Maybe an odd question

I think about this sometimes and maybe I'm the only one, or not.

Did you ever worry that if you saw your cat at the Rainbow Bridge or where ever they may go, that they would be angry with you? I've forced food down so many of my friends who no longer wanted to live, subjected them to nasty tasting meds, chemo...you name it. I always wanted to give them a chance, until in my heart I knew there was no hope. I always wanted to believe they knew my intentions were good. There were times those nasty meds gave them extra months or years. But there were times that they didn't.

Sometimes when I'm in the yard, simply enjoying the way being outside feels, I question whether they resented me for keeping them inside. I believe in my heart I did it in their best interest, but it still bothers me. I do my best to make their lives comfortable, yet sometimes I wonder if I'm being controlling for my own peace of mind.

Anyway, I'm just curious if you've ever had these thoughts. And if I've posted this in the wrong forum, please move it for me.

I believe that all your cats will absolutely know what your intentions were. And although you may call it controlling, it was done out of love for your animals. Its always hard to let someone go that you love. And if there were ones that were given more months or years to be beside someone who loved them so much, then thats what it was. The important thing is they are not suffering from anything now. And love will never be questioned.

To be a parent - or a guardian if you perfer - to a cat is not the same as it is to a child. A cat will always be baby like, incapable of understanding their illness or options. Unlike a child who you can consult on their wishes, weighing them against your superiour knowledge and reasoning, a cat is always dependent on you thinking like it's MomCat would, because it is in a sense, compared to us, a kitten.

So we provide safety and health for as long as we can, even if they don't understand at the time.

I don't think there are recriminations in heaven. I think in heaven we see all things clearly, and feel love perfectly.

Pami & Satari,

Such beautiful thoughts. Thank you.

The pressures, sadness and suffering on this side of the bridge are all forgotten over the bridge. These are the trials of this life.

All our best intentions will be remembered as the love of this life carrying over to the next. As we feel the sadness of loss and feel the inevitable grief and second guessing of our actions. The pet who has crossed over can only remember the love and see clearly the intent of your soul. Which was to ease their suffering and keep them here out of love and compassion.
No animal or companion creature will hold against you what actions you took out of love.
Over the bridge our souls can run free and love blossms in every dandelion.
Worries such as the ones you now carry, will long be forgotten as you hold closely that long gone 4 footed friend who now comforts you again.


My biggest worry about over the bridge is.
How am i ever going to have that many litter boxes? : )
To many furfriends gone suddenly here with me again. I cannot think of anything more joyful.

I am certain that in heaven we will not be confused. Now we have to make decisions, and not be sure if they are the best choice. In heaven we will always know the right thing. There will be no more of those bad worries...did I make the wrong decision for my pet (or child).

I also believe there will be total forgiveness. Of course we all have regrets, but in heaven we will be able to get beyond those times, and live in harmony.

I have made mistakes with pets...a barn cat who died giving birth, a cat allowed outside who died...either hit by a car or poisoned, a dog who died of distemper because we did not keep up with his vaccinations. These were clearly errors on my part. In some ways I feel I have "made up" for my past ignorance and mistakes by fostering and saving lives. But I also have peace about the past because I am certain that the animals will not hate me for my mistakes.

Sometimes forgiving ourselves is the hardest part. I think that will be complete in heaven, too.

Originally Posted by Beckiboo

Sometimes forgiving ourselves is the hardest part.

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Amen to that. I've made some of the same mistakes and still beat myself up over them. I guess if you're fortunate you learn what you need to know about proper pet ownership from your parents. But for many of us it's what we learn over a lifetime, unfortunately a lot of which comes from our mistakes.

Litterboxes... And anyone who purposely harmed kitties during their lifetime should have to clean them all!

This is a really good thread - many pearls of wisdom in the prior posts to ponder. No good deed in this life will go unrewarded for it is the intent of our actions that shows what is in our heart. Guilt can be unforgiving - know that you did what you felt and knew you had to do to care for your beloved feline companions - they certainly do. There are no grudges or recriminations over the Bridge.

Originally Posted by Kittybosanta

This is a really good thread - many pearls of wisdom in the prior posts to ponder. No good deed in this life will go unrewarded for it is the intent of our actions that shows what is in our heart. Guilt can be unforgiving - know that you did what you felt and knew you had to do to care for your beloved feline companions - they certainly do. There are no grudges or recriminations over the Bridge.

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beautifully said