Losing a pet while pregnant

asaruby7

So I'm at a total loss.  I am 34 weeks today and tomorrow I will be losing the second pet in six months.  Losing a pet is difficult enough but I will have to do it twice...all while pregnant.  I am now worried about the baby because I know tomorrow I will be a mess.  I don't want to cause stress but putting our cat down is like losing a family member.  Six months ago, our dog died suddenly and well I thought that was bad.  This is my second pregnancy so I am also thinking of how to explain it to my toddler all while trying to grieve on my own.  I was just curious if anyone else has dealt with this or have any ideas on how to keep myself calm for my unborn bundle.  Too much stress isn't good and I feel like I am getting pushed over the edge

Circular27

I'm so sorry for your losses. I lost my dad at 8 weeks pregnant. Then we found out that our cat had cancer and had to say goodbye to him three weeks ago, when I was 36 weeks. I feel like I spent the month leading up to his death crying every day, as well as the two weeks after, and I also worried about the stress to the baby. All I can say to you is that you have to grieve and allow yourself to process the loss. Your baby will be OK. He or she is safe and comfortable in there. If you can, choose a time when you are calm and talk to the baby. I felt better after explaining to my baby boy why I was upset and that it had nothing to do with him. Again, I'm so sorry. Hugs to you and your family.

asaruby7

Thank you for the kind words.  I have a girl who will be three in October.  She calls every cat she sees Lily So I dont know how much she will understand but she loves that cat so I know we will need to talk about it.

sschwege

Just lurking, but I went through this when I was pregnant with my first.  I was about 18w or so.  We had to put down my sweet little Sammy dog of almost 17 years.  It was really hard.  The one thing I would recommend is, if possible bring something of your cat's, a favorite toy or something.  When we went we brought two things a towel she used to sleep on and a stuffed dog she slept with.  This way Sammy could still have the smells and comfort of home.  The towel I left there and the stuffed animal I carried out, I know it seems a little strange, but I think as hard as it was, it would have been even harder to leave empty handed.  I just held her little stuffed dog against my heart as I made my way to the car.

Circular27

I'm not sure if they have vets in your area, but we used an organization called Lap of Love. A doctor came to the house, which was so much easier for us. We couldn't face taking him into the vet's office. Just wanted his last moments to be at home and peaceful. You might want to check if that option is available.

dragonfly711

I am so so sorry. A few years ago we lost our cat in Novembee, golden in January and another golden in March. It was so hard and we were getting married on July and were having my jack Russell and the one golden who passed in March in the wedding.

I was not pregnant but it was super hard and I have worked for over 17 yes at an animal hospital and have helped clients with their losses.

It is stress but your baby will be fine. Make sure you eat and drink water get some rest. You are going to be more emotional due to being pregnant.

I hope you have someone to bring you to the vet. Don't go alone.

Honestly. Kids do very well with situations like this. I have seen many kids come and be upset but they were with when the vet put the animal to sleep. It gives them some closure

You can let your little one know that he or she is very sick and needs to go to heaven to help other kitties.

I don't know your toddler so if you put it in terms they understand they usually do better than us grown ups.

Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

Again I so so sorry.

PrimRoseMama

I've lost family members & friends. I promise your baby will be fine. It will be rough on you but baby won't be affected.

I'm sorry for your losses.

beccam1230

I'm sorry you're going through a rough time. While I was pregnant, my family had to put down three animals. All of which I have lived with, taken care of and loved for years. My parent's cat, who we adopted when I was in 5th grade. He was 16. My brother's dog.. He lived with me in the summers and was the most wonderful dog I've ever met. Aaaand my other brother's black lab. He died of cancer. It really was ridiculous how many died during my pregnancy. I cried and was so upset about them all and my son is perfectly fine. Grief is ok, cry and mourn. It won't hurt your baby! Again, I'm sorry... I know it's hard.

Natspoiledbrat

I'm so sorry for your loss! I can't imagine losing my pet, the thought of it make my eyes water. I can say that I think children are a lot more resilient than us adults are. I have had pets all of my life and the older I get, the harder it's been to cope with each one's death. Just know that it take a selfless person to have the courage to do what is right and put your beloved pet out of any pain or misery they are now experiencing. You are doing the right thing, and your pet knows how much you've loved them. Hang in there!