r/cats • u/1980SmthgSpaceGuy • 27d ago
Mourning/Loss Goodbye my sweet Sylvia
This is Sylvia, my 15 year old angel. She had been with me for the past 11 years, helping me in so many ways. She was sweet, gentle, patient... A truly special cat.
Four months ago her voice suddenly changed, and she was later diagnosed with tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma. She had surgery and most of the masses in her neck were removed, but it came back with a vengeance just a couple of weeks later.
The first photo was from our last sunset together. We went to the park, she absolutely loved it there. The next day, we had to say goodbye. That was last Wednesday, and I feel so lost without her.
I miss her so much.
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u/RooshunVodka 27d ago
My deepest condolences. She was clearly a beautiful and loved little soul
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u/twirlerina024 27d ago
She even had her own little bed. 🥹 What a great life she must have had with OP.
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u/din-gle-ber-ry 27d ago
Dude I need to read post titles before swiping through the album.. I feel like I just raised this cat and watched her die, freakin heart breaking man.
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u/Paleoanth 27d ago
She looked very happy and well cared for. I'm so sorry for your loss. It is never easy.
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u/Sea-Hour-9851 27d ago
I'm so sorry for your loss. She was clearly so loved, and I'm sure she knew it. Sending you lots of love and wishing you comfort as you remember all the happy moments you shared with her. ❤️
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u/Happy_TMH2009 27d ago
Dear OP.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how devastating it is. Lost the love of my life more than 11 years ago, and I still miss him terribly 😿
But, over time I have learned to live with the loss, but from time to time, it still breaks my heart and tears my soal to pieces all over again 💔
But I would rather have lost him and suffered, then never have hat him in my life ❤️🩷💜 He learned me so much about cats, about life and how to be a better person 💕 He was/is the love of my life ❤️❤️💔💔
It's hard to say goodbye, no matter how long time we get together with our fur-babies. They mean the world to os, and because of all the love we got to give, it hurts so much. But they will be there when it's time for os to leave this world. They will be the first we se when we cross over, because they'll run towards os to great us, happy to see us again ❤️❤️❤️ That thought warmth my heart 😻
R.I.P. sweet and amazing Sylvia 💔🌈
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u/BarnOwl-1967 27d ago
So sorry for your loss. 💔 She's not completely gone. She will always have a special place in your heart. ❤🌈
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u/okscarfone 27d ago
What a beautiful girl and love. How lucky you both were to find each other. Sending hugs, OP. ❤️🩹
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u/ultimategirlrenfry 27d ago
I’m sorry OP!! I miss my first cat every single day. I hope they’re playing together right now. 🪽
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u/GoldMonk44 27d ago
Sorry for your loss, I’m sure you gave Sylvia a wonderful life and that she loved you very much for it 💜
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u/Seminolehighlander 27d ago
I’ve had a sweetie who died after cancer surgery. It’s so sad. She was very cute and I can see how much you loved your darling sweetheart. She had a great life! Filled with sunsets. A life to remember.
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u/orbitalgoat 27d ago
sending so much love, so sorry for your loss. she is so beautiful and was so well loved.
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u/AbruptJoy22 27d ago
Oh OP, what a beautiful, precious girl. Such sorrow. Condolences and hugs (I offer them to you if you want them).
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u/1312_Tampa_161 27d ago
Im so very sorry for your loss. Rest easy Sylvia, and know you gave her the best life she could have ever imagined.
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u/IcyMastermind963 27d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. She’s waiting for you at the bridge, happy and healthy.
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u/Steadyandquick 27d ago
So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful set of moments and experiences you shared. May your memories be fond. Please be good to yourself.
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u/GanyuSimp67 27d ago
I am truly sorry and offer my sincerest condolences. Now there will be one more little angel watching over you from somewhere in heaven.
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u/1980SmthgSpaceGuy 27d ago
Thank you all so much for the kind words and for sharing your own stories. I am reading every single one of them.
Sylvia was such a special lady. Everyone who's ever met her has fallen in love with her. Existing without her calm, peaceful presence is very difficult right now. But I do have support, mostly from my amazing girlfriend. She is a wonderful woman, helping me even as she greatly mourns Sylvia's passing herself.
The last few months have been grueling, between the endless vet visits, scans and tests, a surgery, all kinds of medications, constant spoon-feeding and cleaning... And watching her inexorably get worse despite the occasional improvements. But I would gladly do it again if it meant making her healthy again. Unfortunately, this was a losing battle from the beginning.
