Rip E. Options

[orpheenoir]

Hi all. I'm new to this site, I prefer to remain semi-anonymous, but I may open up more in the future.

I lost my cat, E, on Monday 7/9/12. Apparently, diabetes set in and hit him very hard, and caused his already weak kidneys to fail completely. I watched him waste away without being able to help for too long. He dropped down to just barely 7lbs and had stopped eating and drinking altogether. I chose to euthanize him rather than keep him alive for more testing. I feel guilty, as if I could have found out about the diabetes sooner and saved him. E and I were together for 16 years, almost 17.
I am very unsure about where to go from here. I haven't moved anything in my house because it all hasn't set in yet. I still come home and expect to see him waiting for me. I have another cat, whom I have had for about 13 years. She keeps looking for him and I have no clue what to do. I am at a loss. I know that what I did was the humane thing to do, but I can't help but wonder if I did the wrong thing.

I'm not sure what else to post, I just needed to get this out in what seems like a safe haven. Thank you for reading.


Oh, and this is the last photo I took of him. He was in my arms, purring, before we put him to sleep for the euthanasia.
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m730zu2j...vxg9o1_1280.jpg

[DannysMom]

orpheenoir, please accept my sincere sympathies on the loss of your precious cat, E. When I looked at his photo my heart ached for you. What a beautiful Tuxedo boy! I lost my sweet Danny (also a Tuxedo cat) last December. The Tuxes are very special. They are gentle and playful cats. Your E. looked like he was very loving. I am so sorry for your loss. I don't think there was anything you could have done. Once they stop eating and drinking that is an indication that their systems are shutting down and they are not far from death. You did the most loving thing for him by letting him go. The next few days and weeks are going to be so difficult, I know. Please make sure that you take good care of yourself and give your other cat extra special attention as she is grieving too over the loss of her companion. I pray you will find some peace.

Hugs,
DannysMom