Cat Death - Condolence Gift?

[Anonymous]

My coworker's cat recently died. She has been really down about it. Is it approproate to get a card or gift? If so, what kind of gift? I do not have any pets so I have no idea what is appropriate.....

[Anonymous]

A gift card seems like an odd bereavement gift. Maybe you can make a donation to the ASPCA, animal shelter, or animal welfare league in her/her cat's name?

[Anonymous]

I've done a few pet condolence cards in the past, when the death was a big loss for someone.

[Anonymous]

I love this book. I read it several times when my cat died and have given it to friends.

http://www.amazon.com/Cat-Heaven-Cynthia-Rylant/dp/0590100548

Another option is a perennial flowering plant for her yard, to remember her cat each year.

[Anonymous]

There was that cat necklace on the Anthropology thread yesterday....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My coworker's cat recently died. She has been really down about it. Is it approproate to get a card or gift? If so, what kind of gift? I do not have any pets so I have no idea what is appropriate.....

I would do a donation in her/the pet's name to the ASPCA or something like that. We did that a few years ago for a friend's dog that died and they really appreciated it.

[Anonymous]

That's so thoughtful of you. A donation is a nice idea; bringing in some donuts or something to tell her you're thinking of her. I think whatever gesture you make, your coworker will appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

You could bake her some cookies. I did that for a friend who lost her dog.

[vander]

You could always get her something to remember her cat by...a cat photo frame, a memory stone or something similar.

[Anonymous]

Just send a card.

[Anonymous]

Just a simple sympathy card will suffice. Perhaps add a thoughtful personal handwritten message inside.

For an added touch, you can buy her a stuffed animal, maybe a stuffed kitty for her to look at.

And let her know she can talk to you about her cat...That you truly understand that the death of a pet is very traumatic for us pet lovers and our grief should be taken seriously.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

THank you OP for being so thoughtful. I do agree with the donation idea. A card expressing sympathy for the loss of her animal friend would be great. People who grieve pets often deal with callous bs from people who dont get it. So, letting her know you know she lost a friend- I have had and lost many pets, and also lost my mother. I know what its like to lose. Its tough and anytime someone validates it as opposed to denying it its a great help.

[Anonymous]

Ok this is the best of DCUM. A thoughtful OP and every reply is creative, useful, and nice.

Ha! Except mine because I can't beat these great ideas!

[Anonymous]

So kind, OP. You are a good soul.

[Anonymous]

I got flowers when my dog died, which I thought was a lovely gesture. I have given donations when friends lost pets.