Struggling with grief after losing our much loved cat so suddenly

[MumofMaskers]

I don't usually post here but thought I would find fellow cat lovers who understand. Yesterday our beautiful girl was hit by a car and killed - I'm absolutely in pieces.

As much as it was very traumatic the vet said it would have been very quick but that's of little comfort. She didn't usually venture far and near the busier road and having all the guilt, wondering if she was confused in the heat and got disoriented.

She was so lovely, and kind and gentle. A proper softy lap cat, always there to greet us and talk to us. My daughter was particularly attached to her. She seems to be coping well but I know grief isn't always linear in young children.

I am trying to keep it together but this feels like a cruel blow after a particularly difficult year. The shock of having to deal with the aftermath outside in the heat took its toll and I haven't been able to really eat or sleep and been sick several times. I had no idea the reaction could be this physical.

Here's a picture of our lovely girl. She was just the best and we were so lucky to have her.

@678socks we went for an individual cremation so we could have ashes returned to us. Partly because we plan to move soon, so that's one reason a burial wouldn't have been practical. It's not something we've ever done as a family, for a pet or family member, but I think because of the way she suddenly died and no way to say goodbye etc, it felt quite important to have her with us. Thinking of creating a little bit of the garden for her.

When my darling kitty died in 2018, I did two things that helped a bit. I wrote a detailed obituary, incorporating all my favorite stories about her exploits, and shared it with friends. I also printed and framed a couple of my favorite photos of her. I still keep them around the house.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

What a lovely lady ❤️ So sorry for your loss, it is truly dreadful to lose a cat, they are with you for a long time usually & are a member of the family and offer a form of unconditional love. When I lost my beloved cat, after a while, I began to feel uncomfortable expressing my grief openly, so I called the Cat's Protection grief support service - the woman I spoke to was fantastic, very affirming, supportive and kind - and it really helped me cope with my feelings

www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/grief/paws-to-listen?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_campaign=pawstolisten&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23553139362&gbraid=0AAAAACxVXb-0emxDUSVwLuYRHeFsL7Doh&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-MDTBhCgARIsAKAkdlQT_AOu9junH2q6gfSwjwlnkiRf8RbpnmGzcM7J5ETlz-NC2N_5h0waAi2rEALw_wcB

We had to put out beautiful boy to sleep last week. I still cry anytime I mention him. Loved him and was such a shock how quickly he went, I know that is part of the price you pay for having a pet but it still hurts.

sending you every one who has lost a pet hugs

I'm so sorry for your loss, My sister lost her 17 year old cat a week ago , he had been poorly for a while . The vet did everything they could but nothing helped . My sister is heartbroken. She cancelled her up coming holiday ,. She got the cat just after our dad died , so i think that's why it's hit her so hard

Thank you. That is what we have gone for. As you say no chance to say goodbye so felt like a really hard decision to make.