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Danmel

(5,790 posts)
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:03 PM 20 hrs ago

We had to put our kitty Zeke to sleep tonight

We adopted him from a local shelter in 2013. They estimated him to be be 3-5 at that time. He had a stroke in February, rebounded for awhile but started declining over the past week or so.
He was just the sweetest cat ever. He loved everyone and everyone, even avowed cat haters, loved him. I will miss him every day for the rest of my life. Sweet sweet boy. I'm just bereft.

95 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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We had to put our kitty Zeke to sleep tonight (Original Post) Danmel 20 hrs ago OP
That's always so hard duckworth969 20 hrs ago #1
How I hate this for you. Our furry kids are everything and I wish you some peace with your sweet memories 😿 Deuxcents 20 hrs ago #2
I'm so sorry. We don't get to keep them long enough. nt Phoenix61 20 hrs ago #3
So sorry for your loss. FalloutShelter 20 hrs ago #4
They really worm their way into our hearts, don't they? CrispyQ 20 hrs ago #5
So sorry, Dannel debm55 20 hrs ago #6
Been there and I know how damn hard it is. Hey Joe 20 hrs ago #7
I'm so sorry! Ocelot II 20 hrs ago #8
You did the right thing. It's cruel to make them suffer. multigraincracker 20 hrs ago #11
I'm so sorry, Daniel. Diamond_Dog 20 hrs ago #9
it's so hard Skittles 20 hrs ago #10
Deepest condolences SheltieLover 20 hrs ago #12
I'm sorry 😔 MustLoveBeagles 20 hrs ago #13
Never easy hurl 20 hrs ago #14
I'm so sorry 😔 mine died from kidney failure two years ago Raine 20 hrs ago #15
💧❤️ littlemissmartypants 20 hrs ago #16
I'm so very sorry Danmel, JMCKUSICK 20 hrs ago #17
I'm so sorry for your loss. HoosierDebbie 20 hrs ago #18
So very sorry. It's awful to lose such a good friend. catrose 20 hrs ago #19
I am so so sorry for your & your family's loss irisblue 20 hrs ago #20
I'm so sorry... FemDemERA 20 hrs ago #21
I know that raw, shattering pain. I am so very sorry. Maru Kitteh 20 hrs ago #22
I'm so sorry for the loss of your kitty. Dr. Shepper 20 hrs ago #23
I'm so sorry! FoxNewsSucks 20 hrs ago #24
Zeke will never forget you all. And you, him. CurtEastPoint 19 hrs ago #25
I'm sorry about your beautiful, beloved friend. AllyCat 19 hrs ago #26
In our family, we call this most difficult of decisions "liberating the spirit." 3catwoman3 19 hrs ago #27
I am sorry to hear that. OldBaldy1701E 19 hrs ago #28
Sorry for what you are going through. mr715 19 hrs ago #29
Sending you support. Irish_Dem 19 hrs ago #30
Family. Saddened. cachukis 19 hrs ago #31
... 2naSalit 19 hrs ago #32
I have always felt popsdenver 19 hrs ago #33
So sorry IbogaProject 19 hrs ago #34
I'm so sorry! CousinIT 19 hrs ago #35
Goodbye to your sweet boy blogslug 19 hrs ago #36
I'm so sorry. Solly Mack 19 hrs ago #37
You have many people in that boat with you. calimary 19 hrs ago #38
I determined ages ago that if I could not be reunited with my babies niyad 18 hrs ago #47
You reminded me of a GREAT Will Rogers quote. calimary 18 hrs ago #50
YES!!! niyad 7 hrs ago #80
🫂 mwmisses4289 19 hrs ago #39
Always painful malaise 19 hrs ago #40
I'm so sorry for your loss debsy 19 hrs ago #41
