Explaining cat’s death to 3 year old

[acquiescence]

Our lovely cat died today. It wasn’t expected and I’m wondering about how to tell my 3 year old. He gets the idea that ‘something died’ but I know he will be asking where is she physically.
His grandparents cat died recently and we told him the cat had died and he wouldn’t be there any more. He asked a lot about ‘but where is he?’.

I don’t feel comfortable saying the cats are buried in the ground or burnt as I don’t think this will be helpful to him as 3 year old. Another suggestion I’ve had is saying she is a star in the sky but I’m not particularly comfortable with that either. Any suggestions? We still have another cat at home, not sure if this is relevant.

So sorry

Judith Kerr's 'Goodbye Mog' might be helpful.

As a vet this something I come across children this age are very matter of fact tending to be very upset in the moment and then move on to the next thing.
DCat is dead she has been buried/cremated profuse tears and upset, 5 minutes later can we get a new cat.
Death, burial, cremation is a very normal part of life. Present it as fact this is what happens.
My DD grew up in and out of the vets surgery and sees death and cremation as normal. It is very sad, she cries for our own pets ( there have been a few) and empathises with the bereaved owners she meets.

A very, very close friend died suddenly when she was 9. It gave her the confidence to attend his funeral and say her goodbye.

I was honest. We told our fighter out cat had been very poorly and he died which meant we wouldn't see him again. I always advocate telling the truth in an age appropriate way and answering any follow up questions with honesty.