My cat just died....Any Advice?

Question

My cat just died, and I really miss her. She always slept on my bed, and scratched to get in my room all the time. Now she's suddenly not there. I'm having a tough time getting used to her absence. Any advice?

Answer 1

Adopt a new cat. I used to think this was the most inappropriate and stupid advice, but it helps indeed. When my cat died and my boyfriend suggested that he find me another, I was shocked at his total lack of understanding. Anyway, a few days later he brought a funny kitten at home. I refused to communicate with it at first - I would compare it with my old cat all the time but in a while I really got attached to it and now I truly love her.

Answer 2

First of all, I'm sorry for your loss. Let yourself mourn. Cry take as much time as you need to deal with this. I'm sure it is very hard. My 2 cats sleep on me at night. and when the one wants attention, it goes under the bed and starts to scratch. very annoying but I'm sure if he was gone I would miss it too. talk with family members about the good times. then when you are ready (if you want another cat) then go to the SPCA and pick another one (or two) out.

Answer 3

Hi there...I genuinely feel your pain as I've lost a cat not too long ago that has been with me nearly 18 years as well. Sometimes writing a memorial in honour of your kitty for keepsake or putting it up online to share with others can be one way to help with the grieving process. You only can decide when and how long you need to mourn her and it is okay to do so. Unlike humans who pass on, it's more difficult with our pets because they feel more like our children and we have a more difficult time to find closure. Some individuals feel better to adopt another kitty, however not everyone can do this and need time to wait in order to heal themselves.

I hope you will find some comfort in the website below (Rainbow Bridge) which has a chat site with others who are suffering the same loss. My heart and prayers go out to you.

Answer 4

You can give a homeless kitten a new home with you.I know its never going to be the same as the one you lost and lost life cannot be replaced ,but at the same time it wouldnt help to give another cat or kitten a good life and at the same time you can have a little less absence in your life

Answer 5

Biologically speaking, your brain and body 'misses' the stimulus your cat provided you. Endorphins that made you happy when your cat did something that you found amusing, etc... but now your body produces neurochemicals that makes you feel 'loss'.

Now that's the scientific reason for sadness and grief. Ultimately, I suggest that you can only do things that have been tested that are tried and true grief relievers.

--Time heals.... over time, your body and mind will reach equilibrium, it just takes time.
--Have a good cry.... it's very cathartic and relieves the stress of grief.
--Reminisce over the good memories.... which will usually trigger a good cry.
--Get another cat but realize that no new cat can truly 'replace' the one you just lost.
--Talk to someone else who has lost someone they loved.

Basically the healthiest ways to deal with this is to understand that in order for you to move forward, you need to deal with the grief. To do that, you need to let your body experience the loss and take let your emotions take you for a ride. It's the fastest way for your biochemistry to stablilize and go back to normal.

Answer 6

One of my cats died recently too. I still miss him. I guess it just takes time to get over it. I still have my other cat, so I give her lots of attention. It helps distract me from the sadness. If you don't have another cat, you might want to get a kitten. It might not feel right to get another cat so soon, but it does help.

Answer 7

that must really suck for you, i hope she went in peace..

5 years ago i used to have a cat, while i was away in camp over one weekend, she jumped out of the apartment window and died there and then. i always thought she behaved more like a puppy than a cat, she would be at the door to welcome me whenever i just got home. i came home only to see a certificate for her cremation, and her collar. my sister had taken care of it without letting me know. it was tough having to deal with a sudden, unexpected loss when i played no part in its closure.

i kept her collar close to me after that. it helped to remind me that she's really gone for good, and yet i could still feel close to her.. i'm not sure if it really makes sense, but for me it's better than thinking about all the funny habits and stuff that she used to do around the house and then right after deal with the sad truth that she's not with me anymore. keeping a tangible remnant of her with me helps me feel more in control of the situation, i guess.

i wouldn't recommend getting another pet right away.. the idea of a "replacement" doesnt work very well with me, and i think it commodifies the special relationship you share with each of them.. and the idea of starting anew with another kitten was too daunting when i was still coming to terms with the loss of one. but of course this is really up to you..

hope this helps..

Answer 8

I can't help you.I really would but I need advice because my cat died the day after my birthday, so I'm really sorry about your problem, but I would start sobbing again and I've already made my bed wet with tears.

Answer 9

It is like mourning any other death. It takes time. Let yourself cry and when you are ready get another cat. It won't replace her but the world is full of cats who need love.

Answer 10

You are grieving and that is perfectly natural. Give it some time. When you are ready, get another cat. Your old friend would not want you to be unhappy. People who love animals should always have one. Best wishes.