When Is the Right Time to Get Rid of Your Deceased Cat’s Things? Nicole’s Experience

Updated on
Hi, I’m Nicole! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my distinguished Burmese, Mr. Baby Cat.
Losing a beloved cat is an emotionally difficult experience, and if you’ve lost yours, my heart goes out to you. To most fur baby parents, cats aren’t just a pet—they are family. So, after they pass, their presence lingers in the form of their belongings: the cozy bed they curled up in, the toys they loved, the bowls they ate from, and even the fur-covered blankets they used. Deciding when to part with these items can be challenging, and I’ve learned through my own experience that there’s no single right answer. The timing is deeply personal and depends on how you process grief. It gets a little more complicated when two or more people in the same household process grief differently, with some wanting the physical reminders removed quickly and others wanting them to remain for a bit of comfort.
I wanted to dive into this question to learn from others and find out what I needed myself, and then share that with you all in case anyone needed that support.
It may not surprise you if you’ve been following along with my journey that I have held on to Baby’s items. His food bowl is still in the same spot in the kitchen, and while his bed is tucked away in the corner behind the lounge chair, it’s still accessible, not that I take it out regularly, but I get comfort in knowing it is still in our home.
We waited ages to be able to get Baby’s Hepper nest bed shipped to New Zealand, and both he and I were so excited when it finally arrived. He only had a few short months of using it, but the way he loved it, and it being from the company I work for (since he is the reason I was interested in cat furniture in the first place), makes the bed even more sentimental. It represents more than just his sleeping spot; it represents my love and dedication to him and cats around the planet. So, the thought of not having that in this house is really painful, and I know I will hold onto it in the case of another kitty joining our family one day (not anytime soon, though!)
We have fewer things than some pet parents would have because Baby was old and slowing down for a while, so many of his ‘things’ became obsolete over the past few years. But, there is still stuff. A lot of these items have no real sentimental value at all on their own, no stories attached to them or meaning presented, but just by being something we bought for our little man, they become difficult to let go of.
When I asked the question of when to get rid of my deceased kitty’s things on my social media, I was expecting a mixed bag of responses, but I was surprised that most people said a variation of “there’s no right or wrong answer, it’s whatever feels right for you.” And I appreciated that. There was no judgment, and there were people I knew who had been holding onto collars or bowls for years and some who got rid of things immediately, but each of those people did not judge the other. It was really beautiful and respectful.
Whether you’re going through the grieving process of a lost pet, or are preparing for the inevitable day, I’ve put together some of my findings below. I hope it helps.
Give Yourself Time
One of the most important things to remember is that there’s no rush to grief. Knowing that some people find comfort in clearing away their pet’s things immediately can make it feel like there is an expected end date, but just know that while the reminders feel too painful for some, it’s completely normal for others to prefer to keep everything as it was for weeks or even months, finding solace in their cat’s lingering presence. It’s okay to take your time. Give yourself the space and don’t rush it. If you’re not ready to let go, then don’t. You may choose to put things away, and then bring them back out again. Grief has no deadline.
Consider Your Emotional Triggers
Ask yourself how seeing your cat’s items makes you feel. Do they bring you peace, or do they cause pain and stir up distressing emotions? If looking at their empty bed or untouched toys makes you overwhelmingly sad, it might be a good idea to pack them away for a while but not get rid of them completely. By putting them in a box and storing them somewhere, you can provide yourself with emotional relief while the wound is still fresh but still keep your options open for later.
What to Do with Their Belongings
Once you’re ready to part with your cat’s items, you can consider different ways to handle them. Knowing your options may even help you make the decisions more quickly.
- Donate to a shelter: Many animal shelters and rescues accept gently used pet beds, toys, and bowls. Donating can turn your grief into something positive by helping other cats in need.
- Pass them to another pet owner: If you have friends or family with cats, they may appreciate the extra supplies.
- Repurpose sentimental items: Some things, like a favorite blanket or collar, might hold deep sentimental value. You could repurpose them into a keepsake, such as a small pillow, shadow box, or art installation to honor your cat’s memory.
- Keep a small selection: If letting go of everything feels too final, keep one or two meaningful items, such as a special toy or their name tag, to cherish.
Conclusion: There’s No Right or Wrong Answer
Ultimately, I believe that only the individual can determine the right time to let go of their deceased cat’s belongings. Grief is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Give yourself grace, listen to your emotions, and take things at your own pace.
If you have differing opinions in a household, open the discussion, and try putting some things away instead of getting rid of them, until you can agree on what to do.
Whether you choose to keep, donate, or repurpose their things, what matters most is that you do what feels right for you.
- Read her previous article: Do Pets Grieve Other Pets When They Die? How Our Dogs Reacted to Baby Cat’s Passing