Saying goodbye to a pet is one of the most painful experiences there is. With that in mind, a cat therapist has shared five tips to ensure that you and your cat have the best farewell possible.
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Katie Gwilt, a holistic cat therapist and owner of the cat care company The Kat Lady, works with many elderly and sick cats and has already had to say goodbye to two of her cats when they took their last breaths.
“Sometimes we don’t get any warning when accidents happen, and other times we spend time providing palliative care to the cats in our lives,” explained the expert in a conversation with the Daily Mail website.
Either way, saying goodbye is equally difficult, so how do we handle this kind of loss? “When we bring an animal into our home and lives, we sign up for the good, the bad, and everything in between. Like a living being like us, this life will eventually end, and we hope we can be there to provide the necessary care,” emphasized Gwilt.
“We can support our animals in times of suffering and pain just as we would support our human loved ones. Our veterinarians can help us with any necessary medication to alleviate illnesses as needed, and we can surround them with love and gratitude.”
Gwilt explained that at this moment, it’s also important to take care of ourselves as we go through the farewell process. Grief affects us all differently, and some may even see physical illness manifest in our bodies. Since cats are extremely sensitive creatures who respond to our feelings, keeping ourselves well will also help support them in their final days.
Additionally, don’t forget to support the other pets in the house. Animals also grieve the loss of a sibling, although not in the same way as humans. They live much more in the present, so they may wonder where their companion is now, rather than worrying about where they will go in the future.
And of course, stay with your pet in their final moments. We know this can be very difficult, but don’t leave them alone. They seek support and comfort from you, and they will be much calmer with your soothing words and hugs when the time comes.
Try to remember all the wonderful moments you shared with your feline companion and focus on being everything they need in the present. Relaxing a bit can also help calm your cat, reassuring them with your calmness.
This content was created with the help of AI.
