View Full Version : Loss of a pet
I just had to put down a beloved cat. I still have two dogs and two cats, yet for some reason, the house seems empty. Has anyone with multiple pets experienced this?
My cat was pretty much of a presence, following me and the dogs around, purring and chirping. The two remaining cats are older and spend most of their time sleeping, but the dogs are always with me. They are also active and bark-y.
So why does the house seem quiet and empty? Could it be the energy from my cat is missing? I'm sure the sadness from her loss will fade with time. It's only been a week since I've lost her, but she was with me almost 15 years.
What are your experiences?
Yes, it's probably her energy and the companionship that leaves a void. Watch for "visits" in the next few days to weeks.
And entertain the thought that you have room for another little homeless waif, when the time is right.
I'm sorry for your loss.
I'm sorry, too. I had 3 dogs at one point (one more than I ideally wanted), one was a brain damaged mini-dachshund that was incontinent for 11 years and this nearly drove me batty. But he was so sweet natured and just a good little guy. I thought I would feel relief, though, when he passed. To my surprise I did not, I really missed that dog and wish I had not bitched about the incontinence so much. And despite the other dogs presence, there was a big void. I still miss him. Those first few weeks are really hard, I hope it gets easier for you.
Gardenarian
9-8-16, 5:51pm
15 years is a long time. My little dog died six year ago and not a day goes by that I don't think of him, though we have two other great dogs now. It's so hard to lose a friend.
iris lilies
9-8-16, 6:28pm
15 years IS a long time.I am sorry that your kitty is gone, OP.
freshstart, unlike you, I felt released from hell when my last elderly, incontinent, yapping French bulldog departed this earth. But the yapping was the worst thing.
Teacher Terry
9-8-16, 6:41pm
It is a huge loss. Only once did I feel relief and that was because of the dog being incontinent and i was still working f.t. Plus she was 15lbs so diapers did not work-too much pee. We didn't put her to sleep until she could not walk but I was ready. I have a sweet old Maltese now that is close to 20 and a joyful dog still. She is on a few meds but now has kidney failure so she is peeing and pooing every where. WE have no carpet and I only work p.t. from home so not such a big deal. She is still a joy and a love. When she gets in pain or no quality of life we will let her go. It never gets easier. Hugs:))
Hugs to you Molly. It is a huge loss.
I am very sorry for your loss, Molly.
Sorry to hear of the loss of your kitty, Molly. We lost our little cat this summer and I still think sometimes that I see her, out of the corner of my eye, of that she is sitting in her basket by my computer. I get happy vibes from her, and think she is still around.
Al Franken quoted George Carlin as saying "When you buy a pet, you buy a tragedy.'
I try to remember that as I peruse rescue websites.
Sorry to hear about your kitty. Maybe the other pets feel the loss as well, adding to the emptiness. When I lost my 19 year old cat, it was like losing an adult sibling. Never an easy thing no matter how long or short their time with you.
I adopted a 10 or 11 year old tiny dog in April, and I knew going into this that she won't be with me as long as my other pets. It already seems as if she's been here for years.
Sorry for your loss.
I've mentioned before our 14+ year old feral cat with round 2 of cancer and respiratory issues. A week ago we realized she hadn't been up to the porch for food in over a day. We've looked everywhere for her. We had known her time was close. I think she wandered off into the 40 acres of woods to die. Since she passed we've caught two mice under the crawl space so even at 14+ and with cancer she was still doing her job to the end.
Jane - You are right. I have been receiving visits. They are a bit alarming and unsettling, but I do feel she is with me.
I thought I was prepared to lose her. She was 15, in failing health, and was losing bladder control. Cat urine is very hard to remove and I thought I would experience at least some relief. I guess I'm relieved to not have to deal with the urine, but she was obviously a bigger presence in my life than I thought.
Her loss also symbolized the end of an era, which I won't go into here, but I think that is also a reason for my intense grief.
I still have two other cats and two dogs, so I won't be adding any more pets anytime soon, but I did find myself perusing Petfinders this morning.
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