drain the fluids, her small body couldn't take it and she passed away.

It just makes me so emotional in so many ways. Especially the mornings are very rough. Blaming myself for not acting sooner. I feel so mad because it's so unfair. I want to blame the vet but they did everything they could. It feels unreal. Sometimes I think (hope) it's just a bad joke and they will call me so I can pick her up again.

She was such a sweet and nice and good cat. I had cats before but she was really something special. She deserved so much more.

I miss her sleeping on my lap while I'm working at my desk. I miss her jumping on my lap the moment I sat down on the couch.

She's a Devon Rex with not too much fur and was always looking for a warm spot. Every morning I made the bed just for her because she always slept under the blankets. Every time I see a bump under the blanket I think she's still there but she's not.

Every evening she was waiting for my kids to go to bed so she could lay with them until the next morning. In her last week I noticed she started sleeping by my son's head instead of in the middle of the bed. I should have acted sooner but it is too late.

I attached a picture that my 4 year old son took with his tablet two weeks ago. He sent it to his grandmother all by himself and he was so proud.

It is the last picture I have of her.

Very sorry to hear this.  Losing pets is terrible.  Thoughts are with you.

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope you can find comfort and peace soon.

That picture is special and I hope will help your family keep connected to all the love and happiness she gave you!  

I'm so sorry. We had an almost identical situation this summer. And just like you, we're kicking ourselves that we didn't do anything sooner.
We suspect our cat ate a poisoned mouse. I asked the vet if there was any way to verify and unfortunately pet toxin tests aren't the same as human (you have to tell the lab exactly what to test for instead of getting a broad range of results.) So adding insult to injury, we'll never know

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing pets is super hard. I think probably because they love in such a pure way.
I know this is more easily said than done, but please, don't blame yourself. Cats are very good at hiding when something is wrong. I imagine it must feel extra rough that you weren't able to be there with her at the end. I wish there was some way to take away all the pain, but alas, I think this is the cost of loving deeply. I hope you are able to let yourself move through the feelings and be gentle with yourself. It's totally normal for the grief to come in waves. Sending hugs, comfort and peace.

I'm so very sorry for your loss...

Thank you to everyone for the kind words. I'm slowly getting used to it although the mornings are still rough and nothing seems to make sense.

Our cat came from a breeder and we decided to get another cat from there. It turned out there was a litter born two months ago from the same father. So this new kitten is a half sister and looks a lot like our cat who passed away. Same color, same curly fur. We will have her in about 6 weeks.

It's something to look forward to.

Sweetheart, I am so sorry for your lost. I know how hard it is to lose a kitty that you’ve loved with all your heart. Mine was called Snowy. You do heal eventually, but wow, it’s rough until you do.

I pray that your furr baby is in a better place now, chasing mice in heaven. Big hugs for you xxx