Cats Sleep Anywhere - The Sleeping Cat Story
It's true. Cats do sleep anywhere. The inspiration for Sleeping Cat came many years ago from a beautiful cat I had when growing up in the leafy town of Harpenden, Hertfordshire. Her name was Mittle. We grew up together but sadly, when we were both 15, she died. Well, it wasn't quite like that. She hadn't been well for a few months but her death came as a great shock.
It was just an ordinary day. I went to school. I was studying for my GCSEs. It was Summer term. I probably had an English class, Maths or History. And maybe some sport in the afternoon - rounders or tennis. I came home to find that my mother had taken Mittle to the vet and had her put down. I never got to see her again. And I never said goodbye.
The months after that were very hard. Not able to grieve for my much-loved cat was honestly the worst time in my life. Back then in the 80s, it felt to some that pets were just pets, not part of the family or true friends. And to openly show any grief towards them was considered pretty ridiculous.
So I grieved silently, crying myself to sleep every night for probably over a year. The pain was unbearable but not being able to express the pain was the hardest part and caused many difficulties during my teenage years.
I found comfort in drawing my cat. This drawing later became Sleeping Cat. And Sitting Cat soon followed. It doesn't bring her back. But it reminds me of my lovely cat.
The loss of a pet can come as a great shock and trying to deal with the grief can be one of the most painful experiences in life. If you've ever had a pet that you've loved you can probably relate to this. I don't think you ever forget how much they can touch your heart. I'm so grateful to have had this bond and closeness with my cat as I was growing up. She was a true friend. And you only have to browse the designs on this website to see the influence she had. She was a true inspiration.
Sleeping Cat can be any cat you want it to be. Sleeping Cat sleeps anywhere but here there's lots of space. Room to breathe. Peaceful. Sleeping Cat is for all the people out there who love cats. And for all those who have loved and lost.
There is no easy path through pet grief but thankfully times have changed. There are more resources these days to help people manage their grief. If you'd like more information on how to comfort someone during pet loss, you might find some useful tips in 6 Heartwarming Ways to Comfort Someone Who Has Lost a Pet.
May all our pets rest in peace. While they may no longer be with us physically, their memory will remain alive in our hearts forever.
by Jinny Ursell