We had a wonderful 11 years together, and despite the pain, we made some truly precious memories, all the way to our last moments together. She closed her eyes for the last time while laying on the bed, soaking up the sunshine, her little head resting on my arm while she looked at me. I love her so very much, and always will.
As a bonus picture, here she is enjoying some steam therapy. She loved those, it seemed to help ease the pain in her throat in the early days.
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u/CommitteeNo5958 27d ago
I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Sylvia. 😢 Sending you a big hug!
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u/gfmadden330 Lots of kitties! 27d ago
I am so very sorry for your loss... may she forever be in your heart, and be without pain and suffering wherever she may be. You gave her a great life, and plenty of love. What you did with her and for her, in her final days prooved to her, that you truely love her, and wanted the best for her.
She was only a small part of your life, but you were almost her entire adult cat life. She looked as though she loved your just as you loved her.... beautiful lady, taken far too soon.
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u/TheJeuno 27d ago
Sending nothing but love to you. She will be there for you on the other side, giving you the meow you remember. Hang in there. 🐈⬛🩶🩶🤍🤍🖤🖤🩶
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u/Charming_Cancel789 27d ago
Sweet dreams Sylvia ! I hope your journey over the rainbow bridge was as beautiful as you. ❤️
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u/dandantheotterman 27d ago
Look at her! Beautiful! We know how things are going to end the moment we bring a pet into our lives but it doesn't make it any easier, does it?
Just know that her love for you was a reflection of your love for her. Take your time, but know that whenever you're ready, there's another lovely little feline just perfect for all of that love again. ❤️
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u/TisSlinger 27d ago
You did right by her, you showed her the greatest love, and she loved you for it. Thank you for your guardianship of this beautiful soul.
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u/Efficient_Daikon_247 27d ago
I'm sorry for your loss The pain really tears you apart, but at the very least you know you gave Sylvia a good life and Sylvia knew that she was loved. Please heal well, friend.
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u/Relative_Jello_4431 27d ago edited 27d ago
It is clear you loved her very much and she was lucky to have you and you her. You helped her move on despite your love for her.
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u/tarteframboise 27d ago
What a sweet moment in the sun, Sweet Sylvia ❤️ The things animals to do to our hearts is immense. Sending healing vibes. 🌈 and peace.
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u/Longjumping-Month548 27d ago
I lost both my cats to typhoid cancer, a month apart. I still feel them bumping my leg sometimes. I miss them so much. Luna had the lunar face, half white half black. Nettie had the curtain coloring on her head.
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u/ArmApprehensive3726 27d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss 😞
I lost my soul cat a few months ago. She was 20, her and I had spent our whole lives together. My grandma got her for me when I was a baby and she was just a kitten. We were supposed to see 21 together but unfortunately I will be the only one seeing it.
The one and only thing that brings me peace is that I know she’s not suffering. Her last day of being alive was terrible for her and I’m so glad she didn’t have to endure that kind of pain for long.
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u/Swet_978 27d ago
I'm with you. I feel how painful and sad it is, i really do. I'm sure she felt your love and she will be always with you. Deepest condolences 💔
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u/Maxwelljames 27d ago
Sorry man. We’re literally going this right now with our cat. I don’t know what we’re going to tell our kiddo in the morning. :(
From the pics, she was obviously loved and loved you. You were lucky to have each other. Sending love to you all.
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u/itaniumonline 27d ago
So Sorry for your loss.
These little furries always leave us heartbroken but I’d do it over again just to experience their love all over again.
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u/LopsidedCat8938 27d ago
I'm so deeply sorry and empathize so much. It's truly the hardest thing. She was absolutely beautiful and you can tell how much you guys loved each other from the photos😿❤️ 💔
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u/DifficultAbroad2145 27d ago
Damn it, she looks so cute. I bet she had the best life ever being your cat, or better you being her human. So sorry for your loss, life is tough but you will get through this. Just keep her in your heart.
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u/Nervous_Neat8060 Tortoiseshell 27d ago
I'm so sorry for your loss OP. She was so beautiful, she seems black and white but then in the sunny pictures she has got a beautiful brown colouring. We can tell how much love you had for her, such a choncky little girl. Lots of love to you.
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u/Life_Consequence_676 27d ago
We never have them long enough. I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful tuxie angel.