I'm so sorry for your loss of sweet Zeke virgdem 19 hrs ago #42
Sending love and understanding EuterpeThelo 19 hrs ago #43
The most important act of a pet lover raising2moredems 19 hrs ago #44
They are family, and I am so sorry for your loss. hamsterjill 19 hrs ago #45
Lady Bast, please take Your little Zeke gently home in Your loving arms, niyad 18 hrs ago #46
I am so sorry. murielm99 18 hrs ago #48
I am sorry for your loss 💔 BlueKota 18 hrs ago #49
"Those of us The Wizard 18 hrs ago #51
rest inn peace zeke i am so sorry for your loss dawn5651 18 hrs ago #52
I am so sorry for your loss. nt spooky3 18 hrs ago #53
Sorry you lost your friend, it's a tough time. dem4decades 18 hrs ago #54
I'm so sorry. area51 18 hrs ago #55
After I had to put Spike to sleep in 2017 she has visited me ever since! BigmanPigman 18 hrs ago #56
So sorry, Danmel.. Permanut 18 hrs ago #57
I'm so very sorry. Losing them is so painfully heartbreaking. StarryNite 18 hrs ago #58
Our furry friends never stay long enough. Teacher of the Year 17 hrs ago #59
Dear Danmel, I am so sorry for your loss MIButterfly 17 hrs ago #60
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. My heart goes out to you on the loss of your beloved family member Zeke.❤️ MLAA 17 hrs ago #61
I am so sorry Bettie 17 hrs ago #62
We would have much sadder lives without our fur kids in them Bayard 17 hrs ago #63
We gave up on having any pets after the last one had to be put down. CTyankee 15 hrs ago #64
I'm so sorry Laurelin 14 hrs ago #65
I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved pet. Losing one takes a big emotional toll. Huge hugz. Celerity 13 hrs ago #66
I am so sorry for your loss. maptap22 10 hrs ago #67
I'm sorry bdamomma 59 min ago #92
I'm so sorry. There's something about them that never goes away. They're always with you. Vinca 9 hrs ago #68
I know how hard that is. Condolences. NNadir 9 hrs ago #69
Soooo sorry !! Karadeniz 9 hrs ago #70
My deepest condolences. It's such a hard decision to make. sinkingfeeling 9 hrs ago #71
I'm so sorry CaptainTruth 9 hrs ago #72
It always hurts to say goodbye to our furbabies, bluescribbler 8 hrs ago #73
Condolences ProfessorGAC 8 hrs ago #74
So sorry, Danmel. 70sEraVet 7 hrs ago #75
So sorry your beloved kitty has crossed the bridge. I feel your pain. Fla Dem 7 hrs ago #76
It is hard to say goodbye to a family member LetMyPeopleVote 7 hrs ago #77
I'm so very sorry for your loss. City Lights 7 hrs ago #78
Losing our cat family members sucks. Happy Hoosier 7 hrs ago #79
I'm sorry for your loss. It's terribly hard to have to make that decision and it leaves a hole in your heart(s). Texin 7 hrs ago #81
Zeke kitty Clouds Passing 7 hrs ago #82
❤️ underpants 7 hrs ago #83
I'm so sorry, Danmel. WinstonSmith4740 6 hrs ago #84
I am so sorry Dear_Prudence 6 hrs ago #85
I'm so sorry, Danmel. arkielib 5 hrs ago #86
I'm so sorry Figarosmom 4 hrs ago #87
💜😢my deepest sympathy for you.🤟🏼🙏🏼 1WorldHope 1 hr ago #88
I lost my first dog when I was 10 years old Wifes husband 1 hr ago #89
I am so, so sorry. My heart breaks for you. Trueblue Texan 1 hr ago #90
My sympathy bdamomma 1 hr ago #91
So very very sorry Chicagogrl1 58 min ago #93
So sorry for your loss. Timeflyer 24 min ago #94
I am so sorry. My condolences to you and your family. HeartsCanHope 1 min ago #95

