We and our cats grieving for elderly Burmese. Help please.

[Yitzchak]

Hello,
We had to have our Birmese Female (Kira) euthanased last week .She was 18yrs 9 months(blind for 3-4 months,severe arthritis and we could not let her suffer). We have two much younger Birmans (Nachmer , Male=7yrs & Pelee ,Fem=6.5yrs). Since then, the Birmans have not used the litter tray (they do have access to the outside) Why are they not using the litter tray,as they used too We have totaly cleaned the tray and put in new litter. Also our Birmans really are still upset (as are we), ). What can we do to help them
Sincerely,
Yitzchak (Australia)

[Traci]

It is obvious, they are grieving for their long-time companion, and it may take another couple weeks or so for them to recognize Kira's absense. The most you can do is shower them with affection and attention, try to divert their interests into other things, such as playtime, exercise, bonding, etc. Also, try not to show your stress around them, they can pick up on that easily and can react in different ways (such as inappropriate eliminating/urination)

As for the litterbox issue, try a new one, they may be associating the present one with Kira, sometimes cats associate certain objects their companion has been near, played with, used, etc. A new litterbox would divert that attention, plus adding another is always a good idea where more than one cat is concerned. Don't change anything about location or type of litter used at this point. The important thing is establishing a normal routine as possible, as close to what it was when Kira was with you....changes can cause stress and therefore litterbox issues. Also try using an enzymatic cleaner like Nature's Miracle to clean the areas of the accidents.

I'm so sorry about Kira, it sounds like she had a long, wonderful life with you, it's obvious you truly treasured her. (((HUGS)))

[TheSkeptic]

I agree with Traci and offer my condolences on your loss. ....

[Guest]

Dear Traci,
Thankyou for your understanding and support.
We will buy 2 new litter trays tommorrow (they have always had 2).
Thankfully my wife was on holidays from work for the last 3 weeks of Kira's life and still has another week to be at home with our Birman friends.
We are thus able to give each other and our Birman friends lots of time,lots of play etc.
We all miss KIRA so much, it is starting to get a little easier BUT ! I feel guilty because I'm getting used to KIRA being gone. (Is that nuts or normal grieving?)
Thankyou, Yitzchak & Cass + Nachmer & Pelee
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Hello THE SKEPTIC Thank you too for your kind words.
Y&C+N&M

[Traci]

Getting used to the loss can take time for most people, some must fill the void with other pets, others take much longer to grieve, each of us is different in how we cope with loss, one has to do what one feels is best for them.

Healing comes in many forms.....the tears lesson in time, sadness is ultimately replaced with reflection of happier times spent together, and peace is found in your heart whenever you think of your precious loved one.

My thoughts and prayers are with you...

[Susan and the girls]

I'm so sorry about Kira. I know your heart is breaking. I am so sorry.

Please give yourself time to grieve. It may take a while - both for you and for the other kitties. My Belle grieved for several weeks after Lily died. (I still grieve over the loss of Lily almost two years ago, but the pain has decreased.)

I'm so glad you had your precious Kira for so many years. How fortunate you were to have her for 18 years! She must have been a very special cat, and you will always have a "Kira"-shaped spot in your hearts.

(((HUGS)))

[Yitzchak]

Hi & thankyou again for your kind thoughts.
We are slowly coming to terms with "LIFE WITHOUT KIRA". Grieving is a strange thing. My wife and I seem to be grieving more now than when we've lost relatives. Maybe we're grieving for them now as well as KIRA
Baruch Tiyeh (May you be blessed)
Yitzchak & Cass +
Nahmer & Pelee(our Burman babies)

[Yitzchak]

Getting used to the loss can take time for most people, some must fill the void with other pets, others take much longer to grieve, each of us is different in how we cope with loss, one has to do what one feels is best for them.

Healing comes in many forms.....the tears lesson in time, sadness is ultimately replaced with reflection of happier times spent together, and peace is found in your heart whenever you think of your precious loved one.

My thoughts and prayers are with you...

Hi Traci,
Well,i'ts been a little while now(3 months) since we lost our beloved KIRA .
We have just picked up our new baby girl . A Chocolate Burmese (as was Kira. Not that we are looking to replace Kira-- That would be impossible).
Her name is "Choco-Lat",she is of course gourgeous. Thirteen and a half weeks old. We picked her up Thursday night (Perth, Western Australian time). It is now late Saturday night,and we have just had our first breakthrough with our Birmans. The older of the two, Nachmer(Male) has had some tentitave looks and nose touchings with Choco-Lat. As yet the youger Birman Pelee (Girl) is still not at all impressed. Still it's early days yet.
All The best and thaks again for your kind words Re Kira.
Yitzchak & Cass

[Yitzchak]

I'm so sorry about Kira. I know your heart is breaking. I am so sorry.

Please give yourself time to grieve. It may take a while - both for you and for the other kitties. My Belle grieved for several weeks after Lily died. (I still grieve over the loss of Lily almost two years ago, but the pain has decreased.)

I'm so glad you had your precious Kira for so many years. How fortunate you were to have her for 18 years! She must have been a very special cat, and you will always have a "Kira"-shaped spot in your hearts.

(((HUGS)))

Dear Susan and The Girls,
Well,i'ts been a little while now(3 months) since we lost our beloved KIRA .
We have just picked up our new baby girl . A Chocolate Burmese (as was Kira. Not that we are looking to replace Kira-- That would be impossible).
Her name is "Choco-Lat",she is of course gourgeous. Thirteen and a half weeks old. We picked her up Thursday night (Perth, Western Australian time). It is now late Saturday night,and we have just had our first breakthrough with our Birmans. The older of the two, Nachmer(Male) has had some tentitave looks and nose touchings with Choco-Lat. As yet the youger Birman Pelee (Girl) is still not at all impressed. Still it's early days yet.
All The best and thanks again for your kind words Re Kira.
Yitzchak & Cass
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