What to do with the cat when it dies

This is probably one of the topics that I least like to talk about, but in the case of a cat blog, it is normal to talk about everything related to these magnificent animals. What to do with the cat when it dies? What options we have?

After having loved him for a long time, after having enjoyed his company and affection, his end usually comes as soon as we are less prepared. And it is that, nobody can prepare completely for the death of a loved one, and less to say the last goodbye.

What to do when a cat dies?

It is not easy to say goodbye to your furry friend. It has been X days (more or less, that does not matter) in which you have been together, in which you have shared good times and also others that have not been so much. Laughter and tears, memories that you will always keep in your memory and that will accompany you wherever you go, whatever happens.

When you know what a cat can love for you, you cannot forget it. That is why it is so necessary, especially for you, to ensure a good ending. But, When the vet euthanizes him, what do you do? We have two options:

• Bury it: it is only possible if we have a garden or farm that we own. Of course, it has no cost and also allows us to say goodbye to him at our own pace.
• Incinerate it: it is the option for which we must choose if we do not have a land to bury it. This does have a cost that can vary depending on the company in charge. If we decide to incinerate it, we have to take it to the vet and he will take care of everything (cancel the microchip if it was implanted, notify the company, prepare the animal). Unfortunately, in many countries like Spain many cats are cremated together, so it will be impossible to recover those of our own feline. In others, such as Paris, individual cremation can be requested.

How do I know if my cat is dying?

Cats come into our lives in surprising ways. His elegant gait, often without making hardly any noise, that feline look that we like so much, the meows asking for pampering or a can of wet food ... All these details become part of our daily lives. These details, as well as the personality that each hairy has, makes us love them, that we feel the need to protect them.

Therefore, through daily contact, we can sense when the lives of our friends are in their final stretch. It is not the typical disease in which there are symptoms, more or less mild, but in which the animals recover after a few days. Not. When his death approaches, the symptoms are different, and the behavior also:

• Apathy
• Isolation
• He does not want to eat, no matter how much you insist
• He spends the whole day resting or sleeping
• Very severe physical pain
• If you receive treatment, you are likely to get tired of it
• He does not look for the caresses as before, but he appreciates them
• Increasingly worrying weight loss
• He does not usually come when you call him

My experience with Susty

In 2018 one of my cats, Susty, entered her home stretch. I had feline chronic stomatitis gingivitis, very advanced. Too much. It became 'skin and bones'. As much as we tried to get her to eat her favorite cans of wet food, she came to a point when she rejected them. He would sit in front of the trough, look at it for a few seconds, and then leave.

We had a hard time accepting it, but Susty had already made a decision: he didn't want to live. Despite the pampering, the warmth of the home and the food, that cat was suffering so much that she just wanted to get it over with.

On May 30 of that year, I took her to the vet. After examining it, and talking to him, I decided. He sacrificed her. Shortly after I gave him the injection, Susty looked me in the eye, and purred. I suspect it was his way of thanking me, because although cats purr when they feel threatened or in pain, they also purr when they feel good.

That's when my duel started.

How to overcome the death of a cat?

The truth is, I have been through the duel several times, but it is impossible to know what "that" duel is going to be like for you. Each person is a world, and each of us overcomes it in a different way. Therefore, I can only tell you what works for me, and what I have read:

• Try to stick with your daily routine: at first it can cost you horrors, but believe me, in moments like this, you need stability ... and continuing with day-to-day tasks is the most stable thing a person can have.
• Say goodbye to the cat: there are those who plant something in the garden, or buy a little plant in their memory; others give them a farewell ceremony; Others take their picture, go to a room alone, and tell them everything they need to say.
• If you need it, cry: remove that lump in your throat if you need it. Cry everything you have to cry. This will make it easier for you to move on.
• Talk about your feelings and your cat: and no, you will not be a bore. Humans need to talk about the things that worry us and / or that, in this case, hurt us. Talk to your trusted loved ones; They may not understand you, but at least they will be there with you.
• Try not to be alone too long until you are more animated: Overcoming grief when the house is empty, and / or where you never leave to meet family or friends, can be a very, very painful experience.

I have two cats and one has died, how to deal with it?

When they live with more than one cat and one dies, the rest will gradually understand. Precisely, in 2019 my cat Benji was run over (from that day on I do not let any of the three who are still alive out, despite living in a quiet area of ​​the town). He was five.

The rest immediately knew that something had happened. I am convinced that these felines are capable of recognizing their name and that of their housemates. Besides, they know well when we are not having a good time.

On the evening of March 30 of that year, the atmosphere at home changed. The cats stayed by my side, rubbed against my legs, well, they were with me. Bug, who is usually the most nervous, did not ask me to play. It was not the moment. And the next day neither, nor the next.

I tell you all this because your other cat or cats will mourn with you. In their own way. They may withdraw a bit, stop playing, or lose their appetite a bit. It is normal. You just have to continue with the routine, and make sure they eat. Cats can go two days without eating (it is not their thing, but it would not be too serious if they drink water at least), but if the third day arrives and they do not show the desire to feed, do not hesitate to consult a veterinarian.

I hope this article has helped you to know what you can do when a cat dies and how to cope with its loss.

Much encouragement.