Any help with grief of putting down family cat while overseas?

Chiz Sandler

Our family cat of 16 years is going to be put down tomorrow. I have been living in the UK for 2 years and in 2 months I am moving home. My Mum is currently over to visit, so my Dad is home alone in Australia dealing with this all alone. Can anyone suggest/help us to deal with the grief? How can Mum and I deal with it (so far away), and how can Dad by himself? I feel terrible thinking about not seeing her again and equally horrible that Dad is all alone with this situation.

*DESU* · 02-10-2009, 12:53 AM

Just out of interest and without wanting to trivialise your obviously burdensome woes in any way: is this a joke?

02-17-2009, 02:28 AM

For you and your mother, I would suggest spending lots of time together doing activities to take your mind off it. Remember the good times you had with your cat as these happy memories might help you through it. Having her over will help you a lot and the two of you can support each other. Maybe ask to have photos of the cat when he/she was alive and well sent over to you for this.As far as your dad goes, call him a lot and try to keep him as much in your life as you can with the distance. Offer your support and help him through it in the best way you know how. It would be nice for you to try and visit him, but if this is too difficult maybe consider webcams for the two of you so you can at least see and talk to each other. It might make it seem less lonely. :x

Amanda G · 03-05-2009, 03:16 AM

Be glad that you had so many years with your cat and if possible ask your dad if he can be on the phone with you at the time so you can all support each other emotionally at this sad time.

Tigger · 03-23-2009, 11:13 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about your cat: I had to deal with something like this a couple of years ago, and it was hard. But at least I was with my feline friend until the end.There is a- I don't know if you would call it a poem or a fable- called The Rainbow Bridge. Find it and send it to him. And you might want to read it yourself.If your dad wants to talk about the cat, by all means let him. If not, that's all right too.Feel better.

04-08-2009, 03:26 PM

Losing a pet is heart-wrenching. There is no"good"way to deal with the loss of a pet. The Vets show dignity and compassion when dealing with this and will stay in the room with you . Perhaps you can have the cat cremated and the ashes placed in an urn. Have a memorial when all the family members are present. Sorry for the loss.