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This time last week my 2 year old beautiful and affectionate Vinny was still with me. By this evening he will have been run over. That was my worst fear for him and yet I felt guilty keeping him in and allowed him out for a quick breather but he never returned. By Monday 5am I found him..... The guilt is phenomenal, I miss him beyond anything I have felt in a long time. He was such a happy, bouncy boy, almost like a puppy. My entire routine at home was around him, he followed me, watched me and waited for me. Hate being home now, don't know what to do with myself.

So sorry Rosetta, it is such a hard hard time. Ralph (after whom I set up this site) was also killed by a car. It was the second car accident he had had in his life. The first time he suffered severe injuries but survived and was brought in as a stray to the vet hospital I was working at and that is how he came into my life. My own personal belief is that cats should be allowed to go out. Some people will keep them indoors all the time because of the risk they will get injured, poisoned or killed. But most cats do prefer to be able to go out, it is more natural for them and they can express their normal feline behaviours. A number of problems and illnesses we see occur much more commonly and severely in indoor cats due to the stress of confinement and indoor lifestyle. Clearly some cats have outdoor access but just choose not to go out or at least not to go far, and also some indoor cats are relatively contented. But you really must try not to feel guilty. I know it is easy to say and takes time to feel better but hopefully slowly, bit by bit.

Take care.

I always believed Vinnie deserved a good quality of life and that included the fun he had in the garden. He never strayed far, that's why I knew something was wrong and searched throughout the night to find him - if he could have come home to me I know he would have. He was much loved in his short life and I am trying to hold on to the belief that he loved his home with me. Thank you for your support - this site is amazing, it has really helped me.

I am sure he did love you and his home; it sounds like he had a great quality of life and I am sure he will have appreciated that. They do in their own way and you should take comfort from knowing that you took great care of him which was your duty and also your pleasure.