How do you help a child get through the death of a pet?

@ravinskye (8237)
United States
October 24, 2011 9:02am CST
Our family cat died last night. We're not sure exactly what happened to him. He had an infection and we got him medicine but I guess it was too bad. I say family cat, but really he was my 9 year old daughter's cat. I got him for her almost 2 years ago to bribe her to try soccer. He was supposed to be for all of us to share too but he bonded to her right away. He would go around the house meowing looking for her if she spent the night somewhere else. So this morning my husband found him and before he could tell us, she had gone down to check on him and found him dead. She came up in tears and is just heartbroken. I don't know what to do to make her feel better. It breaks my heart that she is so sad. What have you done when a pet died?
3 people like this
9 responses
telmesh
@telmesh (1793)
•
24 Oct 11
Firstly make sure the cat has a nice burial and your daughter has a chance to say her goodbyes, best if you have a small plot of land where it can be buried in a quiet place just as you would do for person. Then you have to decide whether you are going to have another cat or other animal, make it your choice and persuade her in that direction but make it look as though the choice is hers. Whichever way it should take no longer than a few weeks before she is not upset, as long as she realises cats don't live as long as humans. All will be fine.
1 person likes this
ravinskye
@ravinskye (8237)
• United States
24 Oct 11
Thanks. We are going to bury him tonight.
1 person likes this
monilove35
@monilove35 (45)
• United States
25 Oct 11
Wow, This brought tears to my eyes, we have a family cat back home and any animals there have been brought into the home seems like a family member which is almost the same as losing a family member, there are never the right words but if you guys buried him allow it to be a grave sight for her to go out there and be along. I will say give her time to heal and cry don't invite another one in just yet give her time.
piya84
@piya84 (2581)
• India
25 Oct 11
Tell her cat went to heaven and god will taking care of him there.There will be angel serving him food and playing with him. Something like that would reduce her pain.
luvmysons
@luvmysons (497)
• United States
25 Oct 11
I am sorry for the loss of your cat.. I always hate when a child loses a pet because they are always the ones that bond with them the most. I would definitely explain to her how he is in a better place now.. Just be there for her and let her know its ok to be sad about it..
eljayo
@eljayo (1105)
• Philippines
25 Oct 11
Hi! As a child I have also experiences this and I really cried . Your child will get through this,give him/her time to mourn for her pet and at the same time divert her attention by giving her activities to be busy with.Eventually he/she will be better and will get through ti as time passes by.
Dora1992
@Dora1992 (71)
• China
25 Oct 11
Take the child away from family into natural beauty,it will get better,as I did.
padu19
@padu19 (1441)
• India
24 Oct 11
I suggest you get a new pet to your kid. Initially your kid may be reminded of the old pet. But as days pass on, your kid will start taking care of this new companion. Best of luck!
pibi713
@pibi713 (187)
• China
25 Oct 11
You can hold a farewell ceremony for the cat. Give your daughter sometime to be alone with the cat and say goodbye before the cat be buried.
phillyguy
@phillyguy (3005)
• Philippines
24 Oct 11
I'm not sure what your religion is but if that happens to me I would tell my daughter that the cat is already in heaven and he's happier there now. Another thing and the most effective way about that is buy her a new pet whom she can spend her time.