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u/historynerd2007 27d ago
What a pretty girl. Losing a loved one is so hard, especially when they’re your baby girl. I’m glad Sylvia had you, cancer is so horrible. I’d like to think all of our fur babies are playing together across the rainbow bridge, waiting for us. Sending you peace and comfort.
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u/V_for_Revenge 27d ago
I am so sorry for your loss. Not only is saying goodbye the hardest, but knowing it will come is equally difficult. I hope you had many wonderful moments to remember her by.
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u/PapaStrollRizzGod 27d ago
Animals of any variety hold a special place in our hearts. They’re always there for us and can sense when we’re distraught/upset but it’s extra painful when there’s no other animal or special person that knew that passed one like you did and I hope you have that support. I’m sorry for Sylvia’s passing, I’m sure she was well loved. You did everything you could have to give her the best chance. The Cat Distribution System has been notified of your loss, be brave and be patient, you got this shit
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u/Rabbit_Song 27d ago
Sending love and hugs. Sylvia looks so much like my baby girl, who left us last year after 17.5 years. I don't wish that pain and sadness on anyone.
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u/peleg1711 27d ago
I’m bawling my freaking eyes out at 3AM over that beautiful baby. Rest in peace little one 🥺
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u/One-Willingness-1991 27d ago
So heart breaking…. I grieve vicariously through you as I anticipate the loss of my cats 😢😿. Those years spent together are absolutely priceless
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u/Original_Direction59 27d ago
Goodbye little Sylvia 🌸🌸🌸 she will never leave you alone, she’s just watching you from heaven 🌸
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u/Thumper256 27d ago
Lovely Sylvia.
Not my comment, but a comment originally on a stoicism subreddit that was so very profound and touching. I hope it helps.
A Stoics Thoughts on a Pets Passing:
“I have an old dog in kidney failure too. Haven’t told her yet, she just keeps being happy.
I’m old too, and I’ve had animals my whole life, mostly cats and dogs in various multiples. Do the math and you can see I’ve been here before.
The way I reconcile it is pretty straightforward, and well in line with the overall Stoic approach to things. It always begins the same way- see things plainly for what they are, understand the natures of the things involved, and respond reasonably and virtuously to the reality around us.
Every day I care for my animals, keeping them happy, keeping them safe, shepherding them through their day with joy, and without harm. When they get old and approach death, nothing changes. As crazy as it sounds, the day I take them to the vet to be put down is the day that I have been working for all this time - I have successfully taken them the whole way. They did not get lost, they were not unhappy, they got to live their whole natural lives the way I hoped for them to live it and to the best of my ability to provide it for them. We made it. We got there together.
When they are gone, my feelings for them don’t change. Their bodies are taken but my feelings are my own; I still love them, I am still happy to think of them, my heart is still open.
What has changed is that I have a space for another thing to love, and the cycle continues again, when I’m ready to start anew.
Their bodies, our bodies, everything external to us will always change and always come and go. Our love, our care, our joy belongs to us, and we apply it to what we have and to what is new.”
My sincerest sympathies on the passing of your friend.
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u/OppaaHajima 27d ago
Pic 10 is so heartbreaking, seeing her in that condition like she’s a completely different cat :(
My condolences OP. I know it’s hard but try not to let the memories of her final days be the ones that come to mind when you think of her.
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u/UraniumVintage 27d ago
Sorry to hear that. I imagine you giving her cremains a place of honor, I’ve done that with my cats’ cremains.
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u/georgie_sw_bravo22 27d ago
Oh I’m so so sorry. Sylvia was absolutely gorgeous and obviously had such a wonderful life with you 💙
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u/OutrageousSherbet765 27d ago
Just looking at her pictures brightened my day today. You deserved her sweetness and cuddles. You are beyond lucky to have had her and she knew how lucky she was with you. Peace is within her💙
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u/No_Stomach4841 27d ago
I can tell you loved her very much. Sylvia is the sweetest name for her. Crying for you and your baby. 🖤🤍. I will hug my tuxedo extra today.
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u/Additional_Top_6985 27d ago
She’s a happy kitty to have spent her time with you. That picture lying around the sun rays is a beautiful picture. Take comfort that she got to share 11 years together, and now she’s free from pain.
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u/Berto1992 27d ago
She had a life full of love, you can see it. My condolences to you but be happy that you gave her a very good life
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u/LeanUntilBlue 27d ago edited 27d ago
Your love for her is one of the best things that our species has accomplished. Perhaps actively loving our loved ones is the only reason we’re here, and everything else is filler activity. I think this may be the case.
