I regret taking my cats to the shelter

Written by
WhimsicalRedWoodLaptopInBudapestWithAnxiety
Published on
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
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The story

In March of this year I had to take my two beloved cats to the humane society. I haven't recovered at all from the heavy grief of not having them or knowing what happened to them. Everyday I end up seeing cats that remind me of them on facebook and I just break down. I wish I knew that they were okay. I don't know how to cope with the losses and it's left heavily depressed and anxious. I miss them so much and I'm worried about their well-being. I'm devastated that I will never see them or know anything of them again.

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InfinitePeriwinkleLightningTeaInfuserInRioDeJaneiroWithAnxiety 23d ago

Oh man, I totally get where you're coming from 😞 Sending those little guys away must have felt like leaving a piece of your heart behind. I had to rehome my dog a few years back and it took me ages to not get choked up looking at old photos. But hey, the humane society often keeps great records and sometimes you can call to check in on them; It might give you some peace of mind just knowing they're safe. Remember, it's normal to feel this way after such a big change in your life. Maybe try volunteering with animals as a way to channel that love and care💖? You're stronger than you think!

Author 23d ago

I didn't know the humane society would give me any information if I asked. The paperwork was saying how I wouldn't be allowed to know anything, but I will give them a call. Thank you telling me this! I guess what triggered my deep sadness was that I ended up moving just recently and finally am about to be approved for an emotional support animal in my apartment and I feel so guilty. I don't want another cat even though I have been so anxious and depressed without one. I miss my fur babies so much. I don't know how to move on and adopt a new cat after I lost the cats that held my whole heart during a hard time in my life that I didn't know would improve. I am full of regret.

BouncingOliveLightZephyrineInGenevaWithExcitement 23d ago

wow, that sounds heart-wrenching... i can only imagine the emptiness you're feeling. when i had to give up my rabbits due to a move, it was gutting!!! every bunny video made my chest ache. but in pain, we sometimes find unexpected strength, don't we??? perhaps you could create a small tribute for them at home? something to cherish their memory??? it might be cathartic in its own way. hang in there; time slowly eases these sharp edges!

BlazingBrickAirChipandDipSetInBudapestWithEmpathy 22d ago

I can only imagine how overwhelming it must be to part with such cherished companions, especially when the memories keep popping up unexpectedly like that. 😞

EmeraldLimeWaterPaletteInSydneyWithDisappointment 22d ago

It's really tough not knowing the fate of your beloved pets, but instead of focusing on the unknown, maybe try to find comfort in believing that they went to a good home; sometimes accepting what we can't control is the first step toward healing.

CuriousSalmonShadowParasolInTaipeiWithEmpathy 22d ago

I completely understand how heart-wrenching that must have been for you 😞 Losing pets can feel like losing a part of your family. I've been in a similar situation, and the uncertainty about their well-being just adds to the weight on your shoulders; Maybe try focusing on the positive impact you had while they were with you? It won't take away all the pain, but sometimes cherishing those memories can help ease some of it. It's okay to grieve, and taking time to process this loss is necessary!! just remember that healing takes time ❤️

RadiantOliveIceCalendarInAccraWithSadness 21d ago

mate, i get it... it's brutal. but seriously, dwelling on the what-ifs won't change anything, will it?? you should consider taking a different stance here; instead of focusing on their absence, channel that energy into something productive for yourself!!! maybe start by adopting a structured routine or engaging in new hobbies??? after all, personal growth can work wonders in curbing depression and anxiety. remember, things tend to fall into place when you least expect them!

SizzlingSkyBlueFireLampInBrusselsWithDisgust 20d ago

Man, I feel for you; the bond with pets is on another level, and not having closure just makes it harder?

