my pet died suddenly this morning

I know that this is a very small tragedy compared to losing a (human) family member, but I loved my cat, Scarlet, a lot and am in shock because she was fairly young (about 7 years) and except for occasional wheezing, seemed in good health. At about 9AM today she made a very loud, odd wheezing rattle sound-we didn't know where in the house it came from, and my husband found her upstairs about 2 hours later. I don't know what we will tell our 3-year old, Ava, who calls the cat her 'sister'. Sacrlet was an unusually affectionate cat, who used to sleep on me, nestle in my lap, and sit on my computer desk (and get in the way) when I was online or working, and purred LOUDLY constantly. Scarlet was not at all vindictive in the way that other cats (I've had) can be. She was most attached to me, probably because I gave her so much attention. I got her from a cat rescue group at Petco on Union Square in NYC- she had been discarded by her owner, who (I was told) had been using her for animal shampoo testing (?)- she was a beautiful, long-haired Calico with a sweet temperament. I really can't believe it. Her cat dish, cat box, everything is here but she's departed. I have no idea what happened- maybe a heart attack. I expected her to be with us for many more years.

Sorry to bring anyone down on Christmas. I really don't mean to. I wish all of you a Merry Christmas.


Scarlet O'Hairy
1998-2005

I am very sorry.

So sorry to hear this. May she RIP.

and missing someone you cared for deeply. :hug:

they are our family -- our four footed family -- and we love them.

rest in peace scarlet -- your family loves you and will miss you.

...to do in situations like this are to use it as an opportunity to explain to little ones that nothing lives forever and that's why it's important to both love people and animals when they are in your life and also to remember that they will always live in your heart. Again, very sorry to hear about your loss.

PB

It sounds like you gave her a beautiful life, though.

:hug: for you and :hug: for Ava

Scarlet was beautiful! We lost our dear Schyler earlier this year at age eight. She sounds very much like your Scarlet. I can not imagine losing my baby on Christmas. My heart goes out to you and your family. Losing a pet baby is so very hard. :cry:

my sympathies for your loss today.Bless you and your family.

I love calicos, they're always such wild women.

My guess would also be a heart attack, probably a congenital problem since she had a history of wheezing.

Saying goodbye to a furry best friend is always hard, but doing it on a day like today is the worst.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Our pets never really leave us,they stay in our hearts and minds forever. Thanks for rescuing Kitty from the
shelter,you did save her life.....

Bye my friend ......

I know exactly how you feel. My dog is on his way out (has a huge cancerous tumor). It is just a matter of time before I'll have to have him put down. Actually I hope dies in his sleep like your Scarlet did. :thumbsup:

:hug: and try to have a nice Xmas anyway. You've been a good cat owner and Scarlet will be with you in spirit always.

:kick:

in knowing that while she was with you, she had a very good life full of love.

...I cannot imagine her dying. My heart goes out to you. I know the affection of an animal can be very rewarding. Our friends had a cat that lingered for a very long and tortured time before he died...Scarlet seems not to have suffered...I hope you can take solace in that.

I'm sorry to hear that:-(

You gave her a wonderful life, and made her so happy. Just remember how much she loves you.

That is so tragic! I am sure Scarlet had a wonderful seven years. This is such sad news.



I was just thinking how much our cats are a part of our family, our two cat-children just opened up their Christmas gifts. I am so sorry. Every moment with our companions is so precious.


there are a lot of resources online about helping children cope with a loss of a beloved pet.

http://dying.about.com/od/petloss/

than losing a family member sometimes. They are a special joy and imo a special gift from God.


:grouphug:


Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...


http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

A beautiful kitty. I am so sorry for your lose. When I fall to slumber tonight I will ask Einstein the meet Scarlet at the Rainbow Bridge and show her around. I know there is a special place for all our BLUE furrbabies, someday we will all be together.
Namaste

We love our four footed pets just as much as people, sometimes more. Rip for Scarlet.

we had a cat, and we arent cat people, per se. We found a much better home for her, and she is loved as your cat is loved. Pets make living a much more wonderful place to be. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

Scarlet is beautiful!

so unconditionally.

May I offer my sincerest condolesences.

:hug:

And she was so lucky to have found a home where she would be loved and given the affection that she deserved for as long as she was with you. And now she's waiting at the Rainbow Bridge with all the other beloved pets who have gone before her.

My heart goes out to you. I send hugs and my two furballs, here with me on my desk (and getting in the way!) send many purrs and cuddles.

My uncle died 2 years later of stomach cancer, that was 1989. I moved in with my aunt in 1999 after she was told she had lung cancer to help her around the house on bad days and my uncles cat Zipper took to sleeping in bed with me, I had to leave the door cracked so he could get into the room if he wasn't already in it, Zipper would sit outside my door and cry loudly until he was let in if the door was closed. In January of 2001 Zipper jumped up on the bed with me threw up and dropped over dead, very upsetting to say the least, 11 months later my aunt lost her life to the lung cancer one week before Thanksgiving 2001. Animals are a part of the family and cats are even more special as they don't get picked on who's cat they are, cats pick their humans.

