Coping with Loss: A Guide for Cat Rescues

Losing a feline companion is a heartbreaking experience, especially for those like us, involved in cat rescue where the bond with our little ones run deep. Last month, our beloved Cricket experienced cardiac arrest while under anesthesia during her spay surgery and did not make it back home to us. The following week, we lost two new rescues unexpectedly within days of each other without reason. The pain of losing so many in such a short amount of time was overwhelming, and the experience taught us the importance of navigating through this difficult time with care and support. Here are some steps that we found helpful in handling the loss of our precious feline friends.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

The sad reality is that death happens in cat rescues. But even in reminding yourself that it is par for the course in rescue work, it is still important to acknowledge and validate your emotions. It's okay to feel devastated, sad, or even angry. We racked our brains each time trying to figure out if we could have done anything differently in the bargaining stage of grief  (there are 5 stages of grief). Allow yourself to grieve and process your feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Sharing your emotions with fellow rescue members and supporters can provide comfort and understanding during this emotional time.

Celebrate Their Life

Cricket was one of our first rescues. She was a little thing who took a while to grow, which is why we called her Cricket. (August 2023 - May 2024)

Each and every cat in our rescue holds a special place in our hearts. We took some time to celebrate the life of Cricket, Mango and Lucky by sharing fond memories, stories, and photos that highlighted the joy and love they brought into our rescue sanctuary. By honoring their life, we pay tribute to the impact they had on our team and the lives they touched.

Lucky was surrendered to us after being rescued. The elderly couple that found him on the side of the road by himself named him Lucky because “he’s lucky we found him”. (April 2024 - May 2024)

Mango was surrendered to us at 3 weeks old, after losing the rest of her family in a construction accident. She took quickly to bottle feeding and was a ray of sunshine. (April 2024 - May2024)

Moving Forward with Resilience

While the pain of losing a cat in a rescue may never fully fade, it's important to acknowledge the resilience that comes from enduring such losses. Each cat that has passed through our rescue has left a lasting impact on our organization and contributed to the greater mission of saving and caring for feline lives. We've embraced that resilience and carry forward the love and dedication that defines our work in cat rescue.

Coping with the loss of a kitty in rescue requires compassion, support, and resilience. By honoring the lives of the cats that have passed away and caring for ourselves, we navigated this challenging time with grace and strength. Remember, the love and care you provide to each cat in your rescue leaves an indelible mark that will be cherished forever. As you move forward, remember the lasting impact each cat has on your rescue and the love that binds you together.

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