can we feel grief for an animal, does it go away. My home feels so empty without the cat, he was much loved by me and my friends. he had cancer in his gums and was 17 years. I stayed with him while he was put to sleep and brought him home and buried him inthe garden in the place he liked.
2006-11-12 02:44:42 · 38 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I feel for you.. I know what a loss means and yes, they are part of the family and to miss them does not go away ever but the pain of their loss reduces over time but NEVER completely.. It is unfortuknate that our pets have such a short life span
2006-11-12 02:48:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is quite natural to grieve for an animal or person who was dependent on you and with whom you had a special relationship. It's not just the animal himself and the company, but also the routines that go with the relationship. It can seem that your life is turned upside-down and may feel empty, but it will pass.
Think of all the happiness you brought your cat and what a good life you gave him. Maybe, at some point there may be an opportunity for you to rescue an animal who has no home. You'll never forget the one you've just lost, but the feeling that you can give another one a good, loving home could help you and him/her.
2006-11-12 02:56:02 · answer #2 · answered by Rozzy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our pets are part of our families and our lives. We love them when they are alive and we mourn them when they are gone; this is natural.
If you have your cat's things (bowls, toys, etc) put them in a box or drawer safely so that you have them if you want them, but are not crying over them all the time.
Two weeks is very early days. Mourning takes about 6 months to 2 years to work through, but time does heal even though it may not feel like it now. There will be many people reading your question who have been through the same thing and will be sending you their love and prayers and best wishes.
My first cat died after many years with me and I missed her so much it was terrible. I will never forget her but I now have another cat who has a different personality and is much loved too.
Only you will know when or if the time is right to get another cat but cats do need loving homes and you are obviously someone who loves cats.
So many cats have neglected lives, your cat was very lucky to have a long life and be so well-loved by you, so although you are very sad now, you should feel proud of the good you did for your cat.
Good luck
2006-11-12 03:00:17 · answer #3 · answered by Bridget F 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
So sorry to hear this. But think about it this way, 17 years was a long life. It is like a human in his 90s. You took care of him so well. Take time to see friends who will cheer you up.
And maybe try this in a couple of weeks : start looking for a new cat. Get a kitten. I got a bengal after my cat went missing. It was so interesting to look around among very dedicated breeders. You learn a lot about a completely different breed who will learn to go on a leash in 5 days max , will surprise you with his athletic spirit ,sense of humor and intelligence.
Such cat will never replace your lost one , I know, but it would certainly be there to share with you great new moments.
2015-02-21 10:57:09 · answer #4 · answered by Renato 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry. Of course you feel grief for your cat - he was part of your life and a part of your family. When my 17 year old dog died, I was a mess. I had to miss work because I was crying constantly. You may hurt for a very long time. And if and when the time is right, an animal who needs you will be put in your path. I never thought I could love a dog as much as my old one, but along came one, and we needed each other. You did the right thing - staying with him and burying him in his favorite spot. He is gone from our earth but he is forever in your heart.
2006-11-12 02:58:10 · answer #5 · answered by Pooh-Z 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The same thing happened to my grandparents cat. The cat and me grew up together and it had cancer in the gums too. We put him to sleep and I was petting him when they did, we took him to my grandparents house and buried him in the back yard in a little garden area.
You will miss him but sooner or later you will let go. It will take a bit coz you are used to it being there. Youll hrt over it just hang on.
Good luck and sorry for the lose.
2006-11-12 02:50:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you do feel grief for an animal. You spend a lot of time with it, and form an emotional bond. The animal becomes part of the family, and can be beneficial for your health, too. They help you relax and get rid of stress.
One of my cats died a few years ago, and although I still miss him, it's nice to look back at old photo's of him playing in the garden.
Just try to think of the good times.
2006-11-12 03:01:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's been over 3 years since I had to euthanize my Spooky because of metastasized cancer and I still miss him. He was only eleven. Even though I have five other cats there is still a void where he should be.
I have a small cat sculpture in the garden where he also like to be.
Seventeen years is a long time to cherish, feed, give medical attention to and love to a wonderful creature. Unfortunately it is the way of the world that our dear pets cannot be with us for our entire lives.
"No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his fur from your couch" Leo Dworken
2006-11-12 02:53:14 · answer #8 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry you lost your beloved pet. I too lost my cat of 16 years this summer. He loved to curl up in my lap and sleep next to me at night. He was very ill and after $500 of vet bills I could not afford to continue go on to find out what was wrong. Plus the test would've been more invasive and I just didn't want him to go through anymore suffering. I made the decision to have him put down. Unlike you I could not bear to be with him when he was put down. I had him cremated. I still have his ashes because I cannot yet bring myself to scatter or bury them.
My cat was a loving, dear friend and companion for 16 years. I still mourn him after all these months. Just because he was an animal doesn't dimish the grief when we lose a cherished friend and companion.
This too will pass. It just takes time. I have lost other animal companions and it just takes time for the pain to dimish just as it does with our human companions.
In time, the pain of this loss will diminish and the memories of the love they gave us and the funny things they did to make us laugh will take over. They are in a better place now. I truly believe that they cross over just as we do.
2006-11-12 03:16:37 · answer #9 · answered by nhcrowwoman 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because you loved her and she made you feel safe and loved you back . Her love was pure and purry without conditions. She cuddled you at night and it is normal to feel the loss of your bundle of love. She is in cat heaven chasing cloud mice. The garden is a perfect resting place . 17 years is a mighty proud age and it is worth remembering that in some cultures death is celebrated. Cultures aside , you gave her a good life with lots of mummy love and she must have been happy with you. I hope that your pain will turn into a smile one day when you remember all the good moments with your cute cat companion. I'm not sure this answer helps...hmmm
2006-11-12 03:01:47 · answer #10 · answered by charles bukowsky 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My cat died a few days she had cancer too but in away am glad because she is out of pain and a rest we buried her in the back garden and i know that she his OK now and the grief will go in time
2006-11-12 02:49:13 · answer #11 · answered by Foxy lady 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