Loss of one of twin house cats - anything to do for the cat now on their own?

ic

On Wednesday morning I found my 2yr 9mth old cat Brooke in a sorry state. The vet immediately recognised her as having suffered a heart attack, and confirmed this with an x-ray. Despite the help of medication, after a tough fight over the next day Brooke was unable to clear the fluid that had built in her lungs as a result and her condition didn't improve, even if she had, the heart defect she had meant she would always be at risk of a further heart attack at any time. We took the only option and she was put to sleep on Thursday morning.

This now leaves us with Bowie, her big brother, all on his own. The pair have been with me since being two months old, are both deaf and remained in doors as house cats (we live on a main road). I always planned to keep them as house cats and this was the reason for getting two so that they could keep one another company. I only learned they were deaf in the first few weeks. My partner moved in with us in the last year - so there are now two of us living here to keep Bowie company.

I'm now concerned about how the loss of Brooke will affect Bowie. Whilst they both had their own independence around the house, there were times when they'd play and sleep together, and they'd always eat together and would gang up to demand a feed each evening. Over the past day Bowie has been leaving the room and crying out in the next, before coming back. I'm reading this as him looking for her.

Brooke and Bowie always had an abundance of toys available, though both rarely showed interest in these in the past year as they grew older. Brooke played with the carrier bags she pulled out of the cupboard, whilst Bowie seemed content to watch her.

Do I need to worry, or will he just adapt? Has anybody experienced this? Any recommendations?





Goodbye Brooke, you are sorely missed and brightened all our lives

Elle7

He will look for her...its heartbreaking to see, but even when he is used to being the cat of the household, he'll still have moments of looking for her.

Cats tend to adapt well...he might be lonely at first, so extra fuss will be appreciated, to help him adjust. If he is the kind of cat who likes to play, new toys might be a good distraction at first too. He will adjust, though.

As they were siblings, did the vet discuss whether this was likely to be hereditary? If it is, starting a mild diuretic now might be beneficial, or even a heart medication - your vet would be the best person to ask, though, because each case is different, and they might prefer to just monitor her closely to check for any sign of heart problems which could otherwise be missed, like the beginning of a heart murmur.

I'm really sorry for your loss, she was a beautiful cat. RIP, Brooke.

All the best x

3v3

OH how sad! So sorry to hear of your loss. I have two cats (brothers) and I'm sure this is something I will need to face one day.

Beautiful cats btw.

ic

Elle7 wrote: »

As they were siblings, did the vet discuss whether this was likely to be hereditary? If it is, starting a mild diuretic now might be beneficial, or even a heart medication - your vet would be the best person to ask, though, because each case is different, and they might prefer to just monitor her closely to check for any sign of heart problems which could otherwise be missed, like the beginning of a heart murmur.

I did ask about this at the time, as we were fast to diagnose at the time as my parents have another brother from the same litter who was diagnosed with heart failure about six months ago and takes heart and water tablets to keep it in check. When I return to the vets to drop off the insurance forms I'll ask about this again. When I asked I was told they could only do an x-ray and that the distress of that was not fair on the cat. I hadn't thought there was maybe the option of a mild preventative prescription.

As for losing one of them, it has been the most heart-wrenching day of my life. I'd occasionally thought ahead to the day I might lose one and it brought a tear to my eye - but I always thought as house cats in a safe environment they would enjoy a full 18+ year life. Previously to this the other loses in my life were "expected" - family and pets had fallen ill over time and I'd had time to prepare myself mentally for the upset that was to come. With Brooke she went from top physical fitness one night, to a shadow the following day - there was absolutely no sign of what was to come.

Thanks both for your kind words.

Elle7

ic wrote: »

I did ask about this at the time, as we were fast to diagnose at the time as my parents have another brother from the same litter who was diagnosed with heart failure about six months ago and takes heart and water tablets to keep it in check. When I return to the vets to drop off the insurance forms I'll ask about this again. When I asked I was told they could only do an x-ray and that the distress of that was not fair on the cat. I hadn't thought there was maybe the option of a mild preventative prescription.

As for losing one of them, it has been the most heart-wrenching day of my life. I'd occasionally thought ahead to the day I might lose one and it brought a tear to my eye - but I always thought as house cats in a safe environment they would enjoy a full 18+ year life. Previously to this the other loses in my life were "expected" - family and pets had fallen ill over time and I'd had time to prepare myself mentally for the upset that was to come. With Brooke she went from top physical fitness one night, to a shadow the following day - there was absolutely no sign of what was to come.

Thanks both for your kind words.

It might depend on the condition, as to whether there is a preventative prescription available, but I've never really had a problem with getting one. Diuretics won't stop the onset of a heart attack but keeps the system moving, to prevent fluid build up around the heart - this is vital when treating any type of heart disease, as the fluid builds up to the chest and can cause bloating and discomfort, as well as putting more pressure on the heart.

The grief is horrible. I lost my dog to heart failure just before Christmas, and yesterday I was crying all morning because I missed him so much. He was my best friend...it was obvious the end had to be when it was, but I hyperventilated in the room, and the nurses kept saying if I wasn't ready I should take him home or I'd never forgive myself. It was time, but I miss him immensely, and I'd give anything to have him back.

Most of the time, though, I remember the happy times and it gives you a warm feeling inside. And I'm sure that Bowie will keep you company. They are such gorgeous cats!

rising_from_the_ashes

Awww, Brooke, taken to soon, you must be needed for something very special. Run free at the bridge wee one, play hard.

So much sad news today....

Bowie, wee man, your sister will miss you just as much.

OP, so, so sorry. I would certainly pop back to your vet for a chat/check up especially as there cat from the same litter with problems too. Wishing you luck

Sagz_2

I had a pair of deaf brother cats, Mutt & Jeff. When Jeff died, he was about 14, Mutt looked and called for him and was quiet for a while (about 10 days or so) but seemed to come to terms with life without him. I did have other cats as well and but Mutt didn't really pal up with any of them, he lived happily for another 2 year withough his borther.

Sorry for your loss OP, and Bowie x

Mama_Cat

I'm so sorry to hear of your sad loss ((hugs))

I had a brother and sister since they were kittens and who grew up together as indoor cats. Sadly, the boy cat died when he was six of an unknown illness after a month of nursing him without success. They were never especially close, as yours were, but for a week or so afterwards, Beaumont, the girl cat, would act as if he was still around. Dare I say it - almost as if his 'aura' or 'vibes' remained in the house for a little while after he had gone.

I'm sure animals also feel loss, maybe not in the same way as humans, but they are aware of changes. Bowie will know Brooke is no longer there and he may well be looking for her, but he will adjust and lots of fuss will help both of you through this sad time.