Oldest cat is no more. He died in battle this morning, having been attacked by a couple of foxes. He was very old and frail, and they may not have realised that he wasn't already dead, lying asleep in his flowerbed. Also, he was deaf so couldn't hear them coming. His leg was broken, and the vet agreed that it would be kinder to have him put down, rather than prolong his suffering. I'm really sad, but he had a great and long life, and he died fighting. RIP Warrior Cat.

That's so sad.

RIP brave kitty

Thats so sad, bless his little heart. So sorry for your loss

That's made me feel sad, I hope he didn't suffer too much. I'm really sorry for your loss.

So sad I'm sorry for your loss.

Thanks, everyone. It was a horrible thing to happen, but fortunately he didn't suffer too much, and when I left him (I couldn't stay for him to be injected, it was too much), he was peaceful and not in pain, so we said our goodbyes. We could have tried to treat him, but at his age (he was 20 years old), the vet and I agreed that it was time to call it a day. I'm OK most of the time, then I just keep crying about it, I really didn't see it coming and didn't have time to prepare. I'm glad I was around, though, can't imagine how awful it would have been if it happened when I was out.

That's so sad. Sorry for your upset. It's a bad time of year for foxes because there are a lot of semi-adult cubs around and they are hunting with their parents. Friends saw three foxes carrying off hens at the weekend - out of the outbuilding right opposite (about 10 metres away) from the kitchen door of the house.

Poor old boy. RIP

Thats so sad.My ginger tom is 21,and he sleeps out in the warm weather.We have foxes in our back garden.

Gosh Susie, so sorry. I never even thought of the risk to cats from foxes, but one of my two cats is a real nighttime adventurer so it's something to be aware of.

This was actually in broad daylight, at around 10 a.m.! I don't let my cats out at night any more. I think it was simply a case of the young foxes finding an old and frail animal, and doing what they do, sadly. I don't think the foxes will forget the encounter, though, old cat got a nice chunk of ear between his teeth!

I'm obviously very upset that he's gone, but it has saved us the agony of making a decision further down the line, which I suspect we would have had to do in the near future.

susie i am so sorry for your loss but i think in the circumstances you made the right decision not an easy one thinking of you x

oh I am so sorry for your brave boy,may he rest in peace. I am in tears typing this..blimming foxes. THINKING OF YOU X

Thank you all for your sympathy and good wishes, it's really helped. I know some people think we're mad to care so much about the death of an animal, but other pet owners understand that they're really members of the family.

It's awful when the time comes to say goodbye to your pet, especially if you weren't expecting it, but the only thing you can do is what is best for the animal, and in that respect, I know I did the right thing. We have lots of pictures of our cat in his prime, and many beautiful memories.

This is so sad. I'm sorry this has happened. You are right how some don't understand about what our pets mean to us. They are more than pets really. I think of mine as my babies. I do everything for them.

I hope you are ok.

So sorry Susie, this is so sad he was indeed a brave cat my heart goes out to you xx

Aww so sorry to hear about your cat

20 yrs is a good age - did you have him from a kitten ?

Am sending you great big hugs at this sad time.

I think the worse thing is that you weren't prepared and when it comes to you like that...it's awful. I went through simialr thing last year with my Suschi. She was around 17yrs old but very fit and healthy. She was fine and dandy one day, 2days later we had to have her put to sleep due to injuries beyond help. The pain will begin to get easier to deal with, just remember your cat was loved and had a wonderful life. Cherish that.

Thank you for your good wishes. The suddenness was certainly one of the worst things, and the circumstances, obviously - wasn't really expecting Nature in the raw on my front doorstep at 10 a.m.!

I wouldn't have wanted it to happen this way, but when you think about it, there's really NO good way for a pet to die - you'll always feel sad. Best way would have been for him to pass in his sleep, but this almost never happens with animals.

I can't deny that for the past couple of years, when oldest cat had a variety of illnesses, including thyroid and heart disease, and had to be "pilled" every morning, which he hated, it was pretty hard work. I did it gladly, I'd have done whatever it took to give him a reasonable quality of life, but I also suspect that he was just reaching that point at which a decision would have to have been made anyway.

It's been lovely to read all your supportive posts, you're all very nice people, and my heart goes out to anyone else who is in my situation. All you can do is love and enjoy your pet when they're alive, try to make sure that they don't suffer, and cherish your memories.

Hi Tissy

We had him from about 18 months old, he was a rescue cat. He was very loving, but always quite timid - I used to say he had self-esteem problems!

Sorry for your loss susie, at least you have some wonderful memories to cherish

Just to add that yesterday we had a lovely note from our vet's practice, saying how sorry they were and wishing us well. I thought that was really kind of them - it doesn't take much, but it makes such a difference.

I agree it does make a difference, our vets did this when we lost Charlie last year from heart failure aged 4, it is such a kind gesture I know our vets did everything they could to help and we were really touched that they had sent us a card we only live across the road from the vets and they had all gotten to know him very well.

I'm late reading this but sorry about your loss Susie.
Your cat was a grand age, about the same as mine (PTS on 14 May).
I wanted her to go in her sleep, but it didn't happen.
I'm glad you have a good vets, ours were brilliant too.
Take care,
Mic

aww sorry to hear about your cat When my eldest cat of 19 passed away couple years ago, i was heart broken, but i found a poem that gave me comfort...

Friend, please don't mourn for me.
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day.
and within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart.
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I'll never wander out of your sight.
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.
I'm the colourful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep.
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!