Prepare For Pet Loss
And Planning Your Pet Memorial

We have owned many cats over the years and pet loss has always been hard for us.

Some of our cats have died naturally either in the garden or at home, whilst others have had to be euthanised to spare their suffering. In both cases the love and support we have been able to give to each other and the knowing that we had been responsible for making sure we had a happy cat, has given great comfort during those sad times.

In these pages we hope to be able to provide you with some helpful advice on your cats final days and how you can prepare yourself for their passing and cope with your feeling of grief.

It’s a cat’s life

  The usual lifespan of a cat is about 15 years, although many well looked after pet cats can live as long as 20. Signs of old age start to appear between 10 and 12, although it is a very gradual process.

You may begin to notice that they become a little stiffer in the joints and become less and less active, much preferring the comfort of their cushion to the rough and tumble of life outdoors.

Near the end your cats health can rapidly deteriorate, it’s almost like a clockwork toy running down. Unfortunately it is not the norm that a cat will die naturally, usually your pet will become ill and begin to lose control over it’s bodily functions and ability to groom.

This will become very distressing for both you and your cat. Often the only answer is Euthanasia. Further reading: Pet Euthanasia

Pet bereavement and the loss of a pet

Your cat has been a member of your family for many years and a strong bond has built up between you. So when the loss of a pet occurs it is completely natural for feelings of grief and for a period of mourning, just the same as if a close friend or relative had passed.

You may even have strong emotions of depression and loneliness, don’t worry this is all part of the grieving process.

There is support available to help you through this period of pet loss and a few things you can do to help yourself at this time. They are discussed further on our coping with pet loss pages.

What to do with your cats remains.

It is entirely up to you how you wish to dispose of your cat’s remains. However one suggestion I do have is that you should think about this question in advance.

I have known people who were not prepared for this question and made a quick decision which they later regretted. In fact I have some regrets that I did not bring one of my cats home for a garden burial.

There are many options available, from a burial in a pet cemetery to a cremation, or a simple burial at home. There are also many companies who can provide various levels of service from the very simple to an elaborate funeral service.

It is entirely up to you how you feel you want to mark your pet loss, there is no right or wrong way. You can also decide that you would like to plant a tree in memory of your loved pet a TreeGivers Gift Tree will not only leave a perminent memorial for your cat but will also be enjoyed by people for many many years and help to keep our planet green.

After Pet Loss, remembrance is important.

We would like to commemorate your special cat friend with our free online memorial quilt for you to add your pet to.

This quilt will grow and grow and will be a lasting place for your cat to be remembered.

E- BOOK
How To Cope With The Loss of A pet

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