How do I get over seeing my kitten's mangled body?

Question

Yesterday morning a friend of the family I am staying with found my kitten lying in the middle of the road. I was clear she was run over by a car although there was no a wheel mark on her. Which tells us she hit the undercarriage rather than go under the wheel. Her jaw was broken in three places. She constantly went in and out of commas. We took her to the vet and put her to sleep. But every time I close my eyes now all i can see is her mangled body. How do I deal with that? How do I get rid of those images? The kitten was reunited with her mother and brother at the time is there a way i can comfort them too. Originally she was my friend's kitten, and my friend's daughter has been affected very badly by this as well. How do i help the child? The kids were at their grandmothers at the time. Please help us? The kitten's name was Alli.

Answer 1

*cry* o my godness im sure that afected the child but the way to get that out of her sight is to get another kitty then she sorta forget the image she will just see her new kittys image sosososososo sad *cry*

Answer 2

I am so sorry that happened to you, that was like my little sister's puppy.... We live by a criminal correctional facility and a guy broke out. He tried to break into our Grandmother Hope's house and Jewel (the beagle) chased him away and out onto the highway behind her house. he got away but Jewel wasnt so lucky... We had to identify her by her collar...

Anyway, it was hard for all of us, my sisters were 9 and 6 years old, so it was very hard for them... I told my sister Jessica (6) that Jewel died a hero. Who knows what could have happened to Grandma Hope if Jewel hadent chased the man away...

All you really can do is be there and talk about it. Make sure you do talk about it, because keeping it all locked inside isnt good for anyone. Try holding a funeral or a memorial for Alli and let everyone speak about her and the fond memories you have of her. Everythime you see her body in your head, try to think of her when she was alive and healthy right afterward. Say a prayer everynight and speak to her, it sounds a bit silly, her being a kitten, but it does help your heart heal. Tell her how much you miss her and you hope she is happy, remind her of times she made you smile or laugh... The more you fill your mind and heart of happy times, the pain seems to dull a bit. As for other pets who may have known her and been close to her, this may sound silly as well, but talk to them about her. Tell them Alli is in a better place and she feels no pain. Animals are very smart creatures, some people doubt that because they cannot communicate as we can. But I promise, your animals will understand.

It will get easier, but I will be honest, that pain never completely goes away. But anytime it hurts, just think back to happier times and know that Alli is happy in kitty heaven. If the child is still very young, like 5 or 6, you can weave her a tale of kitty heaven where there are giant balls of yarn and all kinds of Alli's favorite things. It may help her deal with the loss.

I will pray for you, losing a pet is like losing a family member... I hope I helped!

Answer 3

Dear, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how it feels to lose a loved animal, and usually they seem more like a sibling or child or friend than an animal. First, I would try talking to your family, for I am sure they are trying to figure out a way to mourn as well. Next, talk about ways to remember Alli. You can make a scrapbook out of pictures of Alli, you can write a story about how you got her, and just remember and talk about the good times. This has to be hard on everyone that knew her. Next, if you can spend a little money, either purchase a headstone, or a fake one. Have it inscribed with her name, and some loving words. You can place it inside or out, maybe under a tree so weather can't damage it. Then place flowers around it, and maybe a picture of Alli. Have a mock-up burial, even if you don't have her body to bury. Have everyone give a eulogy about Alli. And, most importantly for you, try to get a new image in your head. Instead of the kitten's mangled body, picture a happy time with Alli. Maybe her sleeping on a bed, or eating, or playing, or something like that. Then, in time, perhaps you can adopt a new kitten, or a smaller pet. And always remember Alli in good graces, and bless her whenever the name is mentioned. She is now in kitty heaven, looking down on all of you, probably purring! (lol) Anyway, I dearly hope this has helped, and, again, I am sorry for your loss.

Answer 4

THAT'S HORRIBLE!!!!!! the poor baby! well you can never get over things like that! cuz even tho i never saw my g-pa's body when he died i can always picture it! huh o well sorry

Answer 5

There are some really good answers here.  My cat recently died and he was in pain.  I can never forget him fidgeting,  crying and then he died in my arms.  Long story...I had to explain to my son over the phone what happened.  We both cried.  

The images are horrible, but over the past few months have lessened.  I still have trouble...but it's getting better.  Keep yourself busy, read if you can when you get those images.  Tell your friend's daughter that Alli is in a better place.  Peace and good luck.  

Answer 6

You will start to forget what you saw eventually.  From about 20 feet away I saw my cat hit and thrown in the air.  She died a few minutes later.  I couldn't sleep that night, I kept seeing it over and over.  It was tough for a few days, and for a while after I would sometimes think about it when I didn't want to.  If you have other cats, spend lots of time with them. If not, you should wait a while.

Here are a couple links about dealing with children and the death of a pet:

http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/showa...

http://www.mydaycaresoftware.com/child-c...