My cat of 9 years died last week...?

Question

She was sick, so it was decided by my mother to have her put to sleep.

She was the closest animal to me I ever had and knew and now that she's gone I can't stop thinking about her.

I can hardly look at my dog (who I also think misses her as he grew up with her from a puppy 3 years ago) or my mother in the eyes.

What do I do? I cant forget.

Answer 1

As much as your story touches my heart, you have to come to terms with the fact that there will be greater losses you will suffer in life. I lost my dog that I grew up with, then I lost my brother 8 months later. Although this was a while ago, I realise in retrospect no matter how terrible I felt about my dog, I spent way too much time and too much of my life grieving for him. I withdrew from my family because I felt like I was the only one who was hurt by my dog's death. My brother was my dearest friend, but I was too preoccupied with my dog's death to spend the last 8 months of his life with him like I properly should've. I regret it to this day.

Just a lesson, don't throw your life away mourning. Your cat gave you 9 wonderful years, but now your family will give you the rest of THEIR lives. Savour every moment.

Answer 2

My cat of 5 years died  in my arms last Thursday morning. I'm so sorry for your loss because I know the sadness that you are feeling right now. We wont ever forget, but as time goes on it will get easier I have been told.My dogs are still looking for my kitty as well and they have been at my side night and day since we lost "Queso".Mourn her, grieve for her, and never stop loving her. Just know that shes not sick any more or suffering. That's what I'm doing. My kitty had leukemia.She stayed with me a year longer than she should have because she loved me so much......

Answer 3

When I lost my two cats, I had special, nice tags made with their names on them. Now I wear them around my neck so that they are close to my heart.

I like the idea of making up a memory book of her.  Pictures, written memories, anything that reminds you of her. That will keep her spirit alive in your home through the years so that you never forget her.

You are a wonderful person to care so much for your kitty.  Give special attention to your dog. He misses her as much as you do and needs hugs and reassurance.  

Someday, give the love you have for your kitty to a new little kitty.  That is what I felt my kitty was wanting me to do.  I adopted another that was running around the neighborhood and he looks so much like her that I think he might be related to her.  She would want you to give the love you have to another.

God bless you.

Answer 4

Yes, the dog is mourning as well.  Be sure you don't let him feel rejected, because he hurts too.  Time will heal the wounds concerning your cat.  I am so sorry.  I have an older cat too and he is my best friend.

Answer 5

Try to do different thing that will get your mind off your cat. Try to go out into the world and try new things, try to play a new sport you haven't tried or maybe just take a walk to ease your mind off of the cat. I'm sorry about what happened to your cat.

Answer 6

I agree with many of the others ans try to get a new cat, my cousins cat recently died of cancer and was put down. They ended up getting 3 new cats.  I would also try to find pictures of her and videos to cherish and remember.

Answer 7

Yes, I feel for you, that aren't many feelings worse than losing a long time beloved pet. I tell you, I didn't have pets for a long time because they eventually die and it kills me.

You're not going to fully get over it, but time helps. You can only go day by day until it hurts a little less each day. Another person mentioned getting another cat. He won't replace the one that passed, but that also helps a lot.  

Answer 8

Missing a animal friend after death is hard to deal with, no matter what people say you are the only one who had the feeling you have for them.

Knowing that she is better off because she was to sick to recover doesn't help that your heart is aching inside from her absence.

Time is about the only thing that will help ease the pain. even then you'll still miss her more at times than other's.

Just take the time you need however long it maybe to grieve her passing, that and that alone will help you heal in a way that your memory will remain a happy one of her and how special she was to you.

One day there will be another sweet eye feline that will steel your heart away -with the special closeness you had with your cat that passed

if you take the time to grieve then you'll be able to share your heart with another one.

I sympathize with you and your loss and I wish ease with your healing in your time of grief.

Answer 9

I can understand where you're coming from.   I had a cat called Fred who was poisoned.  I was still in School at the time and my mum had to make the very difficult decision to have him put to sleep.   But not before she made sure that everything and anything possible was done to save him.    I felt angry with her at first, for having him put to sleep, because I loved him so much.  But prolonging his life would have been cruel, because he was in so much pain.

Since then, I took in a stray cat and called her Cuddles.  Soon after I took her in I discovered that she had FIV.  There is no cure for FIV.   I was told by the vet that she had about 6 months to live.  Miraculously, she lived for 4 more years, before I had to make the heartbreaking decision to have her put to sleep.   I cried for 2 days solid. And I still miss her.

I have another cat now, called Alfie, he also has FIV.   But I am determined to make sure he has a good life for whatever time he has left.   I can understand how much you miss your cat, and you obviously have a lot of love for her.   You will never forget her, and that's a good thing,  because she was a part of your family.  Give yourself time, and give your Mum the extra cuddles, because she misses her too.  Maybe in time, you can think about offering a good home to another cat, there are so many of them that don't have homes.

