Sudden Death of Our 3 Year Old Cat Simba

Originally Posted by christellize

Yes, I agree. It feels a bit too soon, but Darla's sad cries make my heart wrench. We've checked a number of shelters, paper's classified ads, and petfinder. Kittens seem to go within a day. I also emailed my old coworker from where we originally got Simba and, a year later, Darla. She kept trying to get the mom spayed, but inevitably she would get pregnant right away (a few days before her vet appt).

We found a potential person who says they're available immediately but they have been a little slow to get back.

We've also filled out long applications for people who have pregnant cats so the very least we should have one in 8-12 weeks. I just hope Darla can wait that long, I'd rather not for her sake.

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I am sending prayers and hugs from Mississippi for you that you find a new cat soon.

I am also sending some hugs to Darla, I hope it help her to not be so sad.

Thanks so much LSULover--and all of you for the much needed hugs and condolences. I'm so glad I found a site that actually understands the significance of our loss.

It's hard to talk to people who think he was "just a cat" because he was so much more.

xoxo

Originally Posted by christellize

Thanks so much LSULover--and all of you for the much needed hugs and condolences. I'm so glad I found a site that actually understands the significance of our loss.

It's hard to talk to people who think he was "just a cat" because he was so much more.

xoxo

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People here understand how others feel when something like this happens. And it is just not about cats, it is about any animal. Everyone here has animals that are family to them.

We know how you feel and we know how you are hurting too.

It breaks my heart to have to read what you are going through. The ONLY reason we ever go on vacation is because we have someone who has cats and we trust 100%. He also knows to take any of them to the vet if he thinks something might be wrong.
It might be too soon for a kitty but poor darla needs someone. I hope she finds peace in her heart and that she can also get through this. If you do look at a shelter, maybe you should consider taking her with you to see who may be a good companion for her. But only if you think the shelter is safe enough to do so.
I hope you will never have to experience something so horrific again. It will take time, but I promise it will be ok. Keeps us updated when you can. Poor simba..bless his little heart.

How awful for you..I am so sorry

RIP Simba

I'm so sorry.

Originally Posted by christellize

Thanks so much LSULover--and all of you for the much needed hugs and condolences. I'm so glad I found a site that actually understands the significance of our loss.

It's hard to talk to people who think he was "just a cat" because he was so much more.

xoxo

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He was and remains so much more.

My deep sympathies on your terrible loss.

Rest in peace and play Simba. Look down in love on those who miss you so much.

I am so sorry that you lost Simba so unexpectedly. I know that he will be playing happily over The Rainbow Bridge.
Ellyn

This is a horribly sad story. Honestly I cannot believe the sitter did not call you. It seems they dont know much about cats because if it were me and I saw that type of condition in a cat I would be taking it to emergency. It's all neither here nor there now I suppose. Another thing I was thinking was possibly a urinary blockage. I know that in male cats it can be certain death within 48 hours if not treated. I'm very sorry for your loss

There can be no life without death. If he did not die think of the suffering he would have gone through.

So sorry for your loss.

So my husband and I went on allexperts.com and got the following reply. This seemed to help somewhat.

I also have a blog http://christellize.blogspot.com/ where I posted a slide show of Simba in honor of his memory and tribute to the extraordinary (almost) 4 years we were blessed to have him in our life.

We were able to get Darla a new friend. She's not the fondest of him yet but they progress day to day. We're still trying to find a name for the little guy. Any suggestions please send them-- you can read a description of him on my blog and see some pics (I'm not yet sure how to post pics here). So far we're thinking Milo, Remy (if you're a Red Sox fan you'll know where we got this) and Chewie short for Chewbacca cause of his long tan hair.

Thanks again for your thoughts and sympathy. I don't know when this will ever get better but of course time heals...we'll miss him always.

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from allexperts.com:

I'm so very sorry for your loss - these things can very devastating for
everyone in the family.

Usually in a situation like this, the kitty has died due to a
previously undetected heart condition. Cats with heart disease (the most common
is a condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, but there are other
congenital conditions as well) can often die suddently due to the
formation of tiny blood clots that can lodge in the lungs, leading to sudden
death. The vomit you found as well as the prominent blood vessels
sound very consistent with this type of problem. Unfortunately, heart
conditions in cats often go undetected - since cats are so good at hiding
their illnesses. Heavy breathing can be a sign of heart disease - but
it can be very subtle and can be seen in perfectly healthy cats on
occasion as well. In my experience, when a young cat has heart disease, it
tends to progress very rapidly and there is generally very little that
can be done, even if it is diagnosed. It is a bad disease, and very
very sad. Other than some type of intestinal obstruction, I can't really
think of any other cause of death that fits with what you are telling
me. In most cases of sudden death in a young cat - heart disease is the
culprit.

Again, I am truly sorry for your loss - I know how upsetting this must
be for you, but please take comfort in knowing that there was most
likely nothing you could have done to prevent this from happening.

My thoughts will be with you during this most difficult time,

Dr. Jen

That's so odd. I just wonder why the sitter didn't notify you that the cat was acting a little strange. You'll probably never know what the real reason was. I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace little one.