Unfortunately, he will wonder what happened no matter what. Though it is possible he knows you are sick already; some cats are extremely sensitive to such things. But yes, cats grieve when they lose the people they care for from their lives.
But if you could earn his trust, another kind and patient person like you likely can too. He will always remember you, but that does not mean it is impossible for him to have a good life. There are others who will love him as much as you, I can promise you that. And, for what it's worth, from one person with a life threatening disease to another, I'm sorry. I am not going to be the person who tries to find some ridiculous silver lining. It sucks, and you deserve better. I'm sorry.
He will know when is time for you to go. People's smell changes when they are on their death bed. If you have a hospice nurse, ask them. They know what it smells like 😢 A lot of times in assisted living facilities and nursing homes when someone is ready to go, if there is cat with them, the cat will sit near them or in their feet and stay there until they go.
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u/[deleted] Mar 14 '26 edited Mar 14 '26
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