Grieving for a Pet Cat

The loss of a loved one whether human or pet causes great emotional pain.

We tend to go through the same series of recognized stages when we lose our cat. Don't be ashamed of yourgrief. It is permissible and healthy to grieve for your cat.

When we are told that our cat has a terminal illness, a subconscious protective mechanism, denial, occurs.

Doctor:I'm sorry to say that Speedy has tumors throughout her chest.

Mrs. Smith: I don't believe it. She caught a mouse last week. Sick catsdon't catch mice.

This state is usually brief, but you do need time.

A few things might help you here.

1. Perhaps your veterinarian has some literatureabout your cat's illness.

2. Seek a consultation or second opinion - preferably from a specialist. Get-ting confirmation and knowing that you did everything possible are helpful.

Anger

This stage takes the form of outward or inward anger. Many times your vet-erinarian is the object of the outward anger during this painful period:

"My cat only cost me $10. You charged me $500 to treat him and he still died. You're only interested in the money!"

A sensitive, understanding veterinarian will be able to help you resolve this anger.Oftentimes, an owner's anger is turned inward. This is called guilt.

"If 1 hadn't gone away for a week, Romeo wouldn't have gotten sick. Hedied of a 'broken heart.'"

A supportive veterinarian will be able to show you how your love and care madeyour cat happy and comfortable.

Grief

The sadness that accompanies the loss of a pet may last for a few days or, insome instances, a few years. Sleep, appetite, and work efficiency may be disturbed.

Find someone who will be supportive of your feelings so that you can resolvethis perfectly normal stage of bereavement. Talk about your feelings with yourveterinarian or a close cat-loving friend. Support may also be provided by bereave-ment counselors or client-support groups. Ask your veterinarian.

Specially trained social workers and mental health professionals are availableto counsel you if you are having difficulty coping with the loss of your cat.

When you can remember the happy moments with your cat without greatemotional pain and get back into a productive and satisfying pattern of living, youhave resolved the bereavement process not forgotten your friend. This may bethe time to think about a new feline friend.