I lost my cat yesterday and I’m struggling

[Musicfreak]

My cat Buddy died in my arms yesterday. He was only 9, but his kidneys were failing and the vet said he would likely get worse.

I was with him as he slipped away and I think dying would be better than this unbearable pain.

I don’t know what to do, I’m barely getting out of bed and live alone with my younger cat.

Topic

[VM – OnAJourney]

Dear Musicfreak
This is such a hard time for you, Buddy must have meant a lot to you. It is quite understandable that you feel lost and unsure how to move forward.
You wrote this two days ago – I wonder how you have been managing and how you are going today? I hope you look after yourself.

[Musicfreak]

It’s been so incredibly hard. I’m trying to make sure I eat, but I normally just end up feeding Gertie (my younger cat), and I take her outside when the sun is out so I get some vitamin D.

I’m hoping to start volunteering for the red cross in a week or two for a few hours a week…I’m hoping that goes OK. I need to get out of the house.

Every day feels more heartbreaking than the last…

[VM – OnAJourney]

Yes, I can imagine that it is still hard. Good to hear you are making an effort to look after yourself. And sometimes when we grieve, ordinary things like eating can feel like a huge effort. Sounds like you have a fairly good idea what you might find helpful – including getting some sunshine and starting volunteering. Takes a bit of courage to do that and it’s great that you take that step. Having something meaningful to do and being among people can be a very good way to help you cope with your loss. You might have already checked out some of the resources on the Griefline website – here is a summary of the EAST toolkit: https://griefline.org.au/resources/east-toolkit/ which you might find helpful.
How about Gertie, is she doing her bit to support you as well?
Hope you get some decent sleep tonight.

[Author]

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