:cry:

It doesn't matter if she wasn't human ... it's not a small tragedy. Family is family. It sounds like she was very happy and felt your love for her. I hope you can draw some comfort from that. She may no longer be a part of your life, but she will always be a part of your heart. :hug:

I had to put one of my cats down this year and one that just sort of moved in with me and is just gone. I hunting every place for that cat. So two cats this year and it made me sad to see my two old cats gone.

My heart goes out to you. I am here with my companion pooch and was just thinking this morning I wouldn't know what I'd do without her.

May you be comforted in knowing she chose you and your family for her home, so that the happiness of her life would make up for its brevity.

Be at peace, if you believe Scarlet is at peace. Blessings.

I lost my cat Blue two winters ago because of old age.This year when my husband asked what I wanted for Christmas,I said a little black and white male kitten that some one is giving away.Three weeks ago he brought Indigo home to me,I was ready to start a new relationship with another four legged friend,it took awhile for me to close out and grieve Blue but he will always live in my heart.

Thinking of you and Ms. Scarlet. What a wonderful name for a wonderful cat.

It's difficult when our furry friends leave us and Im so sorry for you and your families loss today.

Peace and love*

I know this terrible feeling myself. My own cat died almost a year ago. She was as close to me as any family member (for me, she was family), and I still mourn her loss. My heart goes out to you.

Blessed Be.

Scarlet looks so like our Patches who is also very affectionate. I know the deep emotions the loss of a wonderful pet can bring.

sorry for your loss...........

7 is very young , very strange, take her to the vet for an autopsy.

There are a tremendous number of DUers who would not consider this a small tragedy compared to losing a human family member. Count me among them. Our pets truly are capable of becoming a family member and our dedication to them (and theirs to us) is no less heartfelt. May your fond memories of Scarlet remain strong with you and ease your pain.

A lovely kitty....:hug:

Don't apologize! It's totally understandable that you would need some support. :hug:

I'm gonna give my bella an extra hug today.

and found a home that they felt safe and happy in, when they die it is cuz they new another animal needed this home. I know it sounds crazy, but I can't help it and feel strongly about it. I'm sad for your loss.

There was a post here on DU about cat & dog food that killed or made animals sick. I can not remember the name brands that were effected.

There are no other words - at least, not now. :hug:

npincus, the very special love that we share with our animal companions is so deeply felt that a loss like this is terribly sad and devastating--I've felt it, too. Scarlet was a beautiful kitty and a beautiful sentient being who thrived on your love and caring and who had a wonderful life in your home.

They give so much more than they get from us by just being themselves. Peaceful and safe journey to the Rainbow Bridge, little one. :cry:

And a huge comforting hug to you and yours, especially your little girl. :hug:

Pets are part of the family, my sympathy to you and your family. :grouphug:

she was a beautiful cat.

Sound like she might have had an un-diagnosed heart condition.

Good side:
She died at home. You don't have to face my biggest future fear; the long drive home from the Vet with the empty cat crate.

Bad side:
She died at home, now you have to figure out what to do with (and how to transport) her little body.

For the three year old, I'd ask her if she would like to get a New kitten first, then I'd tell her about the recently departed. She may cry, but that IS normal.

I'd also ask her if she remembers any other pet or family member who had died, even one that you talk might talk about, but she never knew, and tell her that everyone and every creature eventually die, and that it was just this kitties time.

Give it to her straight, and she might not grow up fearful of death.
:hug:

this is sad but know that you gave her the best years of her life. The love was both ways for sure.
What a pretty cat.
Peace

she's beautiful.

:hug:

The Rainbow Bridge: http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html

Tutti-frutti, I called her. Beautiful cat. One day she just disappeared. I understand, truly I do.

Condolences to you and your family.

Scarlet was part of your family. I am so sorry this happened and I hope that there is some comfort in knowing that your friends on DU care very much.

I love cats and we've lost them, too--and at such a young age. It always feels awful. It sounds like she had a wonderful life with you. I don't think anybody could've loved her so much or made her so happy. With someone else, she wouldn't have had such a happy life.

It's always hard to lose one; I tell my daughter that God gave them short lives so that we could have as many as possible throughout our lives; if they each lived to be 100, we would only get a chance to have one batch of them for most of our lives. The way it is now, we get new little bears every 10-15 years--and we sure love every single one.

To honor her--I know this will be hard--make a special ornament TODAY just for her. Search out one of the whiskers she'd lose around the house and put it inside--it'll be the way you remember her, and have her on your tree, every single Christmas from now on.

