Pets
Related: About this forumI over edited my post on the loss of my sweet Sian while in a state of shock
Sian seemed fine on Wednesday but the vet explained that sometimes cats can 'hide' their health problems until they reach a tipping point, which is what happened to Sian. I had been combing her, giving her flea medication, doing everything I can both inside and outside to take care of the flea infestation, but it still wasn't enough. I feel like the worse mom on the planet, right now. The feral kittens, well, they were outside and I grabbed them as soon as I saw there was a problem. Sian just didn't exhibit any issues until it was too late.
My brother went with me to the vet. Sian had flea related anemia. They gave her a subcutaneous rehydration treatment, anti biotics and flea medicine. It took a long time because her body temperature was low. When we got home I cuddled her for about an hour and then got her settled in to a warm, safe place and then I left her, for just a few minutes, hoping she'd fall asleep.
I wanted to change clothes and decided to check on her on my way to my room. She looked up, took 4 or 5 very deep breaths, and then she was gone. I thought maybe she was just having a stress reaction so I was trying to comfort her when she died.
She is buried very close to where I first saw her. I buried her in one of my favorite t-shirts and place a Passion Flower and Queen Anne's Lace flower on top of her.
Thank you all for your kindness and compassion.
I have to stop, now, because I just can't stop crying. This has hit me harder than I ever expected.
MiHale
(10,691 posts)Bernardo de La Paz
(50,829 posts)littlemissmartypants
(25,172 posts)Demovictory9
(33,663 posts)brer cat
(26,127 posts)we all were able to know Sian, and we grieve with you.
JoeOtterbein
(7,785 posts)...sorry.
(tears)
InstantGratification
(266 posts)You are one of only 3 DU members I "subscribe to" so that I can see your kitty posts. We are all humbled by your love and kindness for your furry family, you are such a kind soul.
We hurt with you. Know that you and your cats are loved here on DU and in the offline world. So very sorry for the loss of precious family. We are here in thought and spirit. Love to you and the fur babies.
crim son
(27,502 posts)You did everything right and couldn't have known how ill Sian was. I am very sorry for your loss.
Stargazer99
(2,926 posts)yes, they do leave paw prints on our heart....take comfort in the love you gave Sian. I understand as I feed several feral cats that won't let me near them and I know there are predators but I cannot protect them because they are feral and my heart hurts when they no longer show for dinner as I know they have become dinner.
Laurelin
(631 posts)But I know. I always feel guilty as well as heartbroken. You did everything you could, including trying to treat the fleas. That can be difficult with cats because they are sensitive to pesticides. None of it was your fault. You're probably the best cat mom in the history of cat moms.
And yes cats are prey animals and are usually very sick before we can see it. I'm speaking from bitter experience.
PikaBlue
(258 posts)She wanted to say her goodbye, to thank you for your love, and to be comforted by you. Reading your story has brought back memories of all of my fur babies who died in my arms and a few tears as well. It hurts so much when we lose them; but how dreary our lives would have been had our paths not crossed and our hearts not entwined. Sending you comforting thoughts.
hlthe2b
(106,064 posts)I am really sorry, Siwsan.
onecaliberal
(35,674 posts)gademocrat7
(11,146 posts)Sending hugs and love to you.💕
Dr. Shepper
(3,063 posts)Sending all the healing energy I have to you.
CaptainTruth
(7,184 posts)I'm stunned, such a precious baby. You should know that you did everything you could for her, & she knew how much she was loved.
padfun
(1,855 posts)I am down to just 5 indoor and 7 outdoor cats now. We used to have 20.
Please look into Nitenpyram for flea control. Get the powder and it is a LOT cheaper. All of the topicals and sprays are poisonous to many cats. Read about it and then try it. It will save your cats lots of headaches in the future.
Sorry for your loss. It hurts every time. But there are other kittens out there who can use your love.
Polly Hennessey
(7,424 posts)"You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you,
This is you, Siwsan. Never forget all you have done for those who cannot speak for themselves. Cry until you cant cry anymore knowing the love you gave to those precious souls and the joy they gave you in return.
niyad
(119,543 posts)DU family grieves with you, and are here for you. Please know that you can lean as hard as you need.
