After a week of silence, they called out to the neighbor’s cat that greeted them every day — then a letter arrived with a goodbye they never expected
A Reddit user, u/Doodle_Kitten, shared a story in 2024 that touched the hearts of many, recalling a quiet bond that had grown over time and the unexpected way the truth about a beloved feline friend came to light. The post began with a hint of concern, describing how the cat had not been seen outside for several days, leaving a sense of worry and unease for those who cared for her.
The user shared how they had called out to the cat one morning without receiving a response. In a post titled “Not my cat, but still hurts,” the user explained that they had been accustomed to seeing the cat nearly every day, enjoying her presence and playful company. The sudden absence left a void, and the user admitted feeling a mix of confusion and dread as they awaited answers. "We would look forward to seeing each other practically every day. Last week, we had noticed she had not been outside. I had even called out to her this morning... no response," the user shared. What followed was a letter that explained everything. “I know why,” the user wrote in the post, along with a picture of the letter that detailed the circumstances.
The letter, addressed to Nikki, detailed that the cat, referred to as Miss B, had fallen ill about a month prior with symptoms resembling FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) or late-stage cancer. The letter opened up about her treatment, "She seemed to show some improvement at first, but her tests a month later showed otherwise," shared the pet owner. The letter reassured that she had passed away peacefully at home under the care of a veterinarian.
The sender, Brittany, expressed gratitude for the friendship Nikki had offered the cat, noting that their companionship had brought joy and comfort to Miss B’s life. "I think good friends are hard to come by, and wanted to let you know how grateful I am that she had a friend like you," expressed the feline's owner. "She loved your company, and it made her life that much more fulfilling."
Not my cat, but still hurts. We would look forward to seeing each other practically everyday. Last week, we had noticed she had not been outside. I had even called out to her this morning... no response. I know why. 😢😢😢😢
byu/Doodle_Kitten innotmycat
The post resonated deeply with the Reddit community, prompting many users to share similar experiences of losing a pet and expressing condolences for their loss. u/Screaming_lambs recounted in the comment section, "Oh, this is sad. I'm sorry you have lost your friend. Cats that I've made friends with around my neighbourhood come to see me in the street, and I've noticed a couple aren't here anymore (I presume passed away), and it's made me oddly sad even though they aren't my cat and I only saw them maybe once a week." u/Impressive-Maize-815 wrote, "Thank you for sharing your sweet story. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend and glad that you have the comfort of such lovely memories and a kind neighbor." While u/Maleficent_Bid3795 expressed, "That was so thoughtful to give you that letter. Sorry for your loss."