Deuxcents

(27,213 posts)
2. How I hate this for you. Our furry kids are everything and I wish you some peace with your sweet memories 😿
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:06 PM
20 hrs ago

CrispyQ

(41,009 posts)
5. They really worm their way into our hearts, don't they?
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:08 PM
20 hrs ago

So sorry for the loss of your friend.

Hey Joe

(679 posts)
7. Been there and I know how damn hard it is.
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:10 PM
20 hrs ago

We put our Andy down after 16 years.
It was brutal. Still miss him years later and always will.
Just be thankful you had him.
Best wishes

Ocelot II

(130,802 posts)
8. I'm so sorry!
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:11 PM
20 hrs ago

Our beloved animal friends' lives are far too short, and losing them is heartbreaking, but even knowing we'll lose them eventually we wouldn't want to live without them. All we can do is cherish our memories.

multigraincracker

(37,782 posts)
11. You did the right thing. It's cruel to make them suffer.
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:15 PM
20 hrs ago

I just wish that they could do that for me when I’m ready.

Skittles

(172,089 posts)
10. it's so hard
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:14 PM
20 hrs ago


Grieve not
nor speak of me with tears
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you
I loved you so
’twas Heaven here with you

- Isla Paschal Richardson

MustLoveBeagles

(16,773 posts)
13. I'm sorry 😔
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:16 PM
20 hrs ago

It seems like we never get to keep them long enough. Take comfort in that Zeke crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is no longer in pain. Someday you'll be reunited.

Raine

(31,196 posts)
15. I'm so sorry 😔 mine died from kidney failure two years ago
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:18 PM
20 hrs ago

I still miss him so much. These fur babies carve out a whole in your heart that can't be filled.

R-I-P Zeke 🙏

HoosierDebbie

(455 posts)
18. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:26 PM
20 hrs ago

Losing a beloved pet is one of the hardest things we have to suffer through in this life. I've learned that there is a price of pain to pay when a dearly loved pet dies. Once I was worried that I wouldn't be able to find my pets when I get to heaven (I hope I get there), but then I realized that they would be with my parents waiting for me.

Maru Kitteh

(31,847 posts)
22. I know that raw, shattering pain. I am so very sorry.
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:31 PM
20 hrs ago

Thank you for telling us about Zeke. He was special, unique, and loved beyond measure. We should all be so lucky.

From our home to yours

FoxNewsSucks

(11,787 posts)
24. I'm so sorry!
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:37 PM
20 hrs ago

Dogs & cats are part of the family, usually better than the human part.

It's so unfair that they can't live longer

3catwoman3

(29,552 posts)
27. In our family, we call this most difficult of decisions "liberating the spirit."
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:42 PM
19 hrs ago

It's always hard, even when it's right.

Irish_Dem

(81,740 posts)
30. Sending you support.
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:45 PM
19 hrs ago

I have been through it myself and was bereft too.
A sweet soul mate little doggie.

They always stay with you, and you can feel it.

popsdenver

(2,370 posts)
33. I have always felt
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:52 PM
19 hrs ago

that Politicians should croak after fifteen years, and our pets should live to be 70-80-90 Years old......

Allow yourself all the time you need to grieve........

CousinIT

(12,602 posts)
35. I'm so sorry!
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 10:00 PM
19 hrs ago

It’s so heartbreaking to lose them. It was your final act of love for him he didn’t go alone or unloved. It was the best thing you could give him - even though it’s so damn painful.

calimary

(90,302 posts)
38. You have many people in that boat with you.
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 10:07 PM
19 hrs ago

I’m there, too.

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this right now. And you’re right: there’ll be a little bit of you that won’t ever get over it. Could it be because your Zeke took that part with him when he headed off to Heaven?

He’ll meet Mousetrap and dB and Barney & Betty and other beloveds from here and elsewhere, who’ve gone ahead, themselves. He’ll have many new friends Upstairs.



Sometimes when I think of the Here-After, I find myself wondering if I’ve been good enough to go to THEIR part of Heaven, instead of where the spirits of the good people get to go.

niyad

(132,978 posts)
47. I determined ages ago that if I could not be reunited with my babies
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 10:44 PM
18 hrs ago

in the hereafter, I simply wasn't going!

calimary

(90,302 posts)
50. You reminded me of a GREAT Will Rogers quote.
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 11:04 PM
18 hrs ago

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
- Will Rogers

I’d echo that, but I’d add cats (and other beloved pets).

virgdem

(2,322 posts)
42. I'm so sorry for your loss of sweet Zeke
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 10:22 PM
19 hrs ago

It is such a heartbreaking and difficult decision we all have to make for our fur babies. I just lost my sweet Butterscotch last August and I'm still grieving. Wishing you peace and comfort in the coming days.

