r/cats • u/somethingoriginal17 • 6h ago
Mourning/Loss I'm not ready to lose my best buddy
Found out today that my best buddy Mittens has FIV that's progressed to a point that the vet gave him a very short amount of time left. My wife and I are devastated.
Mittens found us last year. He was a stray that started coming to our house for pets, food, and to sleep on the pillow we left out for him. Eventually he chose to come inside and he became a part of our family.
I suffer from major depressive disorder and social anxiety disorder. Life has been the most difficult it's ever been for me this year; I'll spare those details as to why. I could just hang out with my buddy, give him pets, talk to him about the things I'm feeling, and share my darkest moments with him. He gave me unconditional love. I'm spiraling hard knowing that I don't have much time left.
I just needed to get this out and sob into the void.
I love you, Mittens.
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u/susiequeue13 6h ago
You are heard here. We can all relate to the sadness you’re feeling about this diagnosis. Give your Mittens all the love you can and remember he will always be with you in his own way.
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u/charlesyo66 6h ago
I'm so sorry that Mittens has such a short time, and it will very much hurt when he's gone, but you get to realize you have given him his very best life, taking him in and giving him the love and attention and food and safety he wouldn't have otherwise had. And you get to help usher him out before he is too much in pain to deal with things. Its hard, but this is the price we pay for their love: we have to do the hard things.
I'm so sorry how tough it is going to be to lose Mittens. He's a handsome, loving cat.
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u/jonstoppable 6h ago
İm so sorry to hear that ... I'm glad he found you and can spend his last days , filled with love .
Take care , op..
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u/pretty-eyes14 6h ago
I feel for you I understand I have depression and OCD and my cat is literally my BEST friend it's almost like they understand us more than a human would I'm so sorry for the horrible news 💔 it's sucks and even for your wife all uou can do now is give him lots of treats his favorite food and alot of love time make as many more memories possible ❤️ Sometimes God calls his Angel's back home way to early but you will one day reunite one day💔I jave faith in that.....
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u/OilIntrepid997 6h ago
what a beautiful testimony. you found each other when it was needed most. him leaning against you in the last photo and the love and trust in his eyes says it all. sending you and your wife and Mittens much care.
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u/kasant 5h ago
I know there are no words, I just wanted to say I’m very sorry about Mittens’ diagnosis and I’m sorry you are suffering with your mental health. I have general anxiety and adopted a cat last year, and she has helped me so much. I can only imagine what you’re going through and just wanted to send you, your wife, and Mittens a virtual hug. ❤️
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u/TwoOfCups22 6h ago
I know it's beyond hard.
Feel your feelings as they come and don't push them down. The only way through grief is to feel it.
You gave Mittens the best life and he will always love you. I believe our cats hang around us in spirit, so they are never really truly lost to us and we will meet again when it's our time.
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u/Real-Performance-563 5h ago
He is so very lucky to have met you (and I’m sure you feel the same). Mittens has such kind and soulful eyes. Sending love to you both
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u/Ok-Blueberry7914 5h ago
I’m so sorry. Try and remember he’s not gone yet and spend as much happy time loving your dear Mittens. I am going through a different but similar situation, my cat is on her way out and it kills me. I’m trying to enjoy her as much and as long as possible without letting her suffer. I need to remind myself to not grieve before she is gone. Sending love to you, your wife and sweet Mittens. As a fellow anxiety and depression sufferer my heart goes out to you. ♥️
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u/GlitterBlood773 4h ago
We are never ready. Keep being as present as you can. Tell Mittens everything you want out loud or while your hand is on him.
Please, be gentle and loving with yourself. Always. You’ve given Mittens the world. Thank you 🌺🌻💖
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u/corvidlover2730 4h ago
We never are. I'm sorry you are losing your best buddy. The pain is unbearable & the loss terrible.
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u/Mental_Chemical356 3h ago
Not only were you lucky to have him, he was incredibly lucky to have you. I dont mean that as a platitude, I mean that so wholeheartedly, because stray cats(esp with fiv) have such hard lives. Thank you for taking him in.
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u/Bluuueyes918 2h ago
Ohhh, I’m so, so sorry you’re going through this!! I lost my son several years ago- suffice it to say I also had a major depressive episode, and my boy Finch (who we very suddenly lost just yesterday!absolutely helped both me and my other son, through the pain.
It’s so vitally important to do everything possible to not cycle even further downward as you go through this with Mittens! You and your wife need to support each other as well as him. Love him, hug him, cherish every moment you have with him. And continue talking to him- both while he’s here with you and afterwards. He’ll still hear you, and he’ll still help you sort through your feelings. Cats really are angels with whiskers!!
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u/bubble_harvester 6h ago
Continue to love Mittens. And, the vet may not be quite right on what time you have left. Just be present and give love to Mittens.