I have a 14 year old Maine Coon that is terminally ill and has a few weeks at best. Our son recently turned 4 years old and loves animals. We taught him to be kind to all animals, even bugs. He is not particularly attached to the cat, but he likes it well enough (the cat is not a cuddler).
In a few weeks we’ll have to go to the vet and have the cat put down. We’re wondering how we should approach this with our son. Do we take him with us? Do we let him be present when the cat is put to sleep? Or make him stay in the waiting area? Or do we go when he’s in school? What’s appropriate for a 4 year old?
On the one hand I think that death is a part of life. And I don’t mind that he sees us crying over the cat. But I also don’t want to traumatize him or make it bigger than it is.
Any tips?
ive had 4…
At 4yo mine were able to understand the finality… you dont need to great detail about death… but the temporary nature of life is not terribly hard to grasp. I was always of the mind that you should answer any question asked truthfully… but obviously age appropriate.
i always found i was making a bigger deal of %concept% than was necessary
also… its gunna suck… youre going to feel your own pain as well as theirs