Saying goodbye to your kitty

If you’re anything like me, from the first moment you looked into the big, wide eyes of a furry face, you knew that you weren’t just… getting a pet. When I met my last cat, a tiny five month old ball of fur, hiding underneath a table in a local pet rescue, I was overcome with the need to take him home and make him feel loved. He was so small and so scared, but he slept right next to my head that night, already so trusting. I woke up that morning with a face full of fuzzy but, and all I could think was, he’s so much more than a pet. He was family. He was my baby. Some days, it felt like he was my whole world.

Which was why when I had to let him go, it felt like the earth shattered beneath my feet.

Grief is a heavy, tangled mess of a thing. It’s been nearly half a year since I unexpectedly lost Kyle—my beautiful baby kitty who gave me five of the best years of my life—and I still see him everywhere.  It’s tempting to push down those memories that are so full of loss, pain and love. But grieving is healing. Whatever you’re mourning—whether it be a person, an animal, or even something intangible—it’s important to let yourself feel. 

Remember that even when they cross the rainbow bridge, your pet is still with you. The love you gave each other, the connection you felt, the warmth and safety that time with your pet gave you—that’s not going anywhere. I keep a picture of Kyle on my bookshelf. Every night before I go to bed, I give him a forehead kiss goodnight. Just because your cat has passed doesn’t mean they’re left behind, and they will never be forgotten.