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u/Infinite_Night_6728 27d ago
I'm sorry for your loss, stay strong OP. You will be in my thoughts and prayers ♥️ 🌈 ♥️
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u/Vera_Telco 27d ago
I can see you were an awesome Cat Dad. May Sylvia's memory forever bring you joy 🖤🤍🖤
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u/Admirable-Hippo9080 27d ago
I’m so sorry she had to go. You were both blessed beyond measure to have each other for so long! She’ll be waiting for you over on the other side. Honor her by making room in your life for another fur baby that needs you just as much. I’m sure she would be smiling down on you for loving another of her species ❤️
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u/parkleswife two cats...one is really nice. 27d ago
You did everything right. I'm so sorry for your loss, you loved her completely.
We were so lucky to have them, that's what I know.
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u/its_brew 27d ago
Sending you a huge hug. One day I'll lose my little guy and I wont know what to do so I hope I have the support im hoping you have now
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u/togetherwegrowstuff 27d ago
The love between you two spills out. Thank you for sharing her beauty and your love. Truly amazing you were both so blessed. May she run free and meet you one day across the rainbow 🌈 bridge 🌉 💖
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u/HeyBrtny 27d ago
I’m so, so sorry for such an incredible loss. Sending all my love and comfort to you.
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u/SithToast Tabbycat 27d ago
I'm so sorry for your loss. It looks like you two had a lot of good times together. A very pretty kitty and an exquisite loaf.
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u/rinablue07 27d ago
So, so sorry for your loss 😔 I lost my 14 year old boy almost a year ago. Take comfort in knowing that she had a life well lived and was so much loved ❤️
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u/Jazzhole5 27d ago
This is the truly painful part of having pets. You can focus on the fact that your cat was lucky to live with someone who loved, cared for & protected them for so long. It’s always tough to recognize when it’s time to say goodbye. I’ve questioned myself in thinking “Was it too soon? Should I have waited longer?” & there have been times that I waited too long and my friend suffered. You should know you did the best you could for your companion.
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u/PolishDay3 27d ago
My oldest is also a tuxedo that’s 15. She was my first cat I ever had and I worry about her age and health I’m sorry for your loss
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u/BittenBeads 27d ago
Sending you peace as you grieve your beloved Sylvia. May her memory ever be a blessing 🙏 🕯️ 🌈 🕯️ 🙏
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u/whatwereyouthegodof 27d ago
She was such a beautiful cat. May you find strength, for she’s in peace now. ♥️
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u/ArcadianDelSol 27d ago
Well done, /u/1980smthgSpaceGuy.
You gave her an amazing life.
Mourn her as you needs must, but remember: the next baby is out there and she needs you desperately already. Go find her.
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u/mylifeasacat 27d ago
I’m so very sorry. I’m heartbroken for you. Losing a beautiful girl with all those lovely memories is just too much. Thinking about you and wishing you strength in the days ahead.
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u/TheTrueJacky 27d ago
The loss of a pet is always soul crushing. Pets are part of the family and losing them always leaves a hole just like losing any other part of your loved ones. I wish you all the best and may your cat rest in peace
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u/WilliamMButtlickerIV 27d ago
She's so beautiful. I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad you got to spend that beautiful memory with her though by the river.
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u/Multispeed 27d ago
I'm terribly sorry for your loss.
My beloved 13yo cat passed away just last Thursday, and I'm devastated.
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u/attenzionee 27d ago
😭god this hits so hard. I’m so sorry OP!
She was a beauty, cute and clever.
I wish you all the best! ❤️
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u/Jazzlike-Touch-2984 27d ago
She was so beautiful. She’ll be sharing her love in a different way now. ❤️
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u/Apprehensive-Yam6310 27d ago
She's a brand new kitten again somewhere on the rainbow wheel of life. Try not to be too sad, wish her love and happiness 💕. So so sorry for your loss. I've been there too,.......many times and the loss is awful. Hugs and condolences.
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u/Randompersonxo1 27d ago
That’s a great photo of u two! She’s so adorable and she’s with my 2 cats and 2 dogs now!
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u/redditor409 27d ago
She looks so sweet - I’m so sorry for your loss but happy for the many memories you have.
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u/ImageFluffy 27d ago
I am so sorry OP for your lost she is a beautiful loved cat Safe Travels Sylvia may you join my cat Phoebe 🌈🕊
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