[Octopuss]

I had to put my beautiful blue burmese boy to sleep last week.

I just miss him so much. I hate the night the most as that is when we would cuddle up together when the kids had gone to bed.

He was my shadow and I couldn't sit down without him sitting on my lap or laying on my head in bed.

I feel so guilty for making the choice to have him put to sleep. In my heart I feel like I could have done more but in my head I know that I gave him many chances.

The history is that he turned aggressive against his brother and sister a year ago. We had moved house and there were many cats wandering the neighbourhood and they would come into our yard. Benson couldn't defend his territory as he was a house cat, so therefore redirected his aggression to those he could attack (his brother and sister).

After many trips to the vet and different types of calming/depression medications, nothing worked. We ended up giving away his brother as they were fighting the most. Things got better and there were only one or two spats with his sister in a six-month period. However after we moved home 3 weeks ago, it all started again thanks to him spotting the neighbour's cat at our back door.

Last Tuesday he ferociously attacked his sister and after the fight was over and my girl locked away, my Mum gave him a pat to calm him down (she was here looking after the kids whilst I was at work), and he turned and bit her. She needed 3 stitches and a tetanus.

It was after that that I took him to the vet to be put down.

I know he would have been going through a stressful time with a new house, etc, which is why I feel so guilty that I didn't give him a chance to adjust.

And now my poor little girl looks so lost without him. Despite the attack, she loved him so much and they were always cuddled up together. They were great mates.

Here he is here with his sister, Lila.



RIP Benson

Euphoria Blue Bayou
"Benson"
29.6.03 - 13.5.08

[Cherylle]

RIP Benson, not an easy decision to make Octopuss

[burmeselover]

I'm really sorry... RIP Benson.

[CatsRU]

RIP Benson

A very hard decision but I think you made the right choice given the circumstances. Lots of cyber hugs to you.

[Doreen]

RIP Benson, and sending you a

[elizabethac29]

Oh, such a hard decision for you, but the best one. He bit your Mum, but it could have been one of your children.

Around 16 years ago my little Australian Terrier snapped and nipped my then one year old. OH said it would sort itself out. A few days later, he bit him and he needed 3 butterfly clips (being so young, he was up to date with his tetnus shots). Believe me, I could show no mercy, it was too risky, it could happen again with worse results. It was the doctor first, then the vet. I was devastated and blamed myself for letting him in the house. Today I see my decision as the only right decision.

I am sorry that you have had this experience. My thoughts and prays are with you.

RIP Benson!

[TopCat3]

A heartbreaking situation and a very tough decision.

I know you must feel terrible and torn.

My thoughts are with you. Know that your blue boy is now at peace, because he wasn't in his latter days.

Hard to know what to say, I hope that wasn't clumsy

[Cher]

RIP Benson. Hugs for you.

[charleycat]

At peace now Benson. No more stress...

[Octopuss]

I am hurting so much tonight.

We looked at a kitten on the weekend and I explained to the breeder what had happened over the course of the past year and how distressing it had been.

Tonight when I called to say we would like said kitten, she said that she had been thinking a lot about our situation and couldn't understand why I had put a healthy young cat to sleep.

This has devastated me. She does not know the heartbreak and stress we have been through (me in particular) over the past 12 months with the problems Benson had.

I felt as though she was basically saying that I think cats are disposable and didn't try to help Benson overcome his issues.

This is not true and we tried everything we could think of to help him. In the end even the vet agreed there was nothing more to be done and that he was not a candidate for rehoming due to his unpredictable temperament.

I am so upset because although I know deep down that I did what I had do, that big part of me that misses him terribly is still regretting my actions and wishing I could have done more. I didn't need someone who didn't even know the full story judge my actions.

I haven't stopped crying since.

Needless to say I won't be getting the kitten - I don't want one anymore. I am hurting too much again. I will be happy with my girl and leave it at that for now.

[burmeselover]

I'm really sorry that the breeder did not understand.

Last year, my male Burmese had urine spraying and aggression issues triggered by stray cats spraying urine on our house. He changed from his sooky, smoochy self into a very different pacing caged tiger who didn't want cuddles and wanted to attack my other cat. I was lucky to be able to treat and manage his behavioural problems and I have my cuddly boy back.

I can totally understand where you're coming from - it is a devastating thing to have to deal with when your cat changes and isn't happy and friendly any more. It's even harder to have to make that decision to put your loved pet to sleep but I know that you did it for the right reasons after trying everything to help him.

[Heather Sharada]

I am sorry that you had to make that tough call for your boy and also sorry that the breeder did not understand....but although it is causing you pain at the moment I think it is the right choice to wait for a time and see whether you feel the need for another cat a little later down the track....there is plenty of time.

Just give your girl lots of attention Burmese make loving single cats and don't have to live in pairs....I am sure she will adjust....and please send some peaceful thoughts towards the spirit of Benson RIP so that he knows yours was a decision of love and rests peacefully.

[Anna]

I agree with Heather, it sounds as though waiting (even if it's forced) is the best thing to do right now. No one would ever tell you how long you 'should' wait to get another kitten, only you know that, but from your post it sounds as though the situation with the breeder has allowed you to recognise that now is too soon for you.

I had my burmese on his own for 4 years or so and he was completely fine. They're arrogant enough to feel as though they're the centre of the universe

[pretzellover]

I too feel like I need another gentle soul to plug the sadness in my heart. Tread slowly, give yourself time, time to accept the situation you were in, and heal. As much as our animals are our family, we need to accept reality how it is. Healing hugs to you and your entire family. Liz