Cats' Relics

Do you keep the items of a passed away cat as relics?

I mean, would you allow another new cat in the house to use dishes, beds, litter trays of a previous cat who is gone to the Rainbow Bridge?
Would you donate this cat's stuff to a shelter?

Or would you rather store those items away as precious and unvaluable memories?

I am one of those persons who belong to the second category, all things that were of Lola have been jealously stored away, and the same for what was Pallina's.
Dishes, blankets, beds, toys, carriers and litter trays have been safely put away, and no other cat will ever be allowed to touch them.

What's your thought?

I do both. There are a few special items that were exclusive to some of my cats (dish, favorite toy). These were stored/put on display with their little "shrine". Other things that all my cats used, still get used by all (blankets, beds, carrier...). Although, the blanket that one of my cats was wrapped in when he passed at home, does not get used by anyone else. I also donated things that could not be used by my others, that did not have "meaning" to me or just plain would be "a bit much" if I kept them (special food, medications...), things that others with financial difficulties could use. (Our vet accepts donations from "trusted clients" to pass along to others who may be in need.)

I hoarded things from Midnight. I kept her scratcher, her toys (except the one I placed with her for her cremation), her collar, walking harness and other relics. Those are kept on a shelf, with her ashes, pawprint and fur. I even kept a section of dryer lint that was chockful of her fur, though I may...eventually...part with that. She only crawled into her green pod (a gift for her fourth birthday) before she died, and I am refusing to clean it out at all. I cried at every single thing I had to "give up". When I finally got it in me to empty her litter box, I cried so loudly that the neighbor checked on me. Her medicines, from her last weeks of life, I donated to the shelter, along with the syringes and spare needles. They got the e-collars, too (one, mine, was for trimming her nails and the other the vet left on her at discharge). I finally...just a few weeks ago...allowed her old carrier to be used, and have just accepted that I'm not going to get it back from that rescue group. That realization also brought tears.

I've taken the philosophy that I will let go what I can, or what I must... but my sentiment will be allowed to cling to certain things. I still carry her collar in my pocket when I miss her very strongly, or when I'm on a rescue day. The little jingle of her bell reminds me that she's following, she's watching, and I've got to do her proud.

Shar371 said:

I kept her scratcher, her toys (except the one I placed with her for her cremation)

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The crematorium where I took my pets to be cremated does not allow any items with the pets. All toys, collars and stuff must be removed from the pet's body before the cremation.

I've put aside a few "personal" items like collars, but have used carriers, toys, blankets, etc., for the next pet. I don't think it matters whether a new pet or a shelter animal uses the items, as long as they're put to good use, but I can see where they might be painful reminders of loss.

Antonio65 said:

What's your thought?

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Antonio65 - dear Friend - per ogni cosa c'è il suo momento, il suo tempo per ogni faccenda sotto il cielo.
.

I've seen this credited to various authors, including "unknown":

https://www.pinterest.de/pin/387520742913326753/

jcat said:

I've seen this credited to various authors, including "unknown":

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You should have warned us that it would have brought us to tears...
It is an amazing video, thanks for sharing.

Notice to other members:
Do not watch it if you're at work