Nine lives are not enough! Update on Soul Comfort for Cat Lovers
Today, I’m happy to announce that an audio version of Soul Comfort for Cat Lovers has just been published by Tantor Media. It’s available on Audible and Amazon. I have a couple related resources I’ve been meaning to share with you as well.
Are you like me? I’m such a sensitive soul that I could barely imagine surviving the loss of a beloved cat, let alone opening my heart to the whole process again.
If yes, please know you’re not alone. Research has found that the loss of an animal family member often hurts at least as much as the loss of a human one.
The good news is that we can metabolize this private grief – and become able to love and adopt again. That’s what I found out and why I wrote a book about it eight years ago. I wove my own experiences with advice from grief experts and stories from cat lovers to create the book I couldn’t find when I needed it.
To say I’ve been touched by the response to Soul Comfort for Cat Lovers would be a huge understatement. It’s been an honor to feel connected to other cat lovers around something so meaningful. I’m thrilled to finally have an audio version out there.
Relatedly, I have two other new resources to share.
Awesome new resources for finding comfort in wonder
I was so excited when I discovered what I’m about to share with you! It’s related to the section of Soul Comfort called “Finding Comfort in Wonder: Allowing the Possibility that Death is Not the End”– which touches on research that suggests more to life and death, and on experiences of connection after death, from an open-minded perspective.
If you are curious about such things, check out Mark Gober’s work below. With these topics, I always appreciate the efforts of more left-brained, non-new-agey folks, like Mark, who work hard to cite the most credible sources. His fascinating, highly readable book goes deeper into everything I touched on and more, with the latest research.
If you’re interested in matters like near-death experiences and the mystery of consciousness itself, check him out:
- An End to Upside Down Thinking by Mark Gober
- Where is My Mind? podcast (Mark’s podcast series based on the book)
Recent Modern Cat article for grieving cat lovers
I was interviewed for this article you’ll find validating if you’ve ever experienced the loss of a feline friend as “devastating, overwhelming, and unfathomable”: How to Grieve the Loss of a Cat
If you’re in grief and wondering how to move forward, here’s what I can tell you…
I can tell you that the struggle is lessened when we focus on honoring our cat and our grief. And on giving the feelings the space they need. It’s also helpful to allow a sense of continued connection with your feline friend. This can be in how you hold them in your heart and speak of them, and, if you’re open to such things, it can also be a spiritual connection.
This, ALL of this, is what Soul Comfort for Cat Lovers is about.
Hi Liz, I bought your book but I’m not sure if I’m up to reading it quite yet. My little one had some chronic ailments- megacolon, CKD and heart issues. They could have been prevented in large part had I known better about nutrition, diet and supplements.
Three weeks ago she was in distress and I brought her to the vet expecting a sub q and antibiotics. Instead I discovered she had a serious acute health issue (pleural effusion) and my options were few. I decided to be the one to guide her across the rainbow bridge. I still cry every time I even think of it. In the linked article, you reference grief recovery method. I recently discovered the audiobook and highly recommend it. I also recommend EFT. Look up “tapping for grief” and you’ll discover a great resource in Nick Ortner, Carol Look and of course, Louise Hay.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I’m too well acquainted to the heartbreak. I lost my Eynnie February 2020 to a Mast Cell tumor. My world is turned upside down, I was in such a state of grief. Don’t have much spare time for reading, I’m so grateful that Liz what book out on audio. I would listen to it as I worked. I still miss my Eynnie, the heart ache isn’t quite to bad, from crying every day to twice a month. Is doing better. Could you provide more information on those other resources you mentioned. Peace be with you.
Hi Elizabeth, nice to meet you. It’s a cruel twist of fate how such wonderful creatures have such short lives. I hear you on the audio books, I listen at work and have gleaned quite an education. I’m not entirely clear what you’re asking for so I’ll shotgun and you can dial it in with a followup.
So if you’re referring to megacolon, the site felineconstipation.org is a great resource. That alone would have spared me the heartache I endured. Tapping? Go look it up. It sounds hokey but there are plenty of studies which show it more effective than conventional treatment, whether psychotherapy or antidepressants. FYI, SAM-e and time release 5 HTP really do help with anxiety and depression. They are safe, effective and can be used long term. I know since I take them daily.
Download the audiobook Magnesium Miracle by Dr Carolyn Dean. Magnesium can help with just about anything. Depression, RLS, cramps, high BP, anxiety, calcification of soft tissues (such as arthritis, artery plaque, stroke, kidney disease, etc), it also is crucial in metabolism so it “may” help prevent diabetes and cancer.
If you wanted cancer info there are several drugs which work off label- thalidomide, metformin and fenbendazole. Proteolytic enzymes such as Bromelain help and it was tested as being more effective than 5FU in vivo. Superfoods such as purple cabbage, kimchi (you won’t get a cat to eat it but you can!), berries, Hydroxytyrosol from olives help. MSM, cat’s claw, and devil’s claw have been tested in vitro so may or may not help.
If you’re looking for more cancer info, I can post a comprehensive list of what I found with the proviso that I have no idea if cats can tolerate the substances. I think prevention is key, avoiding starches and legumes, and overheated food which contains PAH. If you have a kitten I’d say start raw 80/20 meat and veggies. For an adult, I’d say human grade cat food with a tsp of pumpkin baby food.
If you have any questions, please reach out. They leave a hole that can’t quite be filled. Peace be with you as well.
Hello Liz. I recently lost my buddy of ten years, and it’s been a REALLY rough time of it. It’s been two months and some change now, and I’m still working through my emotions. 😭
I tried to order your book through abebooks, but for some reason, they were no able to process my order. However, I am still intending to get it. I have seen nothing but positive reviews for it, so I am looking forward to reading it. If your interested, this is my blog that I publish, and I wrote about loosing my buddy a couple times, and I mentioned your book. https://theforwardpath.blogspot.com/2020/06/finding-support-to-heal.html Thanks for being who you are, and sharing your experiences with the rest of us cat lovers.
D
Thank you so much for this, the loss of my precious Eynnie has left me shattered. I believe friends are left feeling awkward, not knowing what to say or do to help me thru my painful grief. Bless you 💘
Thank you, Elisabeth. I so understand. I know how hard it is right now. May Eynnie’s memory be a blessing, and may you continue to feel close to Eynnie’s spirit.
I downloaded your audio book last night and just finished listening to it. I’m glad that I’m working from home, it made me weep. I think in part from grief and part knowing that there’s someone who gets how I’m feeling. My Eynnie was like your Baster, a majestic and mysterious black cat. He was my lover, my pain in the butt, my confidant and traveling companion. I miss deeply, I know that where he is, he’s having a good time with his siblings and grandparents. Bless you for all that do. I found your website a few years ago when I lost my Choas.