EuterpeThelo

(401 posts)
43. Sending love and understanding
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 10:23 PM
19 hrs ago

I'm so sorry, Danmel. Zeke was about the same age as my Bellatrix, whom I had to release about a month ago. Furbabies are family and such a pure, unconditional love, it's no wonder it hurts when we have to guide them across the rainbow bridge. You'll never forget Zeke but thank you for giving your pet the best life it could've possibly ever had, cradled by your love.

raising2moredems

(759 posts)
44. The most important act of a pet lover
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 10:31 PM
19 hrs ago

And it is f-ing hard. It is heartbreaking. I'm glad you had 13 years with him. Remember all the good times and that you gave him a fur-ever home. When the time is right, there will be another looking for a fur-ever home.

hamsterjill

(17,644 posts)
45. They are family, and I am so sorry for your loss.
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 10:37 PM
19 hrs ago

They just burrow into our hearts, don't they? And they take a piece of our heart with them when they leave.

I'm truly sorry for your loss, and I think you for (l) adopting from a shelter, (2) giving Zeke such a long life, and (3) for loving him enough to write this heartfelt post.

I'm a long time rescuer who runs a cat sanctuary now. We no longer take in any, but the focus is on the ones we have for them to live out their lives. Many are very old. The loss never, ever gets easy because each one is special and unique. Each one is loved for who they are.

Wishing you peace and comfort.

niyad

(132,978 posts)
46. Lady Bast, please take Your little Zeke gently home in Your loving arms,
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 10:40 PM
18 hrs ago

and send peace and comfort to his grieving loved ones.

I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious Zeke. Do not be surprised if he comes to visit you. My little rescue and I send love and huggggs and purrrrs.

The Wizard

(13,782 posts)
51. "Those of us
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 11:08 PM
18 hrs ago

who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle."
(Irving Townsend)
RIP Zeke.

BigmanPigman

(55,301 posts)
56. After I had to put Spike to sleep in 2017 she has visited me ever since!
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 11:30 PM
18 hrs ago

My first dog Max died in 2002 on my floor and she was 16 years old. After that happened she visited me for 10 days and it was wonderful. She also visted my driend whomtaught me how to read tarot cards. We had open minds apparently and my baby was able to communicate.

After my last baby died in 2020 my dad (who had died a year earlier) visited me the night he died but I was not aware he had died until the next say). She came to visit me with my dad, it was crystal clear. She has visited me ever since. I have learned to keep a note pad on my nightstand so that I document her "visits" since they do occur in the "in between" state of consciousness.
I have done a lot of research since then and my experiences are valid and common. It seems like some people are able to get visits in the "in the between state of sleep and awake" . This is what I have experienced and continue to experience and I am very glad when it happens. Apparently there is a very strong bond with people and animals and that is why the lost pets visit more than people do. Animals have a different energy level than humans and when humans are in a "dream state" the vibrations of the energy are more easily transmitted.
I hope you have visits from your baby and please document them as soon as they happen so you are aware and remember them when you are fully awake.

Do not listen to anyone who does not have empathy. They will interfere with your ability to get the visits that the babies really want to communicate with you as a form of comfort.

Permanut

(8,445 posts)
57. So sorry, Danmel..
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 11:31 PM
18 hrs ago

That's tough.

You did your part - you spoiled him rotten.

We've been through this several times, miss each one, and it never gets easier. So worth it though, to have these little rascals for whatever time we have.

Now we have a year-old Maine coon cat tearing up the couch and doing zoomies at midnight.

59. Our furry friends never stay long enough.
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 11:42 PM
17 hrs ago

I do believe they are waiting for us when our own time comes. I'm very sorry for your loss, and the emptiness you are feeling. From my own experience I can say that nothing makes the sad go away but... you can fall in love with a kitten and be sad at the same time. It is much better than just being sad.

MIButterfly

(2,867 posts)
60. Dear Danmel, I am so sorry for your loss
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 11:56 PM
17 hrs ago

I hope that your memories of Zeke will eventually bring you comfort and peace. Your DU family is here for you. Lean on us at this sad time.



RIP, sweet Zeke. You were so loved.


MLAA

(19,769 posts)
61. I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. My heart goes out to you on the loss of your beloved family member Zeke.❤️
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 12:20 AM
17 hrs ago

Bayard

(29,908 posts)
63. We would have much sadder lives without our fur kids in them
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 12:32 AM
17 hrs ago

They bring light, laughter, and love. They make us better people, and live in our hearts forever.

I'm glad Zeke was in your life, even though losing him hurts so much.

