As much as it pains us to admit it, cats have a much shorter lifespan than we do. With luck, they might live 20, 25, maybe 30 years, but no more. From the 10 years may show symptoms of any age-related illness, such as pain in your paws, Hearing loss o muscular weakness, in addition to other ailments and behavioral changes which the veterinarian will assess over time.
From the first moment the animal enters the house, we need to be aware of this in order to make the most of every momentEvery second we spend with him. In this way, we will not only give him a happy life, but he will also give us the best years of our lives. But, How to say goodbye to my cat? It is not easy at all, but we will try to help you.
Having a cat at home is like having a friend, a companion, someone who gives you lots of love and fun, moments of tenderness and trust that warm your heart and make you see that life can be very beautiful. When the time comes to say goodbyeIt's very difficult.
A thousand and one questions may arise in our minds: Why does he have to leave?Am I doing the right thing? Can't she really live longer?... It's very possible that we'll notice a huge emptiness in our chest, as if a part of us were being ripped away. It can be a very difficult time.And it's normal to feel confusion, anger, sadness, or even guilt.
Types of farewell: natural death, illness, and euthanasia
The way in which a cat dies greatly influences how we experience saying goodbye. Not the same a slow process due to illness or old age rather than a sudden death due to an accident.
It is usually talk about natural death process When the body gradually shuts down, accompanying a more or less lengthy illness, or rapidly, for example, due to a heart attack. In these types of deaths, if the person has been accompanied with respect and affection, There is usually more of a sense of harmony. because the family has had time to prepare.
In contrast, deaths by accident, euthanasia or sacrifices They may require more assistance for both the animal and the human family. In these situations, intense doubts about whether they are doing the right thing, fear of making a mistake, and a strong sense of injustice often arise.
That's why it's important to have professional support in the animal dying processRegardless of the circumstances, whether they had a human family or not, we want to ensure they passed away peacefully and that everything is alright. Sometimes it's the animal that needs help to move on, and other times it's the human family or another animal they lived with and had a bond with. show grief.
Deciding whether or not to euthanize your cat
If the cat is seriously ill, at some point the question may arise: Should I euthanize my cat to prevent suffering? It is one of the most difficult and saddest decisions that anyone who lives with a feline faces.
On the one hand, you don't want to stand idly by and watch him suffer. On the other hand, there's the fear of losing him and not knowing how to go on without him. You might also be worried. the other cats in the house and how they will cope with the absence.
The most important thing is that the only decisive factor is always the cat's well-beingputting our own fears aside as much as possible. There are no general criteria that work for everyone, because each animal and each situation is unique, but there are some signs that can indicate a severe pain or a lack of quality of life:
- Eat very little or nothing for a prolonged period of time.
- He isolates himself, is apathetic, and shows little interest in his surroundings.
- It reacts aggressively or defensively to certain caresses or movements.
Even so, pain alone is not a reason to prematurely end one's life. Only when there are no other treatment options If the suffering is reasonable and can no longer be alleviated, it may make sense to consider euthanasia.
Before making any decision, it is essential talk to the vetAsk them to explain the disease in detail, its expected progression, the available pain management options (dietary changes, pain medication, physiotherapy, palliative care, etc.), and how they assess your cat's quality of life. If you're still not reassured, you can seek a second opinion.
How to accompany your cat in its last days or hours
During the last stage of a cat's life, whether because it is very old, sick, or because the time for euthanasia is approaching, we can do a lot to ensure He feels comfortable and at ease.. If you have any questions about What to do with the cat when it diesThere are guides and resources that can help you. These days, more than ever, the quality of the time we spend together matters.
During the last day of the cat's life, we have to do our best to make her as happy as possibleIf we can, we'll take him home where we'll give him one last can of wet food and lots of love; and if we can't, we'll do it anyway. It's important to try to make his environment... comfortable, quiet and safewith their favorite blanket or bed and access to clean water.
It is also advisable to find moments of silence and presenceSimply by being by his side, petting him if he feels like it, and speaking to him in a soft voice. Cats have feelingsThat's why it's important to avoid letting them see us overwhelmed by tears, as much as possible, so that they perceive us... calm and present.
Many families constantly ask themselves: “Am I doing this right? Am I prolonging their suffering? What if I let them go too soon?” These doubts are normal, but they become more bearable if you anchor yourself in the cat's actual presentHow is he now? What is his body language showing you? Is he seeking your touch or preferring to rest? Is he eating anything? Does he seem distressed or calm? Trust his ability to tell you, in one way or another, how he is feeling.
If you choose euthanasia, consider having the veterinarian come to your home. For many cats, this is much better. say goodbye in their usual environmentwithout the added stress of transportation and the clinic. Try to schedule the appointment for a quiet time of day and, if you wish, ask a trusted person to accompany you.
Take care of yourself and the rest of the family
Many people still don't understand how hard it is to lose an animal companionThat's why some people suffer in silence and feel misunderstood when they lose their cat. Phrases like "it was just a cat" can be very hurtful, because the bond with an animal It is profound and sacred and deserves the same respect as any other emotional bond.
The most important is talk to someone about itWhether it's family, friends, or even professionals specializing in grief or animal-assisted therapy, we need someone who will at least listen to us without judgment, validate our pain, and accompany us through the process.
If other animals live in the house, they may also notice the absence. Some cats show a evident griefThey eat less, sleep more, appear apathetic, or look around for the companion who is no longer there. These changes can be symptoms of depression in cats.In these cases, it is advisable to give them more attention, gentle games, stable routines and lots of calm, without trying to replace the absent companion with another "spare" cat. They need time too. to adapt to the loss.
The moment after: emotions, guilt, and grief
After euthanasia or natural death, we have to externalize emotionsIt's not good to keep our tears and pain to ourselves; we need to let it out. Regardless of our age, if we want to overcome it, we first have to vent: cry, write down what we feel, share memories, even scream if necessary.
The cause of death may be accompanied by feelings of guiltFor example, because you made the decision to euthanize him to end his suffering after an illness, due to old age, or after an accident. It is essential that you release this emotional burden by remembering that, during the time he was with you, you did everything in your power to care for and protect him. Letting go of a loved one It's not an easy decision, but it can be made out of love, thinking about their well-being.
Little by little, over the course of days or weeks (each person needs their own time, there are no fixed deadlines) We will be noticing that we are feeling something betterThere will be ups and downs, days when it seems like we're going backwards and others when remembering them will make us smile. It's all part of the normal grieving process.
It might help to have some tangible memory From your cat: a special photo in a place you love, a paw print in clay or ink, their favorite blanket kept with care, or, if you've chosen cremation, an urn with the ashes in a meaningful corner of your home. Some people find comfort in simple rituals, like lighting a candle in their honor or visiting the place where their remains rest.
Only when we've returned to our daily routine, when the wounds have healed a little, can we ask ourselves if we're ready or if we want to open our doors to another cat. Every cat is unique and, therefore, irreplaceableA new partner doesn't replace the one who left, but rather opens a different chapter of love and companionship when the time is right. If you're considering it, also take into account the Advantages and disadvantages of having a cat before deciding.
Cats are animals that you can't help but love. Saying goodbye to them is probably one of the most difficult experiences we'll ever have, but also an opportunity to... honor all that has been shared With gratitude. With time, support, and self-love, the pain will soften, and the place now occupied by absence will be filled with luminous memories of your feline companion.
