Goodbye to our Riley

Our 4 year old cat had to be put down today. When they first found the mass they said "he's young so it's probably not cancer" but he got sicker and sicker until it surprised us all that yes young cats can get it, it just had to be our poor guy. He was always happy when he would cuddle and purr on my lap even up to the end. I stayed with him so he wasn't alone. I feel so horrible my insides screamed to stop them from doing the injection but to what point. He is suffering, stressed and in discomfort. I hope he knows how much we loved him and I hope he felt that in his last day. Even now I sit in the house and seeing his toys and bed and food dish and I feel so guilty and keep questioning myself, could it have been something else? Did we do the right thing? Could we have saved him? I'm also 5 months pregnant and the hormones are not helping the emotional side. Today sucks. But I know he is at peace and I hope he is looking down on us and knowing we did what we thought was best for him. Today just sucks

Riley knows for sure how much you loved him, and loved you back just as much - if not more.

The cancer was NOT your fault. There's nothing you could or should have done that you didn't do. You stuck by him as you struggled with his behaviour changes, and you kept pushing the vet for answers. Even if the cancer had been caught sooner, there are no guarantees that he outcome would have been any different.

You went above and beyond for your gorgeous boy, and had the courage to give him the final gift of a peaceful death before the pain and suffering took its strongest hold.

It's natural to question every decision that brought you here, especially so close to that final goodbye. Rest assured - you did all you could for Riley and his death, like his life, was full of love

Rest in peace, you gorgeous boy
Riley

Sometimes I wonder if anyone can know what a selfless act of love is until they have to have a beloved pet PTS.  Sometimes we have no choice , Thank you for staying with him. It never feels ' right '. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Don't second guess yourself. It will make you crazy. 

I am sorry for your loss, Riley was too young but sometimes we don't have any choices except to let them go rather than seing them in so much pain and they will suffer tremendously. He knows how much you loved him, cared for him and you're there, you're so brave, bless your heart. Please take care of yourself.

Rest in peace dear Riley...

I'm very sorry for your loss. RIP, Riley.

I am so sorry for your loss.  I have never had to make the decision to have a pet PTS but I have had a couple die in my arms and I just want you to know that Riley knew you loved and cherished him until the end. Believe me when I say he has a piece of your heart so when you meet again he will know you and will tell you himself that he knew the love you felt for him and he saw the tears you shed for him. Those tears will fill his heart and will lead him back to you.

I am so sorry for your loss.  You were acting in Riley's best interest and made your decision out of love.  Please be kind to yourself; he was blessed to have had someone like you in his life.   

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Riley, I lost my precious girl Tiger to pancreatic cancer in July, so I have a good idea how badly you feel. But I have to say, you must not blame yourself or beat yourself up over this. We do the absolute best that we can do with the knowledge that we have at the time- I considered myself a true helicpter mom - my girl survived hyperthyroid radiation treatment, diabetes, CKD and had IBD, but this cancer I never saw coming- it took her from me so quickly.  So now I can tell you that you need to let yourself grieve, for however long it takes.  That it will take time to heal, so let yourself grieve without the guilt. You gave him the best life possible and I feel in my heart Riley knew this and loved you for it. Fly free sweet Riley and land softly- you were so loved!

I am truly sorry for the loss of your kitty Riley. It is so devastating when they get an illness like cancer, especially one as young as your Riley. Cancer is a truly terrible disease.I lost my Mickey to cancer over a year ago. It is heartbreaking. I know the pain you are feeling and I am so sorry you have to experience that pain. Riley was very much loved and loved you in return. You did all you could for him and he knows that. I hope one day soon you can think of your precious kitty with smiles instead of tears.
Please take care!
RIP Sweet Riley!
You were so loved!

My heart aches for you, I know how lonely the first days are, and the guilt and second guessing which seem to always be a part of grieving. I'm glad you found this site, there is tremendous support here, we as a cat community know the pain and suffering of losing such a valued member of your family. It helps to talk to someone who shares your feelings. It was totally out of your control and there was nothing that was going to turn out different., so know you did the right thing by ending a future that was full of pain.  Riley knew he was loved and will remain a part of your life through your cherished memories. Even death cannot break a bond that is so strong. Take care of yourself, you have another little being that needs you, I wish you all the luck in the future! RIP sweet Riley, you will never be forgotten!