Cats are calming, receptive to affection, help release oxytocin in the brain, and, most importantly, bond with you in profound, emotional ways. It’s no wonder that they become like children, and in some cases, often replace a person’s desire for them.
Jump ahead to these sections::
- Prayers for a Seriously Ill Cat or Kitten
- Prayers for a Cat or Kitten Who Had Surgery
- Prayers for a Cat or Kitten Who Died
Although the dialogue between religions and spirituality is different when dealing with a sick or dying cat, a hopeful prayer and optimistic outlook are much the same. Below, you'll find several examples to help deliver solace guided by your religious or spiritual needs.
Prayers for a Seriously Ill Cat or Kitten
When your loved one is seriously ill, you’ll do anything to encourage their renewal of health. The following prayers and mantras may help support the pursuit.
1. “Om Namah Shivaya” from Hindu Shaivism
The purpose of this chant includes purification and blessings. As they are directed to Lord Shiva himself, the benefits include winning over fear, fighting battles, and coming up undefeated. The prayer asks for healing and release from the illness.
2. ‘Untitled” from Christianity
This short prayer brings in the generous characteristics of the Christian God and promotes the goal of hope, peace, and the ability to manage stress:
“May God, who heals the sick, defends the vulnerable, cares for the poor, and liberates all creation from suffering and injustice, bring us all to that peaceable kingdom when all creatures shall live in harmony and all suffering shall be transformed into joy. Amen.”
3. “Om Ami Dewa Hri” from Buddhism
When praying to Amitabha Buddha, this chant recollects the Buddha’s compassion and love. As with other Buddhas, Amitabha calls for healing and protection. Here, the intent of the chant weighs more heavily than the words themselves.
4. “Untitled” from Christianity
Being the parent of a fur-kitty who is seriously ill is scary. Plus, serious conversations about a loved one can be a lot to take in. The following simple prayer asks for healing, guidance, and support through recovery.
“God of healing, please comfort and strengthen [pet’s name] during his/her illness. Ease his/her fear and pain and guide the vet and all caring for him/her, that he/she may recover fully. Comfort us, too, God, that we may better care for [name of pet] and make decisions that are best for him/her. Amen.”
5. “Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra” from Hinduism
Repeating, “Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam I Urvaruka Bandhanath Mrityormukshiya Mamritat II” provides escape from the fears of death. It’ll work for your little mouser who is currently struggling with a severe illness and needs veterinary care.
Prayers for a Cat or Kitten Who Had Surgery
Waiting through any surgery is a worrisome time, especially if it’s for your kitten or cat. Below are some prayers that you can recite during and after to help calm any anxieties you may be feeling. If you’re a friend, consider writing one of the prayers in a card, and include it with some thoughtful get well gifts such as a toy mouse or some soft food.
6. “Albert Schweitzer’s Offering” from Lutheranism
Schweitzer’s words resonate through troubling physical ailments and events. So, if you’re seeking relief from anxiety or fear for your wee one, you’ll find mercy and compassion flowing through his poetry. Here’s a quick look at that offering.
“We entreat for them all your mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them, we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the Merciful.”
7. “A Prayer to St. Gertrude, Patron Saint of Cats” from Christianity (Celtic)
St. Gertrude's became the Patron Saint of Cats in the 1980s, but her history with cats is unknown. By praying to St. Gertrude, you're asking to alleviate any pain and suffering your kitty is experiencing.
8. “Prayer for Animal Friends” from Unitarian Universalism
Written by a Zen Buddhist practitioner, this prayer seeks to fit anyone's needs—guided by a search for truth and meaning. Here's a short excerpt from the prayer:
“Great spirit of life, we pray today for our animal friends, grateful for their companionship and devotion. By our kindness to them, may we be worthy of their love.”
9. Untitled Franciscan Prayer from Catholicism
You can easily include the following prayer in your daily devotions when seeking help to restore your kitten’s health.
“Heavenly Father, you created all things for your glory and made us stewards of this creature. If it is your will, restore [your pet’s name] to health and strength. Blessed are you, Lord God, and holy is your name forever and ever. Amen.”
10. “Surah At-Tawbah [9:40-49]” from Islam
Cats are revered in Muslim culture because Muhammad loved them and even had a favorite. While there is no specific Du'a for cats, many prayers work to call upon healing and protection for your little feline. Here's one you can recite:
“Allah sent down his tranquility upon him and supported him with angels you did not see and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the word of Allah—that is the highest. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.”
