My 8 year old Chaplin died suddenly and unexpectedly Thursday night. My guess it was hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Years ago he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. But he never displayed any signs of illness. No shortness of breath or breathing issues. He appeared to be very strong and healthy. But on Monday morning , He laid down while drinking his water. However he was back to his normal playful self afterwards until Thursday afternoon when he did not come down for dinner at his usual time. One hour later, he was hungry and ate normally. Later that night, he cuddled with me and he seemed fine. Then my husband and I had a loud fight and Chaplin jumped off the bed and had what appeared to be a stroke or heart attack. Fortunately it happen so quickly and any pain he had was brief. But I am in such mental pain. I feel guilty about the stress that caused him to die. And I wish I brought him to a cardiologist to have his heart assessed and maybe get him beta blockers or baby aspirin. I loved him so much. He was so fun and playful. I never had a cat like him. I miss him so much and I can't stop crying.