Our cat passed away last August and we knew that DD would be devastated. We knew the cat was very sick and had time to prepare so I did research on how to explain it to a toddler and what words to stay away from, etc. All went well and she accepted and understood it all, but she has also lost her grandmother during her young life and from an early age learned the frailty of life. The interesting thing to me is how she still talks about the cat, almost on a daily basis. She really isn't upset during these conversation but more just acknowledging him. Perhaps in time she will focus her attention else where but clearly needs to keep him in her mind and heart right now and I have no problems with this. Whenever she does bring him up; we talk about him, following her lead.
