Grieving the Loss of a Cat

Since losing Miss Mina almost a month ago, I've really struggled with my own grief. I've found several resources to be helpful, so I'm putting the links below.
My book review of When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers:
• Book Review: When a Pe...
Wallace Sife - The Loss of a Pet:
www.google.com/books/edition/...
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement:
www.aplb.org/
(note: I found the chat rooms here highly valuable)
Julia Samuel - Grief Counselor:
juliasamuel.co.uk/
I also highly recommend these videos featuring Julia:
• Julia Samuel on grief,...
• How To MOVE ON, LET GO...
I'm Tom Kirby, UW-AAB, LSHC-S and I'm a certified animal behavior consultant who specializes in cats. At Kitty Help Desk, I offer affordable, science-based, judgement-free, feline behavior consults.
DISCLAIMER: This video is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for a one-on-one consultation with an animal behavior consultant or a veterinarian.
All products shown or mentioned in this video were purchased at retail. I prefer not to do paid reviews or product placements. My opinions are my own.
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Video content by Tom Kirby, UW-AAB, LSHC-S
Original music by Tom Kirby
Modeling by Miss Lucy and Miss Mina
Please comment responsibly. The best comments contribute to the discussion and help us all. Disrespectful comments will be deleted and quickly forgotten.

[@misswings000]

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. I've lost my beloved Abyssinian Dylan at the age of 11 to lymphoma. Dylan was so much a part of me, all day every day, as I work from home. My little soulmate. His absence is hitting me hard and there is a huge void now that can not be filled. I look in every part of the house and he is not there. He was my teddy bear in bed, my company wherever I was in the house. I've never been impacted by the loss of a cat the way I have been with Dylan. There well never be another Dylan.

[@BersekViking]

I've had a lot of cats over the years. Most of them shelter cats, ageing between 5 and 10 years when I got them. When they come to the end of their natural life, I have always followed them during their last moments. Usually holding them in my arms. The first time was the worst, but it's always terrible watching them take the last breath. 😥 I know how you must feel.

[@KittyHelpDesk]

Yes, I've read that many caregivers don't want to be there in their pet's final moments and I don't understand it. I held mina in my arms and her last act was to look into my eyes and give me the slow blink to let me know she was ready. I will always miss her.

[@annelindsey3016]

What a beautiful baby, Lucy! How loving. I just put my baby girl Autumn to sleep a week ago today. Miss her greatly and having a tough time. Thank You for this video, it does help knowing there are people who love and bond with animals like I do and how much they are missed when gone. Prayers to you and Lucy.

[@KittyHelpDesk]

I'm so sorry. It truly is one of the most difficult things I've faced. Wishing you all the best.

[@jeffreybabb277]

Again, so incredibly sorry to hear about your loss. It's good to see you have again.

[@KittyHelpDesk]

Thank you!

[@ronaginat4719]

Just lost my cat yesterday. The pain is real, I can't stop crying.

[@KittyHelpDesk]

I'm so sorry. Please try to take care of yourself and know that there are those of us who understand and share your pain.

[@carak4356]

Wow this is the best video on the subject I’ve found. Needs more traffic as was very helpful for me. Thank you

[@KittyHelpDesk]

I'm glad you found it helpful. Please take care of yourself.

[@menmykrazycat8129]

I’m so very sorry.. I had my soul kitty for 16 years. I adopted him from the shelter when he was guesstimated as 3. I’ve had a bunch of cats and dogs (and a bunny) during my life & there was nothing I wouldn’t do for them, I loved them all so much. But my cat Buddha was just over the top because we went through a lot together. I lost my sister & my Dad during our time together & he was with me in a way no human could be. He was diagnosed with diabetes about 3 years ago and for most of that time he did well on his insulin & had a great quality of life. But the last 6 months or so he just kept declining - once he completely stopped eating I knew it was time. I cried for 3 days straight knowing I had to do it for him but struggling with it at the same time. I felt like I was killing him and it was so heartbreaking.. My vet who I was with for years, she made it so comfortable for him, and for me- with lots of time, soft music, and dimmed lights to calm him. We all cried together. He passed peacefully with me holding him and talking to him the whole way. It was January 29th of this year. I still cry a lot and I miss his presence and his snores and snuggles and the way he used to look at me and listen to me when I’d tell him about my day at work, & so many other things about him. I’m so grateful and lucky that he was (and will always be) a part of me. A few weeks ago I adopted a 10 year old boy from the shelter whose parent sadly passed. I went there to spend some time with the cats & dogs to help my sadness… I saw him and brought him home for a “sleepover”. Ended up adopting ❤ I think Buddha sent him to me so I could help him and he could help me. I wish you peace and comfort… 💞

[@KittyHelpDesk]

My sincere sympathies for the loss of Buddha. I love all cats, but there are always those special ones who touch you in some way. I can't even put it into words. May your Buddha continue to inspire kindness in your heart.

[@teque-awanderer1341]

Happy to see you again. Be kind to yourself.

[@KittyHelpDesk]

Thank you!

[@Janisut1]

I recommend "The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for all ages" by Leo Buscaglia. 💚

[@KittyHelpDesk]

Thank you, I'll check it out.