Suffering the loss of a beloved cat is a painful experience. No matter how old they were or how expected their death, they were a part of your household — and your family — and losing a family member is very difficult. Here’s what you should know about dealing with the loss.

“When someone comes to pick up their pet portrait, very often they cry uncontrollably. Which, for me, is a sign that I have succeeded.” Read what artist Gene Hamilton has to say in this interview.

It’s important to transition from the mentality of “they died” to “let me tell you how he really lived.” This is true of people and pets.

Back in 2016, Liz Kirkham found a feral cat in a deathly ill state outside her apartment complex in Oxford, Ohio — and it was the start of a journey that would involve love, heartbreak, and the rescue of a second feline in need.