How to ease the pain of losing a cat?

Oh, you poor thing. I'm so sorry for you.

Our "babies" become so much a part of us and our lives and when it's time for one of them to go, especially early... it's just so hard. And there are many who aren't very understanding, even if they do mean well. They don't see that it's a unique individual that's missing and that they can't simply be replaced by another of their species. It would be rather similar to a man's wife dying and everybody saying, just go get another wife. You'll feel better.

The old balm of time is the only thing that's going to ease the loss and pain of separation. Yet, knowing that you were there for your angel and that she had you, instead of living with some people that didn't value her much should help you some. You gave her a good life. This is also the measure of what she meant to you - how hard it is to say goodbye.

Go ahead and feel free to mourn her. Cry and feel totally miserable for a little while, "get it out" instead of trying to move on too quickly. Sure you're going to miss that wonderful presence. Personally, I don't feel it's a complete home without a kitty or two. In time, when you're ready - and maybe soon... you'll probably want to find a new friend to keep you company and warm your lap, to slowly help you fill an empty spot -not replace - but welcome a new friend.

I treasure memories of all my long-gone-pets. It's fun to occasionally think of them meeting and what they would think of one another.

I wish you well and understand your pain. It will ease in time, but I hope you can find some joy in thinking of funny and sweet moments w/ her here and there. That helps, too.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I've read many of the beautiful responses you've received. I hope it brings you comfort to see tha your're not alone -- you've got a wonderful and compassionate community of cat lovers right here to support you.

There's a beautiful poem that I saw in in this site and was shared by NBibi -- it's titled, "The Last Battle." When reading it, you will be hearing your beloved cat talking to you and telling you how how thankful she was to you by taking away her suffering. Cry, remember all of your times together, smile and than cry again. You'll always miss her but you can keep her alive in your memories. My heart and prayers are with you during a most difficult time. God Bless

Best Answer NBibi - Chosen by Asker – November 2006

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak

And pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then will you do what must be done,

For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,

But don't let grief then stay your hand,

For on this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,

You wouldn't want me to suffer so.

When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree

It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you

Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close -- we two -- these years,

Don't let your heart hold any tears.

-- Unknown Author

Source(s):

www.petloss.com

I'm so, so, so sorry to hear that, sweetie. I remember when I lost my Rottweiler. He was my first dog and I was raised with him ever since I was born. I was 11 when he died - still after nine years I miss him. My advice would be to write down all the memories (good and bad) that you had with Bessie on a piece of paper and maybe put them in a scrap book with some pictures. I know it will be hard, but that really helped me when my Rott died. If you don't mind, I'll share you one of my favorite memories with my first Rottweiler -- I was about eight when I wanted to paint my room a different color. I left the room for a couple of minutes (probably to go to the bathroom) and when I came back there were yellow paw prints all over. I was upset at the moment, but when I look back at it, it's actually pretty funny. If you think that being with other dogs will help your pain go away, then ask your parents if you can volunteer at a shelter. I don't know if you have any Golden Retriever rescues around you, but I bet being with the same breed would help you. You could listen to songs, sit outside and think about her, write a story or a poem about her, etc. I wish the best for you. Good luck

I'm so sorry... I actually have tears in my eyes reading the other stories because I can only imagine how hard it must be for you... our pets become our little fur family. I just recently got my first cat and the attachment you make to a pet is so amazing. Give it some time but I think you should get another cat and share your loving home with it. This new cat will never be a replacement but I'm sure your kitty would have wanted you to be happy. I'm very sorry and bless you. You will get through this.

First, let me say I am sorry for the loss of your pet. My cat Brandy had cancer and died almost 2 years ago. It was very hard. Some people can go out and just get another pet. Others can't. It was hard for me because I live by myself so I adopted two kittens within a month after Brandy died. They are not the same as Brandy, but as time goes on, your pain will ease, believe me. I know you don't feel that way now, and what you're feeling is normal. Your pet was special to you. Try to get another pet.

Yeah, it sucks! My wife and I rescued 3 stray cats over a period of 2 or 3 years.

The first I found in the gutter, the victim of a car that hit her and left her for dead. She had a broken pelvis, but we paid for her reconstructive surgery and now she's alive and well.

The second my wife found living in a storm drain behind her work; she too is alive and well.

The third one was an old girl that was in horrible health and was found wandering the parking lot of the apartment complex. This cat was like 17 years old (at least that's what the vet estimated) and hadn't had anyone to take care of her in years, it seemed. We got her and cleaned her up, but about 6 months after we took her in, her kidneys failed and we had to put her down. Although we had only had her for a short time, this old gal was such a special cat. She bonded to both of us in a way I can't explain. Anyhow, it was really $hitty when we had to put her to sleep...so I know how you're feeling. I was totally bummed out for quite some time, but I kept telling myself 4 things:

- She's at peace now; no longer suffering.

- The time she spent with us was great for her (and us); she lived her final months warm, comfortable, and showered with love.

- Death, like birth, is part of life's cycle. I must accept it.

- I'll see her again eventually, when I too leave this Earthly realm.

So, it's painful but you must accept this turn of events and make peace with it. Then go to the animal shelter and adopt an new friend. Hang in there :)

I so know what you are going through. We had to put one of our cats down due to cancer and he was suffering way too much. I wish I could tell you that there is some magical cure to make the pain go away but there simply isn't. Time is the only healer. Just don't try to forget her too fast and rush yourself through it. Know that she was a part of your family and you need to grieve regardless of some people expecting it not to bother you. Know that what you did was in her best interest and she is no longer hurting anymore. She is now waiting for you on the rainbow bridge and will remain there until you can cross it together one day. Many hugs and I'm so sorry!

I know what you're going through. Its very hard and painful. I lost my cat too. After a month I got another kitten and it was better. But the pain is still very deep. You see, my cat Sparkle was an inside/outside cat and sometimes she went out close to the street. So this July she went out and never came back. I think she got ran over because my mom had seen this truck that picks up all dead animals laying around on streets. And it stopped right in front of our house where the street was and picked something up. She couldn't see because we have rose bushes and they blocked the view. after a month of handing out flyers and posting ands on every site possible I lost all hope. I'm sorry for making you read all of this but its just that I can't help it you know? Anyways I hope you get over it and feel better. The best thing I can recomend is get another cat. Just don't get one that looked like your old one because it will bring back too much memories.♥

I can totally understand what you are going through. My cat got lost and later on I found out it got ran over, it is very difficult to get over a situation like this. Pretty much you never get over it because everytime you see a cat you'll think of yours. I'm sorry!

A new little kitty might help you out though!

Hang in there!!

You have to give yourself time to grieve. As with humans, pets are family, and when you lose them, it takes time. Try to remember the good times with your cat, and remember that you did the best thing imaginable for the cat. The cat is in a much better place, and isn't suffering anymore. Far too often, people will try to keep their animals with them for as long as they can in the fear of dying, but you have to remember that what you did was in the best interest of the cat - please remember that. Do something special, such as get a memorial to remember the good times you had with your cat, and with time, the pain will subside. In response to the first answer of get another cat, it's in your best interest to wait until the pain and grief has subsided.