My 13 yrold cat died & my son & I are so sad...why did he die?

Question
My cat Smokey Jo I have had for a little under 13 years. I came home from work last thursday & found him lying across my 12 year old sons pillow on his bed, dead. I was absolutelty devastated. I am glad my son didnt get home before I did to see that. Our cat was a bit over weight & had bad breathe. Other than that he was happy, healthy & very cuddly & loved by me & my son. I took him to his routine appts @ the vets as well & he was updated on all shots. The morning of, before he   died he was fine. He was up moving around & even the night before he was lying on me purring. ALthough my son & i have noticed him going behind the TV a few times prior (which ne never went behind the TV as there are cords & sm corner area) & also sleeping for longer periods of time. When i found him I thought he was sleeping until I laid my head on him. "Dear God", this was only a week ago, & i just feel it wasnt his time. He used to be an outdoor cat until about 4 years ago we kept him in. My son would bring him into bed with him every single night & referred to Smokey as his "best friend". I have cried alot, & more so @ night when my son is sleeping. We have talked about getting another cat in the spring. Why do you think he passed?? There were no signs of sickness, & I am just racking in my head over & over..why?? He always had fresh food & water. I even would leave the tub water dripping for him as he liked to lay in the bathtub. And to see my cat lying horizontally on my sons pillow, did he know he was going to die before hand?? Anything would help? I miss him, terribly. And have went through everything in my head as to why he passed?

Answer
Lisa,

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your loyal furry friend. It's tough to know what may have taken him so suddenly and your veterinarian is able to perform a necropsy which is an autopsy for animals. This may provide you with answers, however it's not without cost. Your kitty may have had a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm or a fast spreading infection that took him from you. I know that finding out exactly why Smokey died isn't really going to offer much comfort. I do think that it would be wise to allow yourself to grieve and help your son to find his own way of dealing with Smokey's sudden death. Remember Smokey's love, his unique quirks and what made him an important part of your family. You may find that Smokey has left behind big paws to fill, when you're ready to open your home and hearts to another kitty you just might have to adopt more than one lucky feline. Don't bother listening to people who make comments like "It's just a cat, get another one and get over it!" The human animal bond is an incredibly special one that deserves recognition and respect. I think that it might be a healing exercise to sit down with your son in a quiet moment and create a collage of Smokey's pictures, it will help you to remember happier times which is quite simply good for the heart and soul.

I know how tough it is to lose a special animal companion, but I do think that considering providing a home to one or more homeless cats or kittens when you've had some time to grieve the loss of your friend would be an especially healing thing to do. I'm sure that Smokey Jo would have wanted you to honor him by saving the life of a shelter kitty, after all he knows just how much you loved him and that love never dies. I would like to share a piece of writing that has been helpful in allowing countless people to grieve the loss of their special animal friend. I truly hope that this helps you and your son during the difficult process of grieving. I believe that there are activities on pet loss web sites geared towards helping young children to cope with the death of their special friend. You, your son and Smokey Jo will be in my thoughts and prayers, and I truly hope that this offers a measure of comfort that helps to deal with the sudden loss of your furry friend.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

I do wish that I could offer more in the way of answers, but that's not part of my expertise. I do however want you to know that you, your son and Smokey Jo are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that you find peace with the sudden passing of a special friend, I know it's tough but in time the pain will lessen a bit and you'll be able to remember Smokey without tears. I truly hope that you and your family will be able to find peace in this difficult time.