Having cat put to sleep

[lizwizz]

I have to take our 19 year old cat to the vet today as he was passing blood in the night. I'm almost certain they will suggest having him put to sleep, so I tried to prepare the children this morning. Now my daughter has gone off to school in tears and left me wondering if I could have dealt with this better.

[Lollyhoney]

I hope everything goes well for you today, its hard hard for all your family, but I shouldn't worry with how you've dealt with it. Difficult news is always hard to break, and equally hard to accept. Just be ready to shower your daughter with kisses and cuddles when she gets home, and give her time to talk it thorugh with you when she's ready. Good luck x x

[Bohne]

Sad as it is, the death of a loved one is part of life, and I am sure your daughter will get over it.
Just tell her it's OK to be sad about losing someone, and showing it.

[smudge]

Here's your other thread, might be easier for you to flit between the two.

[WendyS]

Liz - We all have to deal with these difficult issues as & when they hit and I suspect that however hard to tried to prepare to give the message of your cat being put to sleep, it would have ended in tears, so don't reproach yourself. If this is what has happened by the time to get to read this, please accept my sympathy. I know how it tears your heart to lose such a loved member of your family.

Perhaps you could prepare a nice meal to celebrate your cat's life and however hard it is, talk about all the nice things you remember about him. Let them know that tears are perfectly OK. Just all have a big hug & let their reactions flow normally.

[andy-hughes]

WendyS is absolutely right - tears are good for you. As Westerners, we are taught to present a 'stiff upper lip' in the face of grief, and it's bad for us, because we internaise our feelings and fail to communicate with our nearest and dearest who can help us, and themselves as well.

Be ready to talk with your family, and you with them, about your loss - it all helps the healing process.

[peanut]

So sorry to hear that Lizwizz, My kitty is laying here on my desk right in front of me and reading your post while looking at him just broke my heart. I give all the sympathy in the world to anyone who has to deal with this as I will sadly have to do someday :(

[smudge]

Thinking of you & your daughter Liz.

(Ah, how sweet peanut).

[lizwizz]

Thanks for all your lovely caring messages. Well, the vet said he didn't have to be put down just yet!!! After all that. I've got to take him back on Thursday though, so we'll have to wait and see.

[smudge]

How did it go at the vet's yesterday Liz?