So sad

[17bluebirds]

My cat got run over last night and didn't survive.
First we knew was a call from a local vet.

DC are heartbroken, I don't know how to help them.

Oh I am sorry. How awful for your little cat and for all of you xxx

You can't really help them. Only time will. Living through the experience. I had my cat's stuff out for a while as didn't want to put bowls, bed etc away. I have also had a book of his best photos made which gives enormous pleasure.

But its heartbreaking at first xxx

I'm so sorry. I agree with the previous suggestion about photographs - perhaps as well, choose a favourite one to frame and display.

Some people find it helpful to leave things like bowls and bedding out; others find it better to put them away so there aren't triggers around the house - a case of doing whatever you feel most comfortable with.

Only time can heal the pain - it will be with you all the time at first. It never goes away but it gradually becomes less overwhelming and you start to remember the happy times.

You gave your cat a life filled with love and kindness and that is the most important thing anyone can give to their pet.

Thanks all.
I've had many cats over the years, unfortunately I've experienced loss of a cat before.
But the dc are finding it hard. Out last cat became ill and we had to have him put to sleep. We all had the chance to say goodbye.
This is much harder cos it was so sudden.
Dd woke me at 2am to say he wasn't home and she was worried. I told her he would be home soon and to go to bed.
Then I got up at 6am to a voicemail from local vet to say that someone had brought him in at 11pm.

It's the suddenness of it that hurts so much.

I like the idea of a a photo book. I'll do that.

It really hurts. Sadly, like any loss, it's gong to take time to come to terms with it. Maybe ask DC if there's anything they'd like to do in memory of him. Will you get his ashes to bury? Keep talking about him until they've adjusted to his loss. I often think about all of my cats who have died, and it's tough. So sorry

Yes, the suddenness is very hard . I've had two elderly cats PTS, but my dog died suddenly and the sense of not having said goodbye or done anything to make his last day special was heartbreaking. In time I came to feel that he'd been happy and loved every single day, and a chance to say 'goodbye' would have helped us, but from his point of view, he knew he was loved so it wasn't needed. But it takes time to get a sense of perspective. For now, you and your DC should let yourselves grieve.

I'm so sorry, OP.

So sorry. At least someone took him to a vet and he wasn't left.

Oh no. So sorry for your loss.

Of course the kids are sad. That's normal and OK. And they can also see you are sad as that's healthy too. In time you will all learn to live with it. But today just be kind to yourselves. Cuddles and memories.