Answer 10

I have had the great loss of a few of my beloved friends over the years. I still think about them almost every day. I feel so sorry for your loss and I know how it hurts you right in the heart.

But don't try to forget. Instead, try to remember! Remember the first time you met her; the first time she sat on your lap; the first time you knew she would be your friend for ever!

Humans live much longer life spans than their pets--80 years compared to 15 or 20 at the most for cats. We have to be strong when we lose them or we will never have the strength to get another one.

Be strong and remember your kitty always. She will be waiting for you on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

Answer 11

get another cat thats the same breed i know it wont be the same but im shure you will love it. there is nothing that you can do about your dog just look at her and remember that shes exactly same dog. and dont mad at your mom she did wats best if she wasn't put to sleep he would probly be in great pain. i have two cats and i have had them for five years so i know how you feel i woud be sad if one died.

Answer 12

I agree with what everyone else has said... keep remembering, cuddle your Mum and your dog, get another cat. Life has sad parts but without them it would mean that we had never loved or laughed. When you feel ready, get in touch with Cats Protection. They have thousands of cats waiting for a loving home like yours. Wouldn't it be great to give another cat the opportunity to share your life?

Answer 13

don't try to forget your cat, remember all the good times you had with her and that she had a good life - it will take time but it will get easier, you should give your dog extra attention as he is also suffering her loss and could prob do with comforting, your mother did the right thing it would have been cruel to leave her suffering

Answer 14

You shouldn't forget. She was part of your family. I made a collage of pictures, ID tags and such. I got a frame with lots of cutouts in it and put all the pics and such in there. It was too painful for me to look at for a while, but it gave me something to do. I also volunteered at the animal shelter. Helping other cats helped me heal my broken heart. So sorry.  

Answer 15

My 19 year old 'Sheba' cat died in my arms two years ago. I still miss her. I have two cats now, but they haven't taken her place. She will always be that one special cat...and I imagine your cat will be too. A new cat won't take the place of your cat either. But as time goes on you will have happy memories of your baby-cat, even though you will still miss her.

Your dog is grieving, just as you are, He needs extra attention. If you could find it in your heart to hold him and pet him extra and talk to him about her, it will help both of you.

I am sorry you are so sad, but mostly I am very, very sorry about the death of your baby-cat.

Hugs

Answer 16

Get a new cat. It may seem hard at first, but don't worry, you'll slowly forget. You will never forget 100%. But you will get better over time :) Take care. And good luck<33

Answer 17

I am sooo sorry, It is really hard! I have been in your shoes. Like the other person said try making a memory book. If you live where you have a yard make a little garden in memory of your kitty. Just remember that if she was sick putting her to sleep was the kindest most loving thing that could have been done for her so she would not suffer. But yes I know it it really difficult. =(.

Answer 18

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

I cried when I read this after Nanamito (mouse) passed away.

Answer 19

Don't forget. It's good to remember all the happiness that she gave you but also remember that she won't be in pain now. Sometimes we want to hold on to things for our own reasons when actually it's best to let go. I lost my cat in January, she was 20 and i had her since i was 7 years old, so i'd grown up with her and it was really hard at first but it does get better. Chin up! =)

Answer 20

I had a cat that was very close to me die @ 14yrs, I got her when I was 10 & even took her w/ when i moved to college.  I was completely devastated when she died I didn't stop crying until I got her ashes back 4 days later.  I didn't try to forget her I hope I never do.  I keep her ashes, her fave toy, her collar, and her name tag in a box in the drawer of my night stand where I can see it if I am feeling sad.  I also have her pic on my bookshelf.  You could try to do the same.  It will take some time to get over, but eventually you'll get thru it, Merlyn died 3yrs ago.  Your pets are your friends and no matter what they'll always be in your heart!

Answer 21

Get a new one

Answer 22

I'm sorry for your loss. I too have lost pets in the past and it's a very painful experience. And even though you won't forget your cat, it will get a bit easy as time goes by.

Also, you can make your own memorial to celebrate your cat. This can be as simple as lighting a candle, writing a poem, or creating a special photo album. This will help you start the healing process. If you feel that the pain is too much, you can also join a pet loss support group.  

Answer 23

make a memory book of her and im sorry about your cat good luck

= D

Answer 24

I lost my one year old cat almost a year ago now, and it was the saddest thing i've ever experienced :(

But the best thing I could recommend would be to get a new kitten or cat as soon as you feel ready :) It sounds quite sad, but getting a new cat will help you to focus on raising another lovely animal, whilst you can still keep a place in your heart for your old cat :D

hope this helps!

Answer 25

And you never will forget....

That Cat will be a part of your life forever and so she should be! But don't take it out on your Mom, who will also be upset even if she doesn't show it! And yes your puppy will be missing her too!

Don't grieve alone, talk to your Mom and express love to your Dog, they are both suffering the loss too!

Answer 26

Don't try to forget.  Just take a few days and relax.  Remember all the good times with her.  Time will mend a sad heart. Soon, you'll be able to move on :)