My Cat Died and I Can't Stop Crying: 5 Ways to Cope with Grief

What Should I Do When I Can’t Stop Crying After My Cat Passed Away?

The loss of a beloved cat is a harsh reality for every cat lover. Feeling sad and heartbroken is a normal response, so there’s no need to be overly worried.

Your inability to stop crying shows just how much you loved your cat. To help you cope with your grief, I’d like to offer five small suggestions based on my own experience. These methods might help you adjust your emotions and begin healing.

Five Ways to Help You Through the Grief of Losing Your Cat

1. Cry if you need to

For most cat lovers, the first week after losing their beloved pet is the hardest. After all, there’s a missing family member at home. During this time, don’t suppress your sadness. Cry if you feel like it. Don’t worry about how others perceive you, and express your grief in whatever way feels right for you to honor your cat.

There’s nothing laughable about crying, especially when it's for your cat. Once you’ve cried enough, thinking about the memories with your cat might even bring you a sense of warmth.

2. Apologize to your departed cat

When your cat crosses the rainbow bridge, you can start by apologizing for the smallest things from your time together, like, “I’m sorry I didn’t take you to the vet sooner,” “I’m sorry I didn’t let you eat enough treats,” “I’m sorry I didn’t take you outside,” or “I’m sorry I scolded you.”

Don’t think it’s silly—this is actually quite important. While apologizing won’t change anything, you can still convey your feelings to your cat. These apologies carry the love and longing you have for your pet. If you don’t express these feelings, they might leave you with occasional regret over your cat’s passing. Saying them out loud can help ensure that what remains is the beautiful memory of your time together.

3. Slow down your life

If a cat lover is deeply grieving their loss, they won’t be able to work or live well. The only option is to slow down and “relax” a little.

Slowing down allows you to relax your tense nerves, and your attention will shift to things you might have ignored before. Once you’ve taken enough time to unwind, the sadness may feel a little lighter.

At this point, it’s also helpful to reflect on the memories with your cat, create photo albums, videos, and keepsakes, and put away the cat's belongings. This way, you’re not only honoring the past but also starting to embrace a new chapter in life.

4. Adopt another cat

Some cat lovers may say they’ll never adopt another cat after losing one. However, adopting a new cat can actually be one of the most effective ways to cope. After all, there’s nothing more comforting for a cat lover than having a kitten’s company. Many people hesitate to adopt again because they fear the pain of another loss or feel guilty, as if they’re betraying their departed cat.

But when a new cat enters your home, you’ll realize that you’ve been grieving for your cat and also finding joy because of cats. You’re not forgetting the one you lost—you’re simply cherishing those happy memories even more. The truth is, nothing can fully heal the wound of losing a beloved cat. It’s a scar on the soul.

The only way to heal is to comfort yourself. When you understand the cycle of life and death, you’ll realize that life and death are simply a part of nature’s order.

5. Customize a pet necklace with your cat’s face

The only way I can think of to keep your late cat close to you is by customizing a cat pet necklace. Pick the perfect photo of your cat from your phone or album. Go online or visit a local store and have a necklace made using the best materials and craftsmanship. Get your cat’s face and name engraved on the necklace.

Our custom pet face necklace

Whenever you miss your cat, you can wear it around your neck. The pendant will be the closest thing to your heart, and you’ll never be apart from your cat again. The love and longing you feel will always be with you.

These methods may not be 100% effective, but they can help ease your sorrow. Accepting the reality of losing a cat requires courage, and I believe every cat lover is brave. I remember a quote that I’d like to share with you:

“No matter what creature it is, everything has its time to die. Don’t focus on how they died—focus on how they lived and whether you brought them happiness.”

Your cat completed a meaningful journey of life with you, and I’m sure you have many happy memories together. To help you with your grief, I’ve also gathered some poems to commemorate your cat. Perhaps you’re searching for a "My cat died today poem" to engrave on your cat’s tombstone.

Poems to mourn the death of a pet cat

Pet Sympathy Message Examples

Maybe a friend of yours has just lost a cat. For this reason, we have prepared some consolation messages suitable for friends in this situation. You can comfort your friends based on these contents.

• I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet [pet’s name]. They brought so much joy and love into your life, and their memory will live on in your heart forever.
• Losing a pet is like losing a family member. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. May [pet’s name] rest in peace and run free over the Rainbow Bridge.
• Sending love and comfort as you mourn the loss of [pet’s name]. They may be gone, but the love they left behind will always be a part of you.
• I know how much [pet’s name] meant to you. Their unconditional love and companionship will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
• Pets come into our lives and leave paw prints on our hearts forever. I’m deeply sorry for your loss, and I hope the memories of your time with [pet’s name] bring you some comfort.
• [Pet’s name] was truly special, and the bond you shared was so beautiful. Thinking of you during this time of grief, and hoping you find peace in your memories together."
• Losing a pet is incredibly painful, but [pet’s name] was lucky to have had a life filled with love and care from you. My thoughts are with you.
• May the happy memories of [pet’s name] bring you peace in this tough time. Their love will always be with you.

People who cry for a long time for a dead cat are in a normal state of mind, and this emotional reaction does not need to be regarded as suffering from mental illness or abnormality.

However, if this grief reaction lasts for a long time and seriously affects daily life and work, then you may need to consider seeking professional psychological help. I wish every cat lover can get out of the sad mood and embrace a better life.