This is my cat Belle, this specific photo is about 3 years old. She is currently 17, but today had been diagnosed with very aggressive lung cancer. She will not make it to Christmas, and we have decided to put her down tomorrow to spare her the pain of what is to come.

I don’t know why I’m posting this. She’s spent the whole day with me in my bed since coming home from the vet. She hasn’t left once, not to drink, not to eat, not at all. Her breath is becoming more labored, and a part of me wonders if she’ll make it through the night. I suppose that doesn’t really matter anymore.

Thank you to whoever read this, it means a lot.

  • @Lauchs
    link
    2711 months ago

    So sorry to read this. These adorable monsters win our hearts just to break them.

    For whatever it’s worth, you’re doing the right thing and because you’re that kind of owner is probably why she wants to cuddle up with you when she’s feeling rotten.

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    2111 months ago

    Eyes bright,

    claws sharp,

    tail held high.

    Go keenly into the mist, old warrior.

    Valhalla waits for you.

    • @flames5123
      link
      311 months ago

      That poem always gets me teary eyed.

  • @GlitterInfection
    link
    English
    2011 months ago

    She’s beautiful. Thank you for sharing her with us.

    It sounds like you’re doing the right thing to save her all of that pain. It’s so hard to let go of the ones we love. I hope you can celebrate her life and love her extra hard tonight.

  • @vivavideri
    link
    1311 months ago

    Smooch the top of her head for me. You know the spot, between the ears. While you’re there, that feeling you get, fuzz on your face, imagine the deepest possible comaraderie another cat-loving human could possibly render upon you. That’s us, on Lemmy, sending you all our love.

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    1011 months ago

    I’m so sorry for you both! What a sweetie. She is lucky to have such a great human by her side ❤️

  • @TheInsane42
    link
    English
    1011 months ago

    Pets give so much joy, but alas, they are with us a short time. Spoil her in the hours you have left together.

    I already had to say goodbye to 4 cats, 2 dogs and countless guniea pigs. They all are special and they al, had a good life. I’m sure many more will follow (we still have 4 cats, 1 dog and 3 gunea pigs), but I’ll try not having later pets outlive me. That would be cruel. (We already had 2 dogs that outlived a total of 3 owners and 1 cat that outlived 2)

    • cheesymoonshadow
      link
      fedilink
      411 months ago

      My husband and I both worked from home for around 15 years, during which we had 3 indoor cats. We didn’t go out or socialize much, so one of my biggest fears at the time was that both of us would die in an accident and our cats would be locked in the house and starve.

      All 3 cats grew old, 2 have passed on, and we are now waiting for the last cat to go. We’re not sure on his age but he is at least 19 and showing no signs of stopping. His name is Murphy and we sometimes call him the Energizer Murphy.

  • @thesprongler
    link
    811 months ago

    I’m still recovering from my loss, but you are doing the right thing. Give them peace and comfort in their past moments. ❤️

  • Engywuck
    link
    fedilink
    811 months ago

    I’m sorry, buddy. Be strong. One day the sorrow will go away and you will only remember the good moments with your friend. Hugs.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      411 months ago

      2nd. I’ve been there. I still miss my boy, but now I think of happy things when I remember. You can do it. It’ll be okay. The love you share is worth it.

  • @Davidjjdj
    link
    711 months ago

    I’m so sorry.

    Poor girl, she is absolutely adorable in this picture. I hope she gets some good cuddles and pets tonight.

  • @jeffw
    link
    611 months ago

    I’m actually in a similar situation, although my timeline is more like weeks (maybe months if I’m lucky) and the pet is a dog. It’s like losing a family member.

    • @AlataOrangeOP
      link
      English
      411 months ago

      That’s rough aswell. I don’t know what’s worse, having it happen fast cutting the time you have together short, or having it go slow and long.

      Either way you have my best of wishes for yourself and your furry family.

      • @jeffw
        link
        111 months ago

        Not knowing when he’s going to take the final turn is definitely hard, but losing a pet suddenly is crazy hard too. I hope you’re holding up alright

  • @spiritcow
    link
    611 months ago

    I’m so sorry! What a heart breaking decision. So glad you had each other for those 17 years, so precious!

    We had to put down one of our kittens a few months ago unexpectedly. I was absolutely devastated and heart broken and was in a zombie mode for weeks after. I’ve not felt a loss like it.

    So let your heart hurt and grieve, thank you for sharing her memory with us. You are not alone.

  • @shadowSprite
    link
    511 months ago

    I’m so sorry. Belle is beautiful. We can never have them for long enough can we? They come into our life and want nothing but to be a part of it and forever would be too short of a time to keep them. She’ll be waiting for you over the rainbow bridge.

  • Zabby [he/him]
    link
    fedilink
    511 months ago

    This happened to me 2 years ago, so I know it’s really really tough. We put our old boy Stanley down on Christmas Eve and it was devastating. He was a long haired tuxedo that looked almost exactly like your sweet Belle.

    I hope you take comfort in knowing that her last moments will be right by your side, where she likely feels the most at peace. And I also hope that you take care of yourself, take the time to grieve, and lean on your loved ones when you can.