Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together........

Author Unknown

When a cat owner and veterinarian decide that a pet is suffering or is unlikely to recover, euthanasia offers a way to end a cat's pain and suffering. This decision is most likely to be difficult for the cat owner but for the veterinarian as well.  This is most likely the hardest decision you will ever have to make, but you should realize that sometimes this is the kindest most thoughtful thing you can do in the final stage of  your cat's life.

Grief is a process of physical, emotional, social and cognitive reactions to loss. The grieving process is hard to work through, be patient with yourself or others experiencing the loss of a pet. Studies have found that people often go through stages or phases of grief.

Is your cat grieving the loss of another pet?  Although cats are typically portrayed as being independent, is is not unusual for one cat to mourn the loss of another pet.  Do you know what signs to look for?  Is is not uncommon for a cat to demonstrate signs of grief - just as a human experiences loss of a feline.  When two cats are attached to each other and one dies, the other may experience a period that can often be described as mourning.