Sister's Cat Passed Away, But Family Says It's Nothing Compared To The Loss Of A Child
The unspoken rule is never to compare deaths, whether it be an animal or a human. It's okay that people don't share the same love for kids and pets, but it's not okay to think that losing one pains you more than the other.
Emilz_cxsh shared this post on Reddit's "AITA" subreddit. According to her, she is a 24-year-old female who cannot conceive, and she recently lost her cat, whom she had for over 12 years.
When her sister visited her and saw her crying, Emilz_cxsh told her she was upset because she lost her cat. Her sister, who has three children and has never lost one, responded that losing a cat wasn't as bad as losing a child.
This infuriated Emilz_cxsh, and she told her sister that her cat was the closest thing she had to a child. After the exchange, Emilz_cxsh's sister left, and since then, Emilz_cxsh has received several messages from her mother and cousins with kids saying that the loss of an animal isn't as severe as the loss of a child and that she should be ashamed.
Emilz_cxsh is now wondering if she is the asshole in this situation. Here's how the AITA community reacted to her post.
Here's OP's post
Emilz_cxsh1. There's no shame in grieving the loss of a pet.
Emilz_cxsh2. Her sister's comment is rude.
Emilz_cxsh3. Her family is cruel for not being sympathetic to her loss.
Emilz_cxsh4. Pets are family members.
Emilz_cxsh5. Grief should not be treated like a sports competition.
Emilz_cxsh6. No one has a right to tell her how to feel.
Emilz_cxsh7. Losing someone, whether human or animal, hurts.
Emilz_cxsh
8. Her sister started the comparison.
Emilz_cxsh
9. Only unintelligent people downplay other people's grief.
Emilz_cxsh
10. Losing a pet can be devastating because they are a consistent part of our life.
Emilz_cxsh
11. Most people cry when they lose a pet, and it's normal.
Emilz_cxsh
12. She should cut off access to her for a while.
Emilz_cxsh
13. Pets become your child after a while.
Emilz_cxsh
14. She should moan her cat however she deems fit.
Emilz_cxsh
15. People who don't have pets usually can't understand the bond pet owners share with their pets.
Emilz_cxsh
16. The comparison is unnecessary.
Emilz_cxsh
17. What matters is that the loss of a pet is painful.
Emilz_cxsh
18. Losing a pet isn't as bad as losing a child, but she has a right to grief.
Emilz_cxsh
19. She should consider distancing herself from her family since they aren't supportive.
Emilz_cxsh
20. Her family hasn't lost anyone, so they can't understand how she feels.
Emilz_cxsh
What do you think?
Losing a pet can be a deeply emotional and hurtful experience for many people. They may have formed deep emotional bonds with their pets, relying on them for comfort and emotional support.
When a pet passes away, its owners can experience various emotions, from sadness and grief to anger and guilt. It's important not to downplay these feelings, as they are a natural and valid response to the loss of a beloved pet.
Grieving the loss of a pet can take time, and support from others can help ease the pain. It's essential to validate and acknowledge the pain of those who have lost a pet.
