how do I deal with the death of my cat?

Question

my cat recently died from what we first thought to be gingivitis, then progressed to kidney failure. I've had my cat for 8 years, and she is way more than a cat to me. I come home and find myself calling for her, looking for her, expecting her. it is so empty now. what do I do?

Answer 1

Just wanted to say that I am very sorry for your loss.

Answer 2

Yes the loss of a cat is so hard, me and my wife have 2 cats 17 and 11.
The 17 year old we have to give Sub Q fluids nightly with a needle cause she has small kidneys and cant flush the toxins out on her own, i feel its only a matter of time for her and im gonna miss her.

My advice is to go to your local adoption center and hang out for a while, get to know the cats and when the time is right, Please adopt a CAT and not a kitten.

Kittens will always get adopted but cats that are older have less chance and they will appreciate it so much and show you so much Love, im sure thats what your cat would want you to do is help another older cat.
Good luck

Answer 3

I'm so sorry for your loss, i know how you're feeling and its hard, really hard. All you can do my friend is let your tears fall and don't be ashamed to cry for her, she was a member of your family and meant a great deal to you, still does. Please don't go out immediately and get another pet, it'll end in resentment because that pet is not and never will be like your cat, they're simply irreplaceable! Give yourself plenty of time to grieve for her and putting up a picture of her with fresh flowers every few days will be of help, its like a little memorial to her. When my old cat died, she was 23!, i put her picture on a small table with a vase of fresh flowers and a little tea light candle and i replaced the candle for a week. Its a fitting tribute i think and will help you to grieve properly. Just give yourself some time and some space to deal with your loss and be good to yourself, make sure you eat well and often because she wouldn't want you to go downhill would she? I hope this helps in some way x

Answer 4

It is the hardest thing ever to lose a cat, probably why I always have several as when one goes they tend to close the empty space. Grieve for your friend, then go and get 2 kitties. they will never replace the one you had but they will be so much fun that it will take your mind of it. I hope you have loads of photos, if not I am sure you have loads of good memories. It is a very sad time for you, but you have to turn it into something positive.

Answer 5

I'm so sorry. I've lost a pet before (several times) and I understand how hard it is. The only comfort I can give you is that in time it will get easier for you. Time is a good healer.

When you feel ready (and sometimes it takes awhile), consider getting another pet. Do it when you are ready, not when anyone else thinks you are ready. A new pet won't replace your cat -it will be it's own "person" and you will love it in its own way. The amazing thing about the human heart is its ability to expand to make room to love another.

Good luck to you.

Answer 6

Give yourself time to mourn your cat, 8 years is a long time.

Remember the fun you had with her & keep those memories alive in your heart.

When the time is right, think about getting another cat. We got our Cinnamon cat 2 months after my 19 year old Secret cat had to be put to sleep & we got Gypsy 6 months after Cinnamon.

I always remember Secret, but that doesn't keep me from loving Cinnamon &Gypsy.

Answer 7

A pet's time on earth is far too short, especially for those that love them. We borrow them, really, just for a while, and during these brief years they are generous enough to give us all their love, every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left. The cat that only yesterday was a kitten is all too soon old and frail and sleeping in the sun. The young pup of boundless energy now wakes up stiff and lame, the muzzle gone to gray. Deep down we somehow always knew that this journey would end. We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken. But give them we must for it is all they ask in return. When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead, young and whole once more. "God speed, good friend," we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.

This was written by a friend of mine after I lost my Takarra in February. It really helped me and I hope will help you too. Saying goodbye, whether after 8 years or after the 7 short months I had with my baby, Takarra, is never easy and it always comes full of tears. We love our pets, some love them like their children, others like their best friend, but either way, goodbyes are hard and your heart will hurt for a long time. You'll see her food dish and remember her. You'll see her favorite spot on the couch and reach down to feel if it's still warm. Her spot on the bed beside you will seem lonely and empty, as will your heart. When you chose to love an animal, you do it knowing someday goodbye will come. Give yourself time to cry for her. let your heart hurt and your tears fall, but don't linger in that spot too long. Pull out your photos and your memories of her when you think you can't cry anymore and laugh yourself silly. Listen to your heart and deep down you'll still hear her sweet meow and ever so soft purr. She knows you love her and she will watch you and keep you safe.

When the time is right for you find you another kitten to love. I found my sweet Kaidyn after my Takarra died. A kitten's love is the sweetest reminder you can give yourself. I suspect you'll always see your cat in another cat's eyes, but you'll learn to love this cat also. I'm not saying you have to get one right away, just when you are ready.

I still cry for my Takarra, most often at times like now when I read that someone is hurting for their pet. My Kaidyn has helped me a great deal and sometimes the best thing to do is pull him in my lap and cry into his soft fur. I tell him stories of Takarra and he always listens to me even when I repeat myself. He always cares what I am thinking and seems to know when I need him the most. If you have any other cats, now is the time to give them all the love you can. Take care of yourself and if you need someone to talk to, don't be afraid to email me.
[e-mail]
Chanda

Answer 8

I'm so sorry!
Despite what other's have said, I do NOT suggest getting another pet. It will make you feel worse, believe me.
About, 8 weeks ago I went through the same thing. Just keep reminding yourself that death is PART of life.
Then, get a close friend or family member, and cry your guts out. It will make you feel Much Better.
Make a memorial to your cat in your backyard - plant some flowers, and bury some of her favorite treats.
Feel Better soon!
~Vivvy

Answer 9

i really don't know what to say . but i lost my Steve two days ago. he was my best friend. and although i only had him for one year, he had become such a big part of my life. he was knocked down outside my house. i feel as though my heart was run over with him. at the moment all im doing is crying. but it is helping me by reading posts such as yours because i realize I'm not on my own. I'm not over reacting. he was special and he does deserve to be mourned. as does your cat. i bought holly bush to plant in my garden today as a memorial to my boy . maybe you could pick a plant or bush that will remind you of your cat. if you don't have garden maybe buy a nice house plant. at first it may be painful. but I'm hoping for you and me both that the pain gets easier.take care and remember if they didn't mean so much and weren't loved so much ,it wouldn't hurt like it does. they must have known how much we love them

Answer 10

My condolence to you. Well ...you need to mourn ...it takes a while ...what did you do with your cat ? buried it ? cremate it ?
You could do a little memorial service for it, like lighting a canddle and do some prayers ...and just remember her...looking at her pictures, writing your memoirs of her, what you did together etc. Don't get a new kitten yet until after the the mourning period ends ...you will know when the times comes. I lost my persian cat at 15 ..she was like my child...I cremated her and will place her ashes in my father's niche.
When I least expect it, a friend of mine called me and gave me this gorgeous, beautiful himalayan kitten. He is not a replacement for the one I lost for certainly has brought back some joy to my life .... hope things gets better.

Answer 11

Get another cat.
When my Izzy died, (RIP baby boy) I was devastated. I mean most people has a reasonable expectation that their pets will live beyond 6 months, but Iz was born brain damaged and his little brain stopped functioning. It got to be too hard watching brother Xander look for him and cry for him (and me hearing Iz meow, I thought I was losing it) that I adopted Mindy a 7 week old kitten. Xander's happier and I feel better knowing I saved another kitty. I still miss Izzy, and I have pictures of him out still. He was a beautiful boy.
If you feel you can, save another baby. There are so many kitties waiting for homes and your baby will know you aren't replacing her.
And don't forget, our faithfully departed pets play together and wait for us on rainbow bridge. Google it if you don't know what I mean.