Explaining death of a pet

[vgiraffe]

Our cat is currently very unwell and looking like he will need to be pts tomorrow. Our 2 year old DD loves the cat. How do I explain death to a 2 year old? Should she come to the vet or say goodbye at home? Any other advice on explaining where he has gone?

Is your dd just 2 or nearly 3? How is her speech and general understanding?

at this young age a storey book about death is usually a good way help

www.amazon.co.uk/Always-Forever-Alan-Durant/dp/0552567655/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Badger%27s+Parting+Gifts&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1549573401&sr=8-2

My child was similar age when our beloved cat died. I told him that cat was old and very ill, and his body had stopped working properly. He accepted that fine.

Sorry for the loss of your pet, it's a difficult time for the whole family

Thanks all. DD is actually not yet 2, but almost. Her communication is pretty good for her age but not sure how much she will understand about such an abstract concept.

She won't understand it at all at her age I don't think. I would say that the cat is very poorly and has come to the end of their life, it's very sad that we can't see them anymore but we will remember them and keep them in our hearts. At her age I wouldn't make too big a deal of it tbh, I wouldn't encourage any tearful goodbyes (definitely not at the vets), explain, then don't mention cat unless she asks (obviously discuss it if she does). Really sorry op, it's awful but I honestly think it will be much harder for you than your dd.

She wont understand. I would leave her at home if you possibly can. I am a vet nurse and my thoughts are you need to have time with your pet at the end. X

We went through this recently with my 2 cats who were old and poorly. She accepted quite literally that they were poorly, had died and had gone up to live in the sky. She was ok with that and sometimes looks for them, but in a fleeting way and doesn't get upset.

I cried in my closet for hours when my
Mom told me about my pet hampster Sherman passing away. Good luck! Sorry I can’t be of much help.

Thanks, it is a difficult time of course although helped slightly by the fact that he is quite old and this isn't unexpected. I think I will leave her home with DH and attempt an explanation whilst accepting that she may well not really understand. She often looks for him or asks where he is so I'm anticipating that but I think you're right that she won't necessarily be upset by it.

looks like I’m in the same boat as you and will be having my cat put to sleep tomorrow. I don’t have any advice. But just wanted to send you hugs

And to you too Dodie.