My cat is going to die within the next year and a half and I can't find a way to cope

[scarletsnow]

I took my cat to the hospital yesterday after noticing he had rapid breathing.i thought maybe he was in pain or feeling sick. I left finding out that he has congestive heart failure and won't be with me that much longer. He's only seven. It's most likely genetic. I've cried at least eight times since finding out yesterday. I keep trying to find some calm but I can't. I think about it and just start again. Regular grief I can handle. But not knowing what time I have left and knowing he will never be the same cat that he was only days ago is destroying me. I can't sleep. I can't eat. I have to get going for him. And for my other cat. But I just don't know how. I feel horrible because my husband has had to constantly comfort me. I feel silly because I know other people won't understand my level of grief for a cat. But I don't have children. My cats are my everything.

[KayC]

I get it, I really do. My husband died 19 years ago last week and my service dog is my world, you get really close when they are all you have.  My kids don't live nearby and rarely call, don't hear from them on special days even, so it literally is my dog and my feral (outdoor only) cat.  I lost my last dog five years ago August and my 25 1/2 year old cat just 4 1/2 months later. Then Covid came, and 16 major hand injuries left me with 10 % strength.  I never thought I'd be growing old this alone.

My heart goes out to you.  When we have such  close tie to our animal, our routines evolve around and with them...it's very hard to lose them.  

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End Of Life Is Near

Grief Healing: Pet Loss: Afraid to Love My Remaining Pets