Desert grandma
(1,049 posts)So very sorry to hear this. Yet, I was glad to hear that you were with her at the end. My deepest condolences to you. It is so hard to lose a fur baby.
ShazzieB
(18,525 posts)I didn't get online today until a little while ago, so I'm just finding out. I read the thread about Sian being ill and got very worried; then I immediately read this one. I'm still in shock!
Please, please, please don't be too hard on yourself, Siwsan! You did your absolute best, but life plays cruel tricks on us sometimes, and this is one of them. This is NOT your fault!
I know this is a deeply felt, heart breaking loss for you, but I hope you can take at least a little comfort in the love of your remaining fur babies and in the support you have here at DU. Take care of yourself, and please keep us posted. We are all pulling for you, really, really hard!
GPV
(73,011 posts)longer.
niyad
(119,543 posts)Roy Rolling
(7,165 posts)😢
HeartsCanHope
(726 posts)If there is anything at all I can do for you or your kidcats, please let me know. Hugs to all of you.
Archae
(46,762 posts)It's so hard to lose a cat, it's been over a year now since I woke up last April, and found Charlotte had died.
I miss her, she was so affectionate.
Her successor, Kira is just as affectionate, in fact she's tapping my arm as I type this.
I did have Charlotte for 16 years, and Raven is now 8 years old.
I'm so sorry to see Sian died.
Ocelot II
(120,448 posts)You loved her and did your best for her - that's what matters the most.
NewDayOranges
(720 posts)SMILE because it happened.
I hope you will soon be able to remember your sweet Sian without tears.
Sending hugs to you...
unweird
(2,951 posts)So sorry, just wish I could offer more support than this simple online condolence.
ALBliberal
(2,826 posts)louslobbs
(3,416 posts)Im so sorry for your loss.
COL Mustard
(6,861 posts)You did all you could do. Ive read your posts for a while, and youre a very compassionate person! Please give yourself some grace and some space!
AnnaLee
(1,154 posts)And heartbroken.
scarletlib
(3,481 posts)Please accept my sympathies.
Raven123
(5,969 posts)Life isnt fair, but Sian knew you gave your best always and now sleeps with the angels.
bromeando
(69 posts)You need time to grieve. It will get better. I know...I've been there many times. I'm sure God will bless you for caring for one of His creatures.
ET Awful
(24,772 posts)I've been there way too many times with all the rescue work GF and I do. You have my deepest condolences.
LoisB
(8,517 posts)Sian was part of the DU family.
1WorldHope
(882 posts)pazzyanne
(6,597 posts)One more waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.
MacKasey
(1,168 posts)You gave Sian a loved full life where she was safe and cared for.
Give hugs to Madoc, Gryff, Arthur and Carys
Jilly_in_VA
(10,838 posts)Our little ones are so close to our hearts and it hurts every time.
catrose
(5,235 posts)Pucks mom
(43 posts)Pucks mom
(43 posts)virgdem
(2,204 posts)My deepest condolences to you on this heartbreaking loss of sweet Sian. You were such a great caregiver to her and you did the best you could for Sian. Please take good care of yourself-your other kitties need you.💔🌈
Fla Dem
(25,628 posts)As much as Sian may have suffered in her final days, she was at peace in the end. Taking her last breaths as you lovingly held her. They certainly do leave their paw prints on our hearts.
Hope22
(2,632 posts)This is such sad news. Be easy with yourself. When Sian found you she was instantly surrounded by love and that is the best any of us can hope for. Love, hugs and more love to you and yours. 🙏🏼💗💗💗💗💐
kimbutgar
(23,168 posts)I so enjoying seeing your sweet posts with the darling Sian.
Take care and know we are sending you loving and warm thoughts on your loss.
piddyprints
(14,815 posts)I have been reading your posts for years. I remember Arthur as a tiny kitten. We have rescued many cats, mostly from shelters. I get your passion and love for them.
I remember a kitten you lost a few years ago and I cried and cried. I dont know how you do it.
Im so sorry for Sian. Her little body just couldnt take it. Hugs to you for all your losses and all the good work you do for these innocent little beings.