Losing a pet is one of the most painful experiences we go through as animal lovers. They aren’t “just pets”—they’re family, companions, daily routines, and unconditional love wrapped into one.

On March 3rd, 2026, I said goodbye to my cat, Leo. And while I’m slowly finding my footing again, the grief still comes in waves. Some days feel normal. Others hit just as hard as day one. I’m sharing Leo’s story not only to honor him, but to help anyone else navigating the heartbreak of losing a pet—especially those caring for a cat with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

Leo’s Story: A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Leo was diagnosed with Stage 2 CKD when he was just 7 years old—unusually young for this disease. Like many pet parents, I was completely blindsided. The hardest part? He showed almost no obvious symptoms.

Looking back, there were subtle signs:

• He drank a lot of water
• He urinated more frequently

But his energy, appetite, weight, and personality stayed completely normal—for years. Even when he progressed to Stage 4 about five months ago, he still acted like himself. Playful. Loving. Full of personality.

Until the very end.

The Sudden Decline

Everything changed almost overnight. A couple of days before our vet visit, Leo stopped eating much—very unlike him. Then, the night before our appointment, things escalated quickly:

• He became extremely lethargic
• His posture was tense
• He seemed to be in pain
• He couldn’t get comfortable and tossed and turned all night
• He didn’t want to be touched (completely out of character)

That’s when I knew something was very wrong. At the vet, we were given options: hospitalization with fluids… or euthanasia. And I had to make the hardest decision of my life.

The Guilt: “Did I Do Something Wrong?”

If you’re reading this and your pet has CKD—or any chronic illness—you may be asking yourself the same questions I did:

• Did I feed the wrong food?
• Should I have given filtered water?
• Did they get into something toxic?
• Could I have caught it sooner?

I want to say this clearly, because I needed to hear it too:

It is not your fault.

Chronic Kidney Disease is incredibly common in cats, especially as they age. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown. Leo being diagnosed so young made me feel even more responsible—but the truth is, CKD often develops silently and progresses gradually over time. You didn’t cause this. You loved your pet. And you did your best.

Common Symptoms of CKD in Cats

CKD can be difficult to detect early, but here are some common signs to watch for:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Poor coat condition
• Bad breath (ammonia-like)

In later stages:

• Muscle wasting
• Weakness
• Pain or discomfort
• Hiding or behavioral changes

If you notice any of these signs, it’s always worth a vet visit—early detection can make a big difference.

Helpful Resources for CKD Cat Parents

One of the most comprehensive resources I found during Leo’s diagnosis is:

• Feline Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Information Hub: https://felinecrf.org/

This site is incredibly detailed and has helped countless pet parents understand, manage, and navigate CKD.

Non-Prescription Food Options (Vet-Approved)

If your cat has CKD and you’re exploring non-prescription options, I received this list from Integrative Veterinary Service in Brookfield, WI.

Recommended Options:

• Wellness Healthy Indulgence Morsels (Chicken & Liver)
• Wellness Healthy Indulgence Morsels (Chicken & Salmon)
• Wellness Healthy Indulgence Morsels (Turkey & Duck)
• Weruva Goody Stew Shoes
• Weruva What a Crock
• Weruva Simmer Down
• BFF Stir It Up
• BFF Cloud 9
• BFF Dream Team
• BFF Live ‘N Love
• BFF Be Happy
• Darwin’s Intelligent Design KS Veterinary Formula

Phosphorus-Restricted Diets:

• Forza10 Renal Support (Canned)
• Medicus Kidney Support (Freeze-Dried)
• Weruva WX (Canned)

Most of these are available at local pet stores or Chewy, while Darwin’s and Medicus must be ordered online.

(Always consult your vet before making dietary changes.)

Living With the Grief

Grief doesn’t follow a straight line. Some days I feel okay. Other days, I miss Leo so much it physically hurts.

• My apartment feels emptier—even though I still have another cat
• I couldn’t sleep in my bed for days because he wasn’t next to me
• I slept on the couch just to avoid the reminder
• I questioned my decision constantly

I even reached out to an animal psychic because I just wanted to know he was okay… and that I did the right thing. That’s how deep this kind of love—and loss—goes.

Honoring Leo

Everyone grieves differently. For me, finding ways to keep Leo close has helped:

• I created a small memorial with his ashes, paw print, and photos
• I talk to him sometimes
• I got a tattoo in his memory. Right on my forearm, so I can look at him every day.

These things don’t take the pain away—but they help transform it into something meaningful. And every time his little face peeks out from underneath my sleeve, I can't help but smile.

If You’re Going Through This Too

If you’ve lost a pet—or are preparing to say goodbye—please know:

• You are not alone
• Your grief is valid
• Your bond was real
• And your pet knew they were loved

You made the best decision you could with the information and love you had in that moment. And that is enough.

In Loving Memory of Leo

Leo had a big personality, a loving heart, and a presence that filled every room. And even though he’s no longer here physically, he will always be part of my life.