Our cherished cats are an integral part of our families and our daily lives. Every tender purr, knead upon our chest, victorious yarn tackle, and honest declaration of satisfaction (or, respectfully, dissatisfaction) warms our hearts and brings us to laughter. 

Sure, some nights we spend hiding beneath the covers to escape the feline witching hour, but then there are those morning snuggles, where they nestle perfectly into the crevice between our arm and chest and doze off to Neverland. 

Not everyone chooses to be a cat owner, but those who do wouldn’t change it for the world. 

What we share with our cats is a bond so special and transparent, words aren’t needed to express how we feel and the connection is effortlessly mutual. Since most cats live into their late teens and early twenties, losing them can feel incredibly painful, causing us to question how we will manage without their loyal company. As heart-wrenching as such a loss is, know that the pain will lessen and you will begin to feel like yourself again. 

Grieving the loss of a cat takes time, days, and sometimes years, and how one grieves is an entirely personal and unique experience. The process of grieving a pet is no different than that of a close friend or family member, which is why it’s important to demonstrate kindness and compassion to anyone who is in mourning—especially oneself.  

While it’s not certain how long grief will last, or how it will manifest for one person to the next, know that you’re not alone on this journey and there are many things you can do to help guide you during this difficult time. Pet parents and all of us at Lee Alexander & Co. understand what you are going through. The process of grieving a pet is sacred, just as your relationship is. 

Here, we explore what the grief process may look like after losing a beloved pet and discuss some helpful ways to cope along the journey. Try to reflect on where you might be in your journey and take along with you any helpful amount. As the blanket of sorrow lifts, and it will, finding a special way to honor your cats’ memory can be a truly comforting and restorative experience.  

Navigating the Loss of a Pet 

Some might think losing a pet is “easier,” so to speak, than losing a friend or family member. However, grief and loss are deeply personal, subjective experiences after losing someone or something of grave importance—a pet, person, or a significant part of one’s world. 

There is no right or wrong way to grieve, nor is there a time limit you must abide by. Grief can also show up in waves or re-emerge throughout your lifetime and may come forward when reminiscing about special memories or when encountering certain sights, sounds, or smells. Sometimes, we find we’ve suppressed certain thoughts, feelings, or experiences that later come to the surface as well. 

Navigating the loss of a pet can feel as if you’re on a rollercoaster. One day you might feel a sense of gratitude knowing that this living being was able to touch your life so deeply, but there may also be days where you’re met with anger, guilt, depression, or uncertainty about how to process the hurt. This fluctuation in day- to-day emotions is normal and will stabilize over time. For some, this process may occur naturally and at other times we may need to be more intentional. For individuals experiencing complicated grief, or grief that seems to be related to other trauma or is not improving over time, it’s best to seek support from a professional who can better help process your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. 

No matter how you find comfort and healing, talking to close friends, family, counselors, or those who can relate to your experience, can be a healthy outlet for our emotions.  

If you’ve recently lost a pet or are anticipating a loss, know that your experience and feelings are valid. The grieving process will span several stages, typically starting with denial and anger, moving towards bargaining and depression, and ultimately leading to a state of acceptance.  Some stages of grief may be more complex to navigate which is normal, too. Letting go of guilt and pain, honoring your beloved cats’ memory, and focusing on the joyful memories, can be a wonderful way to keep their eternal spirit with you. 

How to Cope after Losing Your Cat 

There are many forms of support available after the loss of a pet, including bereavement counseling, hotlines, in-person and online support groups, books, videos, articles, and other forms of media. Allowing yourself the time and space to grieve all while focusing on self-care will encourage movement towards a stage of acceptance, of no longer living in the past but finding peace in the present, and where recounting memories of your adored cat brings you more smiles and fewer tears. After all, that’s all they’d want for you to feel. 

There are many ways to cope with the loss of a pet:

• Take time to process your grief and express it in a safe place
• Talk with others who can relate to your experience
• Start journaling and every so often look back on your progress
• Spend quality time with loved ones and do activities that bring you joy (e.g., spending time in nature, exercising, creative forms of expression, volunteering for a cause close to your heart)
• Contact your veterinarian to see if they offer bereavement services or can refer you to one nearby
• Honor your pets’ memory in the manner that’s best for you, like wearing jewelry with your cats ashes sealed inside

Honoring Your Beloved Pet 

Grieving the loss of a pet is never easy. There may be times of gratitude and comfort during your journey as well as anger and sadness. Trust the process and remember to be gentle with yourself during this time. Implementing new coping mechanisms and starting a self-care regimen can be a good way to practice mindfulness while also looking forward to tomorrow. Without question, pets are a fundamental part of our family and will never be forgotten.

Here at Lee Alexander & Co. we create personalized memorial jewelry that embodies the memory of your devoted pet and represents the eternal bond you share. 

If you’re ready to start your journey to find the perfect memorial jewelry for your cat, contact us. We want nothing more than to help you cherish the memory of your loved one and to carry their spirit with you throughout your beautiful journey ahead. 

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-grief#5-stages

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/coping-death-your-pet

https://consciouscat.net/what-to-expect-when-youre-grieving-the-loss-of-a-cat/