Last night I came home from work in the early hours to find my beautiful little cat had passed away unexpectedly

I came into the living room as usual to greet her & saw her curled up on her favourite cushion on the sofa with a little smile on her face but when I stroked her she didn't wake up, took a while for my brother & myself to realise it wasn't just a deep sleep

I just can't get over how lively & normal she seemed even up until I left for work a few hours earlier (was only doing half a shift cover). She had been out in the sun with me whilst I hung out the washing & gobbled up her little crunchies when I put them out for her

I can only be grateful that she wasn't run over or ill for a long period (seemingly!) I hope she was as peaceful as she looked, I really do. I just feel so guilty that I wasn't there for her in her final moments

I can't stop thinking about her as she was pretty much my best friend (I do have Human friends mind!). As I work irregular shifts from the rest of my family & I'm pretty much on my own a lot in the house.. she was brilliant company & always got a lot of time on my lap or being given belly rubs or playing with her favourite toy. Even though she was just over 10 (not sure exactly as we rescued her) she still acted like a kitten when she wasn't snoozing

I just miss her ridiculously

RIP Jess

That is sooooooo sad I had to go cuddle my little Persian after reading it.

I hope you feel better soon

Such sad news. We always have our memories of happy times.

Captain, condolences for you on the loss of little Jess. But be happy in the knowledge that one day you'll be together again in the field on the other side of the rainbow.

I'm so sorry. I lost my darling cat Muffin last October... all I can say is look after yourself.

Sounds to me like it was a very peaceful passing.

Thinking of you.

thanks everyone, sorry to hear about Muffin, pinkster

I'm just looking through some pictures of her I have on my laptop, it feels so weird

http://i48.tinypic.com/zx8j9k.jpg

She loved that toy

http://i48.tinypic.com/300gysk.jpg

sunbathing

I'm so sorry to hear it. As a cat lover I can imagine your pain. My deep heartfelt sympathy.

Aww I'm sorry op. was she old? At least she went at home, obviously happy and content.

I'm so very sorry for your loss CaptainObvious xxx

she was around 10-11 we think

I'm really missing her still, I keep expecting her to gallop after me when I move anywhere

So sorry for the loss of your wee bundle of fluff. She was gorgeous. It sounds as though she had a very peaceful passing, still very hard for yourself though. Take care. x

thanks It's bothering me why I didn't spot any problems though, how can a cat just pass away like that- with no apparent problems. She was at the vets for a check up a month or two ago and got a clean bill of health I remember being so proud of how well behaved she was at the vets.

Can't believe my little loves has gone

Sorry for your loss. Hugs xx

So sorry for your loss. It sounds as though she went peacefully in her sleep which is the best any animal or human can hope to go.
You rescued her, loved her and gave her a wonderful life, for that she would have been very grateful.
Have comfort looking at pictures and take care

So sorry for your loss, but take comfort that she went peacefully curled up asleep in the place she loved and knew as her home.

So sad, Captain. You can comfort yourself that she went in her sleep, by the sound of it, and her favourite place. However long we have them, it's never long enough. x

Like Hogzilla says ... sleep is a good way to go. The loss will of course linger, but you will always remember.

What a beauty Jess was.

She knew she was loved and her passing must have been peaceful otherwise she wouldn't have had a smile on her face, take comfort from that.

Sorry to hear about your cat, but she went peacefully in her sleep.

Thanks again for the messages everyone. I appreciate your thoughts

I broke down a bit at work today & had to have 5 minutes to gather myself I actually feel sick when I think about it all but it's been constantly on my mind.

I just want her back

Found some little pawprints she had left on the windowsill today, that was her pathway to the driveway & next doors driveway (where she often sunbathed as well). Made me smile with the thought of her leaving them as a reminder of her.

We're getting her back in a little urn in a few weeks. I'm dreading seeing my once soft purry cat like that.

I'm so sorry for your loss - she was a beautiful cat, and obviously happy. It's no consolation, but she went the best way - happy and contented, in a place she felt safe and loved.

thankyou Yeah, I'm happy that she seemed peaceful & that it hadn't been painful for her. Just sorry that I was not with her at the time.

I really hope little Jess did know how much we loved her, although I guess the way she kneaded all the time & never seemed to stop purring suggests she did

She would have loved a nice sunny day like today

http://i40.tinypic.com/f1f0j.jpg

She was a beautiful cat - that is a lovely picture!

As to the BIB, I'd say that, yes, she knew perfectly well how much you all loved her.

I always get tears in my eyes whenever i hear of a cat passing away.
I had to hold back the tears.
I'm so sorry for your loss but like others said, passing away in your sleep is the best way to go as it's peaceful. Plus she was in a safe place and I'm sure she knew that she was loved.

It made me think of my cat as she is my best friend. I can only imagine how painful this is.

I'm so sorry to hear this. R.I.P Jess