Saying Goodbye to Your Cat
The only true “down side” to owning pets such as cats is that their life spans are significantly shorter than our own. This means that part of the adoption and rearing process is the acceptance that we will, at some point in the future, have to say goodbye.
We are lucky in this modern era that there are many options and support for the moment when this time comes, and we can even choose to bring a cat’s life to an end if they are no longer comfortable or living a decent life due to illness or disease.
Obviously these sorts of decisions require immense courage and love on the part of the owner, and it is very helpful to know that your veterinarian is going to be there to help you through the entire process. It is important to have already developed a good working relationship with a veterinarian in order to let them know how you feel exactly about your cat and your thoughts on such things as euthanasia. For example, you may want to take some time long before any decisions are required to ask if your vet will make a house call should euthanasia be necessary. This is particularly true if your cat does not travel well or reacts badly to a visit to the veterinary office.
Basically, the point is to consider the most dignified and worry-free solutions for the cat and for yourself. A good relationship with your veterinarian is going to allow them to be as honest and frank as possible, and you will need this information to assure yourself that the right decision is made.
Additionally, you may want to take some time long before you think it necessary to consider what you will do with your beloved cat after its life has come to an end. For example, apartment dwellers or those who do not own a plot of land will have to find a suitable place for burial or a crematory that will handle the pet’s remains in the way that makes the owner comfortable. There are many pet cemeteries and crematoriums offering the owner the option for an actual funeral service and an observed cremation after which time they get only their pet’s ashes back.
Once all of the details have been handled and you have buried your cat or received their ashes, you are going to have to accept the grief and mourning process. If there are other cats or pets in the household they will display signs of the same emotional turmoil that you are feeling too. This is all very natural and healthy, and it is important to allow it to occur before trying to bring a new cat or kitten into the home. In fact, the grieving process can often allow a cat owner to strengthen the bonds between themselves and the remaining cats and help to mend their sadness.
