The Purrfect 10: Ways To Honor Your Rainbow Bridge Cat

We love reading and researching anything and everything about cats, and wanted to find a fun and unique way to share the interesting facts we learn with you! Since top 10 lists are very popular in the blogosphere, we created The Purrfect 10 as a way to present 10 educational or fascinating tidbits about a wide variety of cat-related topics, everything from health issues to cat breeds to famous felines.

Today is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, a special day created by Deborah Barnes – author, award winning blogger, and cat advocate in tribute to her cat, Mr. Jazz, who she had to say goodbye to on August 28, 2013. She shared the journey of letting him go in her most recent book, “Purr Prints of the Heart: A Cat’s Tale of Life, Death, and Beyond,” a warm and heartfelt book that is written in the wise and comforting voice of Mr. Jazz himself as he shares his life and death journey to offer guidance and understanding through a cat’s perspective as to why sometimes letting a pet go can be the greatest gift you give them.

Since every single one of us who loves cats either has or will experience their devastating loss one day, we decided to do a Purrfect 10 post with ideas on how to honor their memory and keep them alive in our hearts for all time...

1) Create a memorial in your home. Truffles is the first cat I had cremated because I wanted to keep her close to me always. Her portrait, paw print, various angel statues, and ashes rest on their own special table in the living room. You can also display a few of their favorite toys, their collar, favorite photos and a lock of their fur. A shadow box is a lovely way to preserve and display the items you can't bear to part with after your pet is gone.

2) Start new holiday traditions. During the holiday season when Truffles' table needs to be moved to make room for the tree I create a Christmas memorial area in another part of the room with her very own small tree and other various decorations. I also have ornaments on my tree that honor all the cats I've shared my life with. If you've saved any of your pet's fur (or if you haven't this is a good tradition to start with your current pet), it can be put inside a clear plastic or glass ornament so they're always watching over you.

3) Create a memorial in your garden. If your cat is buried in your yard, or even if she's not, consider adding an engraved marker or memorial stone with her name on it. A statue of St. Francis (the patron saint of animals), an angel, or even a peaceful water fountain can contribute to a special memory spot outdoors.

4) Donate leftover food and supplies. Every cat in your life is going to have their own personal likes and dislikes just like people do. Thanks to long expiration dates on pet food, when Tara passed away I bagged up and set aside her leftover cans of food with the intention of keeping it for the next kitty. Then Truffles came along and her tastes were very different. So the bag of food sat there. For 14 months. As silly as it seems, I could not let go of that food. It was Tara's. Finally a light bulb went off in my head and I realized that Tara would want that food to be in the tummies of kitties in need. It felt so good to donate that leftover food in Tara's honor, just as it did with the food Truffles left behind after Mudpie came into my life.

5) Commission artwork. Shortly before Truffles ran off for the Bridge I received an unexpected package in the mail from our friends at Chewy.com - a commissioned painting of her as thanks for our work for them as a Chewy Influencer. It meant the world to me then, but even more so after she was gone. There are many artists that specialize in creating memorial paintings for grieving pet parents.

6) Get creative. Whether you draw or paint, write stories or poetry, journal or scrapbook, get your creative juices flowing to honor their memory. Writing about Truffles, both a detailed account of her last day and a short story including all my cats who now reside at the Bridge, was very therapeutic for me.

7) Wear your heart on your sleeve, around your neck, & throughout your home. I have Tara and Truffles' images on countless pieces around my home - t-shirts, bracelets, necklaces, blankets, pillows, even a tote bag. Surrounding myself with these one of a kind items that I can see and enjoy on a daily basis brings me such comfort. Today you can even purchase special jewelry made to carry a portion of your pet's ashes, the ultimate way to keep them with you at all times.

8) Organize a supply drive in your cat's name. Shelters are always in need of food, treats, toys, bedding, cleaning supplies, and a multitude of other things. Reach out to those close to you, or even your entire community, for donations so you have a large amount to bring to the shelter in your pet's name.

9) Volunteer at your local shelter. It's so easy to get lost in your sorrow after losing a pet, choosing to stay at home and dwell on your grief. Instead, why not volunteer some time at your local shelter to help other animals in need? They crave one-on-one interaction with caring humans, and you can soak up the love that only a four-legged friend can provide. Who knows, you might just fall in love...

10) Open your heart to another homeless cat. After suffering the loss of a cherished pet it's the easiest thing in the world to say you never want to go through such pain again and decide not to adopt another cat. That's not the way to honor their memory though. Millions of animals are euthanized in this country every year because there aren't enough homes for them. Adopting another cat when the time is right for you will not only save a life but will also help to heal your broken heart. You're not "replacing" the friend you've lost - you're giving another deserving animal the gift of a beautiful life with you.

What have you done to honor the memory of your cats waiting for you at the 

Rainbow Bridge?