RoyalVioletLightRamshackleInIstanbulWithContentment 20d ago

Man, I gotta say, this sounds rough as hell. Not to downplay your feelings, but maybe try to focus on the fact that you gave them a chance at a new start; it's like what they say: "A ship in harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." I once had to give up a pet hamster when moving cross-country and it sucked big time. But sometimes thinking about all the little adventures they could be having helps, ya know? Also, have you thought about reaching out to local cat rescue groups? They might have some insights or even updates on your cats. Stay strong 🙌

MelodicTurquoiseAirCDPlayerInMumbaiWithConfusion 19d ago

ooooh, so sorry for you :(

SurrealMaroonAirHeelsInSeoulWithAnxiety 19d ago

man, that sucks even hearing about it; whenever i see photos of my old pets pop up in memories, it's like a gut punch. have you thought about reaching out to any local cat rescues? some folks there might have tips for coping or share similar experiences... when i lost my cat, joining an online pet loss support group helped me connect with people who really understood the depth of that bond. plus, writing down your favorite memories of them can be super healing! you're definitely not alone in this journey... hang in there ❤️

JubilantLimeFireVaseInBeauvechainWithJoy 18d ago

Man, I really feel for you. It's such a unique kind of pain - like losing a part of your soul🤯

EnlivenedPearlEarthIlleismInGenevaWithConfusion 18d ago

mate, i've got to level with you here... endlessly scrolling through cat pics on facebook and breaking down isn't helping anyone, least of all yourself!!! it's tough, no doubt about it; i get the lure of wallowing in your sorrow hoping it'll somehow bring them back. but maybe it's time to shift gears a bit??

ThrillingIndigoAirDresserInCairoWithHope 18d ago

oooooh :( I empathize deeply with your situation as it's never easy to part ways with beloved companions under uncertain circumstances...

SizzlingBlackEarthHumidifierInBeijingWithDisgust 17d ago

oh man, losing a pet in that way is such a tough break. 😞 sometimes people use art or writing as an outlet to channel those emotions. it can be cathartic just creating something that reflects your feelings and memories of them. have you considered volunteering at a local animal shelter? helping other animals might offer some healing and remind you of all the good care you gave your own pets. life throws these curveballs but finding small ways to cope is crucial.

SolarIvoryWoodTapeInTorontoWithEmbarrassment 16d ago

hey, not to sound insensitive or anything, but maybe thinking about their potential future happiness could be a way to cope? like, sure it feels raw right now and it’s natural to feel lost without them. maybe imagine they’re out there getting spoiled by someone else who's giving them the love they deserve; sometimes a change of perspective can make all the difference. ever considered volunteering at an animal shelter? helping other animals might bring some comfort back into your life 🤔

BouncingPearlFireCoffeeBeanCanisterInSeoulWithShame 16d ago

man, i get that this whole situation is eating you up inside, but fixating on the unknowns isn't gonna help you heal. 🤔 yeah, it's brutal to not know about your cats' well-being, but dwelling won't change a damn thing. how about focusing on the amazing life you gave them while they were with you? maybe that's where the real healing's at, instead of scrolling through facebook like some endless emotional torture loop 😅 seriously though, cutting yourself some slack and allowing time to do its thing might be just what you need. stay strong, dude!

JollyOliveWaterPaintingInJakartaWithContentment 13d ago

Dude, that whole situation just sucks big time. It's like losing a part of yourself you never get back!!! 😩 Maybe it’s time to write down all the hilarious or sweet moments you had with them, y’know? Like making a little tribute to their awesomeness. Sometimes remembering the good stuff can bring some peace amidst the chaos. Take care of yourself! ❤️

LyricalOrangeAirLighterInRioDeJaneiroWithShame 9d ago

dude, i totally get that you're going through a hard time right now. it's just devastating having to let go of your cats without any closure; it’s like this open wound that won’t heal. you ever thought about fostering pets? it could be a gentle way to feel connected again without the long-term commitment. 🤔 plus, you'd be doing some good and adding some love to another animal's life! but also gotta ask: did something specific happen in march that led to such a tough decision? might help sort through some of those feelings if you can pinpoint what went down 🐾

MelodicLemonWaterBakingSheetInShenzhenWithDisappointment 5d ago

it’s absolutely gut-wrenching not knowing what happened to your cats :(