I'm very close to the end....and it scares me

1 of the 2 biggest things that has kept me going has been my cat. Not everyone understands this. He has been an emotional support for me. When I am sad he always wants to snuggle with me and tries to make me happy. When I am at my lowest he never leaves my side. Now it looks like his time is going to end soon. Once he goes that is going to be a massive blow to me. I don't know if I can handle that. Even talking about it like this seems stupid. Why the F* would I get so attached to a stupid animal? To me he is my son. I don't have any kids and can't have any. Since adopted him we have both grown close to each other.

I'm very sorry to hear that about your cat. It's not stupid at all. I have a cat that snuggles with me when I'm upset at night and sleeps on my chest and a beagle that cuddles with me in the recliner when I'm upset during the day. They truly are emotional support animals to me. I understand how upset you would be.

You said we. Is there somebody else with you who can support you through this? They would probably be devestated to lose you.

Sending you a big hug

There's no shame in being emotionally attached to an animal. It's still a living creature I'm sorry you're not doing well.

I'm so very sorry to hear that. I can't imagine how difficult this must be. I agree with what's been said; there's no shame. It's not at all inappropriate to grieve for an animal.

Sending big hugs your way.

I am so sorry to hear this. I know exactly what this feels like. It's an insanely desperate feeling that unfortunately all owners have to feel at some point. All I can say is what I believe -- that we'll see them again one day when we go too. Good luck with everything, and I'm sending hugs your way.

I felt the same way when I lost my baby Mabel back in 2016. She had been with me since kindergarten, almost fifteen whole years. When my mom told me she had passed, I literally screamed. I was sobbing uncontrollably, unable to understand what had just been told to me. I cried for a long time, too. I cried for months. But six months went by, and that pain turned to an ache -- I still missed her, but found that I was comforted by the thought that I had ever been blessed with her in the first place. The pain turned into an ache, into a tired thankfulness that has not faded. I constantly remember her sweet spirit and am again reminded that I'll see her again. Hang in there.

Just feel like I should be stronger than this. I should step up and be more of a man.

So sorry. I know how great animals can be for you. Do you consider getting a new cat so the transistion period is short. That might be really good for you.

I already have 2 others. I'm just not as close to those two as I am the oldest.

Loving and even depending on pet to help you get through the day is not a bad thing!! They are part of our family. I know how you feel...my kids are growing up, and they're literally my entire life. I have no life otherwise, no significant other, no friends, etc. My pets are my babies and help me as I realize how much lonelier I get as my wonderful boys grow up.

It doesn't make you weird, or less of a man in any way!!!

Pets are family!!!!!

God bless

I understand this. When I was very depressed I spent a lot of time very worried about my dogs dying. I obsessed about it. I almost couldn't love them because I was so wrapped up in them dying someday. Once the depression cleared I starting seeing things differently. I wrote something about it to remind myself in case I ever get depressed again, or in case I need to read it when my dog does die. I'm going to link to it if you'd like to read it. I hope it helps you in some way.
Pet Loss: Finding Peace for A Broken Heart - Winterbritt