Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I think you are very right, our bodies protect us when it's all too much to take in at once. We try to keep it together when the pain is too much. I think Coral did that too.
I'm sorry your dad and hero died.
Oh and btw, this cat wasn't my pet, she was a stray. I rescue strays, mostly dogs, sometimes cats. But it was very painful to watch nevertheless (we had been to the vet but she died anyway). I feel sad I never got to know her better while she roamed the neighbourhood. I tried but she was too shy to come. Now she's buried in my garden, a candle is on ...
Sorry OT!