Prayers for a Cat or Kitten Who Died
You weep alone within the remembrances of love and personal surrender to your four-legged confidante; you alone miss your conversations, intrigues, hunts and midnight dances, morning cuddles, or nighttime prayers. Below are a few prayers, mantras, and psalms for healing as you process the grief you feel for your beloved feline.
11. “Prayer in Memory of a Pet” from Catholicism
“Almighty God, I was fortunate to receive the gift of [pet’s name] from You. Now that [he/she] has left this life, please help me cope with my loss with strength and courage. I know that my beloved companion no longer suffers and will live on in many fond memories. May they be treated with care and respect. As [he/she] has enriched my life, I pray that I may enrich the lives of others. Amen.”
12. “Rainbow Bridge” from Unknown
The poem’s origin is unknown, yet the Rainbow Bridge remains one of the most famous prayers for the loss of a pet. Your loving cat is rejuvenated, healed, and waiting for you to join them. Once you do, “you [both] cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.”
13. “Om Mani Peme Hung” from Buddhism
Translated, this means, "The Jewel is in the Lotus." The two primary purposes of this mantra are to release one from anything negative in their karma and achieve enlightenment. The intent of repeating this mantra for your little meowser is to help them achieve a higher rebirth.
Pro-tip: Consider donating in their name so that their life can bring a special meaning to another little cat.
14. “Prayer to Bast and Sekhmet” from Polytheistic
Bast and Sekmet are part of an ancient Egyptian religion where Bast is the goddess of cats, and Sekhmet is the warrior. Ancient Egyptians believed cats were lucky and would bring fortune into a home. Here's a look at the prayer itself.
“Bast, Sekhmet, we give you back your child. Noble, regal, honorable cat. Watch over her and guide her on her way to the spirit world. May she be blessed in your names and hunt ever after beside you.”
15. “Psalm 36:6-7” from Judaism
Rabbi Offel acknowledges specific boundaries between a traditional memorial liturgy for humans and that for pets. Nonetheless, she suggests the following Psalm for you to use when creating a memorial for your kitty cat to heal and process grief.
Also, planning a memorial for your companion may help process the grief you're feeling.
Prayers for Your Cat
It's normal to have fears and anxiety when your cat isn't feeling its best or has recently passed. Although small, they play a large part in your daily life, giving and receiving affection. If the feeling becomes overwhelming, try reaching out to an ordained pet minister in your area to help.
And if there's ever a question of finances, consider purchasing some pet insurance so that you’ll always be able to help them when they need it.
Sources
- 15 Benefits of Reciting Om Mani Padme Hum – Mantra Meditation. (2020). The Joy Within. thejoywithin.org/meditations/mantras/om-mani-padme-hum
- 6 Mantras of Lord Shiva That Are Powerful Enough to Solve All Your Problems. (2019). Times of India. timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/hindu-mythology/6-mantras-of-lord-shiva-that-are-powerful-enough-to-solve-all-your-problems/articleshow/70427560.cms
- Amodeo, J. (2015). If You Love Cats, This May Be Why. Psychology Today. www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/intimacy-path-toward-spirituality/201507/if-you-love-cats-may-be-why
- Al-Qur'an al-Kareem. (n.d.). quran.com
- Common Prayers for Dogs and Cats, who are Lost, Sick, Injured or Dying. (2020). Catalogical. www.catological.com/common-pet-prayers/
- Harvie, K. (2010). Prayer for Our Animal Friends. Unitarian Universalist Association. www.uua.org/worship/words/prayer/prayer-animal-friends
- Prayers for Sick Pets. (2020). Day by Day Pet Caregiver Support. daybydaypetsupport.com/prayers-for-sick-pets/
- Roos, D. (2018). Ancient Egyptians Believed Cats Had Divine Energy. How Stuff Works. science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/archaeology/ancient-egyptians-revered-cats-for-divine-energy.htm
- St. Francis of Assisi Prayers for Pets. (2020). Heavenly Divine Custom Rosary. www.heavenlydivinecustomrosary.com/st-francis-of-assisis-prayers-for-pets.html
- Warren, B. (2019). Celebrating St. Gertrude of Nivelles Patron Saint of Cats. Godspace. godspacelight.com/2019/03/16/celebrating-st-gertrude-of-nivelles-patron-saint-of-cats/
- Wigington, P. (2019). Prayers for a Deceased Pet Cat. Learn Religions. www.learnreligions.com/prayers-for-deceased-pet-cat-2562579
- Williams, J. (2020). Prayers for Lost, Sick, and Dying Pets. Animal Healings. animalhealings.com/lost-pet-prayers.html
- Offel, J. (2001). When a Beloved Pet Dies. kalsman.huc.edu/articles/Offel_WhenABelovedPetDies.pdf