How can I support a friend whose cat is dying?

Unless one has personally experienced having a terminally ill cat, it is very difficult to know what to say or do to support a friend in that position. The new "cat dad" who emailed me this question found himself in that dilemma with two separate friends, a woman whose cat is terminally ill, and a male friend whose cat had recently died.

I have been blessed, both with friends online and "in real life" when my Shannon, shown here, was terminally ill, and later with Bubba. Several kindnesses stick out in my memory in Shannon's case. The night Shannon was PTS, my next-door neighbor, Sandi, drove me to the vet clinic, then gave me a generous shoulder to cry on. My online friend, C.H.U., composed a memorial symphony for Shannon. Later, my husband donated to the U.C. Veterinary Medical School in Shannon's honor.

While "Let me know if there is anything I can do?" is kindly meant and received, more specific offers (and actions) are much more meaningful. Read my suggestions for giving meaningful support to a friend in need.
_{Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy}

More About the Loss of a Cat

Knowing When To Let Go
Dealing With Loss
Helping Children Deal with the Loss of a Pet(Vet Med Guide)