The Rainbow Bridge: Comforting Pet Owner's Coping with a Pet's Death

No words can convey our heartbreak when we lose a beloved pet. Since our fur-kids are family members, it can be very difficult to cope with a cat or dog's death. So years ago, when I discovered the "Rainbow Bridge,” it gave me great comfort to think that in the future I would be reunited with all the incredible animals with whom I have shared my life. 

Recently, I was asked by a friend of mine (who owns a feline-only veterinary practice) to write a feline oriented Rainbow Bridge poem to share with her clients when they lost a beloved kitty. We both agreed that while the original poem offers comfort to many people, cat behavior is really totally different than that of dogs, and therefore deserved a separate poem. This is the poem dedicated to those who have lost a cat:

When a kitty gives you their heart without reservation, loving you unconditionally, looking up at you with deeply devoted trust, a unique bond forms and you are truly blessed.

Yet, at the same time, the profound joy that such tender love brings is not without risk; the exact moment you open to that precious gift, sadly you must ultimately open to deep sorrow when your beloved cat dies.

But there is comfort in the thought that one day, when it's time, you will once again be reunited with the beautiful cat you adored and still so deeply miss. You see, there is a special place in Heaven where you will once again be able to hold your kitty in your arms, feel the tender touch of their gentle paw on your cheek, and rejoice in the familiar sounds of their contented purr.

This special part of Heaven, which many folks call the "Rainbow Bridge,” is filled with such an abundance of light and healing energy, restoring all cats to radiant health and vigor. Those who were old or sick no longer suffer. Cats who were injured or maimed are made whole and strong again.

At this magnificent place, your beautiful kitty basks in the brilliant warm sunshine, enjoying bountiful food and fresh clean water. Afternoons are spent curling up for a nap, or romping and playing in the lush green grass with all their new friends that share this special place in Heaven.

Your adorable kitty is content and not lonely, but something very important is missing. Cats truly miss their special person who was left behind, who is still thinking about them because they were so deeply loved.

But one day while your beloved cat is leaping in the air chasing butterflies or stalking through the grass pouncing on frogs, in a truly miraculous moment, your cat suddenly sees you approaching from the distance. Your cat's body quivers with delight; whiskers bristling forward, tail straight up in the air. You hear your kitty's excited and welcoming mews that let you know how glorious it is to be in your company again.

You will smile with delight as you both leisurely stroll side by side, your cat purring loudly, rubbing happily up against your legs, knowing that nothing will ever separate the two of you again; you are forever together at this special place, the Rainbow Bridge.

This was written in memory of our beloved Siamese cat, Mousie Tongue.

What comforted you the most following the death of a beloved pet? Please share your experiences in a comment.