Grief Awareness Day – Coping with the loss of your cat

1st November 2019

If your cat has come to the end of their life or has gone missing, you may find it hard to cope with the loss of your beloved companion. It’s Grief Awareness Day on 30th August, so we’re taking a look at how you can cope with the loss of your cat.

Missing cats

If your cat has gone missing, take time to ask around your local neighbourhood to find out if anyone has seen a cat that matches your cat’s description. Show pictures of your cat to people and ask them to check garages and sheds in case your cat has accidentally been locked inside. Contact veterinary practices and rehoming charities such as Cats Protection in your area to find out if any lost cats have been taken in and if your cat is microchipped, contact the microchip database to report your cat as missing. For further advice, take a look at our article about what to do if your cat goes missing.

Grieving

While society or people around you who don’t have pets might not understand the significance of the loss of a cat, this should not stop you from grieving for your pet. It may take you weeks, months or even years to grieve – however long, allow yourself to grieve in your own time and in your own way.

Take care of yourself

When you’re grieving, it’s easy to slip into bad habits. But eating healthily, keeping active and getting plenty of sleep will help you through the process. Falling into bad habits like drinking alcohol to drown your sorrows can make the grief more prominent when the effects wear off.

Talk about your loss

Talking about the loss of your cat can help you to cope with your grief. You could talk to a friend or family member, or other cat owners who may have experienced loss. You could also talk to a volunteer from Cats Protection’s Paws to Listen service. You can call on 0800 024 94 94 or email pawstolisten@cats.org.uk. The service is completely free and confidential.

This article was written in collaboration with Cats Protection. Further information about coping with the loss of your cat can be found on the Cats Protection website at www.cats.org.uk/grief.