Coping - Loss of Your Beloved Cat

The death of a beloved cat can bring about a vast array of emotional, physical, and spiritual upheavels in your life. It is impossible to explain grief to someone who has never had to deal with the loss of a loved one. But for those of us who have had to endure this hardship, grief almost always is a life altering experience.

Grief is a powerful force. It can envelop your soul, delving you into such a dark, black abyss that you do not know how or where to find the strength to crawl back into the light.

The most important advice in overcoming grief is to not let anyone dictate a time schedule or method that you are suppose to follow to heal. Take as much time as you need to recover. This can be from a few months to years for a much loved pet.

Many people will not understand the grieving of a cat. If you do not have family and friends that can help, there are numerous organizations that will guide you through this time.

Pet loss grief hotlines in USA ...

University of California-Davis
staffed by veterinary students
weekdays: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm - pacific time
(530) 752-4200 or toll free (800) 565-1526


University of Florida
staffed by veterinary students
weekdays: 7 pm to 9 pm - eastern time
(352) 392-4700 then dial 1 and 4080


Michigan State University
staffed by veterinary students
Tuesday to Thursday: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm eastern time
(517) 432-2696


Pet Loss Support Hotline
Chicago VMA veterinarians and staff
Leave voice message, calls returned 7 pm to 9 pm central time (long distance calls returned collect)
(630) 603-3994


Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
staffed by veterinary students
Tuesday & Thursday 6 pm to 9:30 pm eastern time
(540) 231-8038


Ohio State University
staffed by veterinary students
monday, wednesday, friday: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm eastern time
voice mail messages returned, collect during operating hours
(614) 292-1823


Tufts University
staffed by veterinary students
tuesday, thursday: 6 pm to 9 pm eastern time
voice mail messages returned daily, collect outside Massachusetts
(508) 839-7966


Iowa State University of Veterinary Medicine
staffed by veterinary students
seven days a week 6 pm to 9 pm central time from September-April
monday, wednesday, thursday 6 pm to 9 pm central time from May-August
(888) ISU-PLSH


Cornell University Pet Loss Hotline
staffed by veterinary students
tuesday-thursday 6 pm to 9 pm eastern time
messages returned
(607) 253-3932


University of Illinois
staffed by veterinary students
voicemail messages returned tuesday, thursday, and sunday 7 pm to 9 pm central time
(217) 244-2273 or toll free (877) 394-2273(CARE)


Colorado State University
staffed by veterinary students
caller pays long distance charges
(970) 491-1242


Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
staffed by veterinary students
(509) 335-5704

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