I lost my cat days ago and I still blame myself
I know that this is the normal process of grieving but the guilt kicks in every time. My mind is plagued with thoughts like “I should’ve taken her to the vet sooner”, “I shouldnt have relied on my assumptions that her unusual behavior was nothing.”, “I shouldve given more time to her instead of playing games.”, etc. Deep down, I also sort of expected that her death was going to be any time soon but when it happened, it was really heartbreaking.
She was my cat for almost 11 years and I felt that I took her for granted. I wish that I had done more for her. I try to balance my thoughts by thinking of how she had led a full life despite her external defects (bunny tail and defected left foot) and how grateful I am that she was there for me in every season of my college life up to my adulting days. I want to think of how happy she is now because she is not struggling anymore but I can’t help but miss her.
To pet owners out here, how did you deal with the grief of pet loss?
@diligentMango9271 I'm so sorry for the loss of your cat
I think as pet owners alot of us do the could've would've should've thinking. When out pets are gone it leaves a noticeable hole in our lives. I don't think we fully realize how big their presence was until they're no longer with us. We think of lost moments we could have had with them. Special things we could have done with them and the guilt starts
You gave her 11 years of love and care. Time she might not have had with anyone else. That's an awesome thing - a beautiful thing ❤️
This Thanksgiving will be two years since my beautiful girl crossed the Rainbow Bridge and she is still missed. The best I can tell you is allow yourself to grieve. Cry and mourn her loss - it helps the healing. Talk about her - write - what ever feels right to you. Maybe you could do alittle memorial - a collage of pictures or plant something in her honor? With time it eases and the pain lessens. There will still be times when the tears will come and you might feel like you're being ridiculous about it - try not to - it's natural and normal. We all grieve differently and there's no time line or expiration date - but the days will pass and you'll start to notice it doesn't hurt as bad. Of course you'll still miss her but you'll remember her without the pain
Be gentle with yourself and your thoughts