CTyankee

(68,287 posts)
64. We gave up on having any pets after the last one had to be put down.
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 01:50 AM
15 hrs ago

It was too much grief for us and we couldn't do it any more. So, no pets from then on.

Laurelin

(939 posts)
65. I'm so sorry
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 03:17 AM
14 hrs ago

I've lost 10 dogs and 9 cats and it never gets easier. And I've never found words for people dealing with the loss. I hope you can find solace in the memories of your special Zeke. 🤎

Celerity

(54,618 posts)
66. I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved pet. Losing one takes a big emotional toll. Huge hugz.
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 03:46 AM
13 hrs ago


Cel

maptap22

(276 posts)
67. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 07:07 AM
10 hrs ago

I had to put my Jinxie kitty down last week. It was an agonizing decision but I knew it was time once he stopped eating.

I did my best for him and gave him a good life as I am sure you did for Zeke.

Here's hoping Zeke and Jinxie meet in the afterlife.

Vinca

(54,125 posts)
68. I'm so sorry. There's something about them that never goes away. They're always with you.
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 07:51 AM
9 hrs ago

Sadly, things happen that are beyond our control. At least we're able to give them a peaceful exit.

ProfessorGAC

(76,947 posts)
74. Condolences
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 09:08 AM
8 hrs ago

Tough time for all pet owners.
We've gone through it several times, so we get it.
Take care .

Fla Dem

(27,669 posts)
76. So sorry your beloved kitty has crossed the bridge. I feel your pain.
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 09:46 AM
7 hrs ago

Have been there and it is such a tug at your heart everyday not to wake up with them meowing at you or curled up at your feet.
He will always be with you in your thoughts. I still think often of my girl (had her from a kitten for 18 years, passed 2 years ago. Finally adopted 2 cats last July.

You gave him many years of care and love. Peace to you.

City Lights

(25,904 posts)
78. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 09:53 AM
7 hrs ago

I've been there, and know all too well how much you're hurting now. Sending cyber hugs your way.

Happy Hoosier

(9,553 posts)
79. Losing our cat family members sucks.
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 10:16 AM
7 hrs ago

I am sorry for your loss. I love my little critters desperately.

Texin

(2,854 posts)
81. I'm sorry for your loss. It's terribly hard to have to make that decision and it leaves a hole in your heart(s).
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 10:28 AM
7 hrs ago

WinstonSmith4740

(3,443 posts)
84. I'm so sorry, Danmel.
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 11:15 AM
6 hrs ago

Bringing a pet to the Bridge is the most painful part of having them in our lives. I just had to do this with the sweetest dog to ever walk the earth.
I want to leave you with this. The folks that came to the house (Lap of Love...absolutely awesome people), left a pamphlet that ended with this...
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." Winnie the Pooh.
We never have them long enough, but they make our lives so much better while they're here.

Dear_Prudence

(1,178 posts)
85. I am so sorry
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 11:22 AM
6 hrs ago

For your loss. I had a tuna sandwich yesterday and I missed my Wolfie rushing into the room at that fishy smell. May your memories of Zeke bring you comfort.

arkielib

(438 posts)
86. I'm so sorry, Danmel.
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 11:44 AM
5 hrs ago

I know how you feel having lost many beloved cats and dogs over the decades. You never forget them (and don’t want to). The many happy memories you have with them are priceless and will always be with you.

Figarosmom

(12,382 posts)
87. I'm so sorry
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 12:59 PM
4 hrs ago

Losing a friend is so hard. I'm sure he lived his best life with you. You will think of him everyday for the rest if your life because he is part of that future still. Love and Peace to you.🌹

Wifes husband

(737 posts)
89. I lost my first dog when I was 10 years old
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 04:13 PM
1 hr ago

I am 76 now and I still miss him. Had two special dogs since, and you never forget them

Trueblue Texan

(4,527 posts)
90. I am so, so sorry. My heart breaks for you.
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 04:22 PM
1 hr ago

I know that pain. I understand how devastated you must be. I wish I could give you a big hug. Take care and know you do not grieve alone.

bdamomma

(69,582 posts)
91. My sympathy
Thu Apr 16, 2026, 04:24 PM
1 hr ago

to you and your family.

Zeke will never be forgotten. He will be waiting for you at "rainbow bridge". Pets leave paw prints on your heart.

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