To Our Beloved Cat, a Poem

Losing a beloved cat can be an incredibly painful and emotional experience, as cats hold a special place in their owner’s heart and life. We’ve recently lost our beloved ginger cat, Minos, to old age, and from time to time I find myself crying when I remember him. It surely is like losing a bit of your heart, it hurts, Just as when you have a physical wound, you feel the pain of having a skin lesion, having your heart chipped for the loss of a beloved pet is the same.

The pain that accompanies the loss of a cat can manifest in several ways:

   

Emotional Turmoil: The emotional impact of losing a cat can be overwhelming. Many cat owners form strong bonds with their feline companions, and the loss can trigger intense feelings of sadness, grief, and even depression. The cat’s absence can leave a void that is difficult to fill.

This is specially true  for my husband, Minos bonded with him, as a Maine coon cat would. Minos would everyday be sitting on his lap, asking for pets, contented and proud to be with his favorite person. Hubby never expected too how losing Minos would break him, he even wrote a long post tribute for him.

Nostalgia and Reminders: Everyday objects, routines, and places around the home can serve as painful reminders of the cat’s absence. Seeing an empty food bowl, an unused litter box, or a favorite resting spot can trigger a wave of nostalgia and longing.

We’ve had Minos’s fur collected in a jar, as he is a long-haired cat we brush him everyday. His last days gave us a lot of fur as we had to comb him for losing the ability to clean himself. We also had his paw imprinted, and kept his ashes in an urn.

Guilt and Regret: Cat owners may experience feelings of guilt or regret, especially if they feel that they could have done more to prevent their cat’s passing. This can be exacerbated if the cat had a sudden or unexpected death.

At 18, Minos still looks young and able weeks before his death. One night, he stopped hopping on the bed and slept mostly on the floor. It was sudden, I brought him to the vet thrice and he was given infusions, the vet was hesitant to do more, even a surgery if there was a blockage knowing his age. The third time, I was told that it’s ok and I shouldn’t bring him in anymore. I regretted not having brought him much earlier, like a day or two, it could have made a difference.

We miss Minos dearly.

Dear Beloved Old Cat,

As I sit here with pen in hand, my heart overflows with gratitude and love for you. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed since the day we first welcomed you into our lives. You may be an old cat now, but you are timeless in our hearts.

Thank you for choosing us as your forever family, even when you were already a wise and experienced feline. When we adopted you at 12 years old, we knew we were taking on the responsibility of caring for a senior companion. Little did we know just how much you would enrich our lives.

Over the years, you have been a source of comfort, companionship, and joy. Your gentle purrs and warm cuddles have been a balm for our souls during both the brightest days and the darkest nights. Your presence has filled our home with love, creating an atmosphere of peace and contentment.

Thank you for teaching us the beauty of aging gracefully. You may move a bit slower and sleep a bit more, but your spirit remains vibrant and strong. Your resilience and unwavering spirit have been an inspiration to us, reminding us to cherish each moment and embrace the journey of life.

Your eyes, deep pools of wisdom, have seen the world change, yet they still sparkle with a playful glimmer. We’ve shared countless memories, from playful games with strings and feathers to quiet moments basking in the sun’s warm embrace. Each memory etched in our hearts forever.

Thank you for being a patient listener and a gentle presence during times of sorrow and celebration alike. Your understanding and unconditional love have been a comfort beyond measure. We know you can’t speak in words, but your eyes and soft purrs have conveyed more love and empathy than any spoken language ever could.

As the years have passed, we’ve cherished every precious day with you, knowing that our time together is a treasure. We promise to continue cherishing each moment, providing you with all the love, care, and comfort you need in your golden years.

Thank you, dear old cat, for being a cherished member of our family. You have left pawprints on our hearts that will never fade. We are forever grateful for the joy you have brought into our lives and the love you continue to share with us.

With all our love and gratitude…

– Your family