Valentina Brought Home-unusual Reaction Options

[eclipse]

I brought Valentina's ashes home yesterday. I miss her like crazy, and I'd much rather be bringing her home in her original form. At least I have some sense of closure on this and know she no longer suffers. For a while I thought the Vet's office lost her because they didn't call me when the service returned her.

I need to know if any of you have experienced somthing like this, and if so how long it continued. Before I even got in the door, my cat Mai knew I had Valentina. I know that because she was behaving in the exact same manner as she did when I would bring Valentina back from a vet appt. She was yowling, (I could her her through the door) and slinking very low to the floor. She was going into every room, sniffing and I think she is looking for Valentina. This morning she did something very similar. It hurts me to watch this because I know she is so upset. I don't want to put Valentina's urn in some deserted corner, but I don't want Mai to be this upset either.

Any ideas about this?

[5catsmom]

eclipse,
My cats have sometimes had the same experience as Furkidlet's Mom's when they're playing around and suddenly stop what they're dong to stare at seemingly nothing, usually in the corner of my room. It can last for up to a minute, and we always just assumed that it was one of our departed cats there, letting their presence be known. It never frightens them, and it seems completely normal to them (which I guess it is, knowing animals' 6th sense about these things.)

Mai probably senses Valentina's presence, and more, she probably knows that vet office odor, which is probably clinging to the urn. I agree that she needs to explore the urn at her own pace (the urns are usually sealed so it's unikely she'd knock it over or get into it, but make sure, anyway). Mai needs to accept the loss, as you do, and will take cues from you, as you will from her. It's a very mututal loss you share, and may bring you closer together as you grieve together.

I'm sorry for your loss, but in a way glad your Valentina (what a beautiful name) is home again. It's where she belongs, and she'll never leave you again. Take care - Barbara