Should Young Children Be Allowed to View the Family Cat's Dead Body?
Cats that have died from old age or other natural causes will often look as if they are sleeping peacefully, as their organs will be intact with no visible signs of trauma. In such circumstances, parents of young children often feel that it is permissible to allow their children to view the body of the family cat so that they too can say their final goodbyes. But when doing so, they should let their children know that kitty will not be opening her eyes and coming home with the family. Age appropriate language should be used by letting children know that kitty was so sick that the vet could not make her better again and she will not be able to come home with the family.
However, cats that have died in tragic circumstances, such as in car accidents, will often have signs of injury and trauma that can be very distressing to children who have never come across a violent death before. It is best for parents of young children to shield them from seeing the family cat's body if it has been run over by a car so as to spare the children from the horror and sadness of the cat's tragic end. Allowing young children to view the mangled remains of the family cat can trigger nightmares in children and other unpleasant side effects. Even if the children insist on viewing the cat's remains, caring parents should protect their children and make sure the body has already been taken care of. This will spare their children from additional pain.
Parents of young children should not be guided by what little Tommy and Katie think is best when the cat dies. Even if they insist for a whole day that they need to see the cat's body so that they can say goodbye, parents should weigh whether they can handle viewing the cat's body or not. If the cat died naturally, then there will not usually be any objection. But if the cat died in a traffic accident, parents will want to protect their children from viewing the cat's body.
Published by Sophie S - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Sophie is a British expat who has been living abroad in the United States for the past 5 years. She writes on a diverse variety of subjects and is particularly interested in sharing her personal knowledge ab... View profile
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- If the cat died from natural causes, some parents allow their children to view the cat's body
- Viewing the body of a cat that died in traffic accidents can be extremely distressing to children
- Parents should protect their children and do what they think is best under the circumstances
8 Comments
Post a CommentThanks for the comments.
Sophie
I agree with this article! Thanks!
Very good topic and advice!
I agree with this. Very wise advice. Years ago my cat died a tragic death under the hood of my car. My ex husband had to get her body out and I didn't even want to see it. He brought her to the door and asked if I wanted to say goodbye. I was so upset and in shock. I told him no, and I thought it was a disgusting suggestion, but later I knew he meant well. I definitely wouldn't have wanted my kids to see her. The next day after her death I swear I heard the sound of a cat jumping down off the kitchen chair and onto the linoleum floor, but she was dead and buried in the back yard.
Sophie, this was really good information and not a standard topic often seen. Parents with young children wondering how to best deal with the death of a family cat will find this advice quite helpful. Good job!
Very good topic and points to consider. My girls viewed the body of their beloved hamster when she died and I think it helped them to understand and say goodbye.
Makes sense.
I agree that in most circumstances that children should be allowed to view the body. Thanks for covering this topic.