We all know what to expect from a funeral eulogy. Usually, a close friend or family member of the deceased reads a prepared statement about the life of the person who recently died.
The speech typically includes a bit the person's background, as well as traits that made the deceased unique and loved.
If you recently lost your pet cat, you may wonder how to pay tribute to your beloved friend. Perhaps you are considering having a ceremony for your pet, but you aren’t sure how to put into words what your cat meant to you.
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How to Write a Cat Eulogy
Here are some tips on how to write a cat eulogy. We will also include snippets of text that you may consider using when talking about your own cat.
1. Interview other members of your household
Before you attempt to write a eulogy, talk with other members of your home about their favorite memories of your cat. What traits did they most appreciate and enjoy?
Although you have your own favorite stories, animals often have unique relationships with each member of the household.
2. Look back at photos and videos
Spend an afternoon reminiscing by looking at pictures and videos of your furry friend. You’ll remember when the cat became a part of your family.
Perhaps you’ll find a video of the first time your kitten encountered your Christmas tree or your infant son. Maybe you have photos of your cat patiently riding in a baby carriage pushed by an excited four-year-old.
As you look back at snapshots and videos of years past, you’ll remember what your pet was like when it was young and energetic. Make sure you talk about those aspects of your pet’s life as you write the eulogy.
3. Research quotes for a eulogy
Sometimes it’s hard to put your emotions into words. Thankfully, poets live among us. They can beautifully say what we are thinking and feeling.
Look up some eulogy quotes about cats and other pets. See if you can find a poem, quote, or song lyric that describes your pet or how you’re feeling during this time.
4. Have a brainstorming session
Writers often sit in front of their computer keyboards staring blankly at their screens in hopes that the words will magically come to them. Most people feel that writing is a complicated process, and writing when you’re in mourning may feel downright impossible.
Instead of expecting the text of the eulogy to flow across your computer’s screen easily, why not spend time with a pen and a notebook?
Grab a cup of tea and go to your pet’s favorite spot. Brainstorm words or phrases that describe your cat. Doodle pictures. Write down your feelings. Once you have completed this brainstorming process, go back to your computer to see if the words flow more easily.
5. Think of a theme
Look for similar words or phrases in your brainstorming notebook. Perhaps you can draw out a theme for your eulogy based on your scribbles. Having an outline in your head or your hand will help you put your words on paper.
6. Consider how your life has changed
Pets are essential in our lives. As you reflect on your cat’s life, think about how you’ve grown during your time together.
Has your pet enabled you to become a better human being? Has your cat given you purpose when your life had little? You may consider sharing some of these feelings with others who are attending the funeral.
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Cat Eulogy Examples
Here are some samples of text you may consider borrowing for the eulogy for your cat. Like any eulogy, your cat’s should be heartfelt and personal. No cat is the same, and so no cat’s tribute should be the same.
Consider these intros and conclusions. We’ll also include samples of phrases you may want to include in the body of your speech. If you need more help writing the introduction, check out our guide on how to start a eulogy.
- Thank you so much for coming here today to help me say goodbye to my pet Lovey. I am lucky to have such supportive people in my life. Not one of you has scoffed at this celebration or questioned why I would go to such trouble for “just a cat.” Instead, you have all surrounded me with love as I grieve. I will remember this kindness forever.
- I remember the day that Pipsqueak came into my life. He was flea-bitten and mangy. He looked pitiful when I saw him in the alley behind my work. Who knew that out of this chance encounter, I would gain one of the best friends I have ever had in my life.
- People say that cats are aloof. Those people never met my Maggie. Maggie loved being around people. In fact, she was the constant center of attention. As my friends, you all remember trying to play a game at my kitchen table when Maggie was around. She would see us all talking and laughing, and she couldn’t help but become a member of the party.
- My house feels so empty now that we have lost Eloise. I still expect her to greet me when I come home from work. I no longer wake to the sound of her purrs, and no one comes running when I open a can of tuna anymore. Losing a pet is so hard because I am constantly reminded that my cat is no longer around.
- One of the hardest things about saying goodbye to Sprinkles is that I don’t know what happened to her. When you lose a pet to death, you at least can experience closure. But when a pet wanders away, you will never find peace. For years, I will wonder if Sprinkles is happily living with another family or if she passed away due to some unforeseen reason.
- Moppet came into my life when I was going through a deep depression. I wasn’t looking for a pet at the time. In fact, I didn’t want one because I wasn’t sure where my depression would lead me. As I look back, I feel that God sent Moppet to me for just that reason.
- Every time I see a leaf fall off the maple tree in my front yard, I think of Scoops. Every time I pass a sunny windowpane, I think of how my dear cat would have loved that spot. I can’t sit down to read, drink a cup of tea, or work on a puzzle without thinking of my friend. It’s hard to find peace over Scoop’s passing when I think of her dozens of times each day. I didn’t realize how much I had come to depend on Scoop’s friendship until I lost her.
- Everyone in my family has a funny story about our beloved pet, Toffee. Thank you for allowing us each to share our favorite moments with you.
- My favorite author James Herriot once wrote: “If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.” I love this quote because Spanky did feel all these things. Spanky did have a soul, and I know that when I die, I will see Spanky again in heaven.
- Please excuse me as I weep for the loss of my pet. I have done this a lot since she died a week ago. I felt weak over my constant crying until I read this quote by American author Washington Irving. He said, “There is sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.” After I read this quote, I didn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed of my sorrow anymore. I loved my cat, Ellie. That’s why I cry for her.
- The only comfort I have today is that I know that Scout is at peace. I know that she is somewhere in the afterlife playing with her favorite toy. She can see again, and she can frolic again. I feel comfort knowing that she is no longer in pain. That’s why I am happy to celebrate her life today. Thank you for gathering here with me.
Remembering Your Cat the Right Way
Writing a eulogy can be an emotional process. It will cause you to relive poignant moments in your life. You may cry as you write. You may laugh as well.
Consider going through the process of writing a eulogy whether or not you are going to have a service for your pet. The act of reflecting on memories and writing out your feelings can be therapeutic for someone who is going through the stages of grief.
Because it’s a deeply personal process, you may consider not sharing your eulogy with others who are unable to understand what your pet meant to you. Or, you may want to share and receive pet sympathy messages or pet sympathy gifts. That’s okay, too.