Hi Ailurophile
I'm so so sorry to hear the sad news about the little chap. But I know that he knew he was loved & cared for & all he'll have done is gone to sleep & when he woke he'd be in a lovely place with all our other beloved pets & he'll be free of his timidnes & fear now & most probaly playing hell with his new friends.
I had a similar thing happen with one of my cats, in that they had to put her to sleep on the operating table & I felt guilty for not being there with her when she passed over, but when I thought about it I realised that I was being selfish & she was far off not being brought round so that I could be there when she was put to sleep. What happened was far better for her & also for Chicle.
You do so much good every day for all the cats in your care, keep up your brilliant work & know that the little fella is at peace now
Big hug to you
S
x