I'm really sorry, but she knew how much you loved her. The Good Fairy GodCat in the sky knows what a wonderful life she had--and it was all because of you.

Kali, my long haired calico, mewed at me today while I dished out kitty treats to all half dozen cats I have. I am always sad when a kitty dies, and I understand how you feel. If Kali weren't half wild and not people friendly, I'd send her to you!

to small children. Good luck with your daughter and I am sorry for you. I know how devestating the loss of a pet can be, especially because you sometimes feel like you shouldn't be so upset. But we have lots of animal family and every time one of them passes, it hurts like hell.

Safe passage, Scarlet and might you be free from suffering!

I know how it feels. Comfort to you and your family. :hug:

I'm so sorry for your loss....hugs to your whole family. :hug:

We're here for you if you need us, but if you want, here's: http://www.petloss.com also.

:cry:

for your loss. Scarlet was a beautiful cat, and our pets are part of our families.

:hug:

Sad to hear about your friend, and a family member. What a sweet kitty.
:hug:

That's an awful shock and to some of us, it IS losing a family member. I'm so sorry - it's so hard to lose a loved one at any time. On a holiday, it seems doubly cruel.

She's just beautiful. :cry: :hug: :hug: :hug:

RIP precious Scarlet :hug:

What a beautiful cat Scarlet was. What a shock this must have been for you, and on Christmas, of all days. My sincere condolences to you on the loss of your furry friend.

May she rest in peace. :hug:

I'm so sorry. :cry:

What a sweet, beautiful kitty.

The only thing that ever helps console me in losing a kitty is the thought that I can help another one who needs a good home.

Our little furry friends are so near and dear to us.... it is always tough to lose them. :hug::hug::hug::hug:

I really appreciate each and every one of you, and you've given me comfort.

:cry: RIP little Scarlet.

Sad to hear of your loss.

L-

Those little furry ones make life so much more special. Thank you for providing a great home to what looks to have been a beautiful sweet kitty cat.

was on thursday night 1 week before Thanksgiving-had left her in locked my bedroom with her mother for 3 hours while I was trying to get some household crap done-it was the night that the short, bald 'prick' doctor on ER got killed when the helicopter dropped on top of him - which i saw when taking a break from my household nonsense.-I went upstairs and she was dead on the floor.Could not believe it.I actually ran around the house with her in my arms and i even took my shirt off because i felt like i couldn't breathe,i felt like my skin could not breathe.And i couldn't sleep,no freaking way.So i looked stuff up on the net about pet death and grief,because that was the only instant way i could get relief.

Scarlet O'Hairy - what a cute name.

Loss is loss, and I'm sorry for your grief.

and losing a pet can be just as hard as losing a family member because that is, in effect, what a pet is.

She was a beautiful animal...may she rest in peace.

:hug:

I lost my beloved Kittyboy May 31st, a day after my birthday. I still cry for him all the time. I have his ashes in the most beautiful urn, its a lotus blossom design which to me celebrates his life.
He is still with me too He takes care of me. He died of cancer, be he went very peacefully and in my arms. This is no small loss. Alas, kittyboy told me in a dream to go to the shelter and get two kittens and I did, and they are sweethearts, I named them KittyBill and Agatha and they amuse my kittyboy. May your baby rest in peace. my heart goes out to you.

Pets are a huge part of our lives and they leave a huge hole when they leave us.

That's so sad... RIP, Scarlet.

Accept my families sympathies....

Losing any member of your family is hard. Our furry friends become as much a part of us as any "real" child. My thoughts go out to you and your family (especially your daughter) during this time.

Losing a pet is the same as losing a child. At least that is my feeling. I am really sorry for your loss.

:hug:

You have our sympathies and best wishes.

And don't feel like you have to apologize - you lost a member of your family. I'm so very sorry.

Pets are as much a part of the family as anyone else. I'm so sorry you lost your kitty, particularly on a holiday. It can't have been easy for you or the rest of your family. Many hugs and much Metta for you npincus. :grouphug:

Buffy

so pretty......I felt so bad reading this. Her face reminds me
of my cat. Im so sorry for you and your family.

Your beloved Scarlet is right there where she'd otherwise be. The two of you will be together for a very long time yet. She loves you more than you know.

What a miserable thing to happen today of all days!
Maybe it'll help to remember that you made Scarlet's life happy for the time that she was here. :hug: for all...

:-( :hug:

:hug:

My sympathies to your family.

she loved you and knew that you loved her.

Do not apologize to us...you have lost a member of your family and you need to grieve.

Again, so sorry to hear about your sweet Scarlet.

My cat Winston died suddenly the morning of December 15, two weeks ago. He died next to me in bed. He coughed, I put my hand on him, and he was gone. He was only 8. I have no advice but I just wanted you to know that I am sorry. I thought I would have years with him. I am still looking for him in the corners of my house.