When a pet dies it’s always painful, whether the pet is a cat, dog, bird, hamster, snake… It’s not uncommon dreaming of a deceased pet, but is it a visitation or another dream category? I’ve written about this topic for departed fathers and mothers; however, there are people who feel pets aren’t as important as people and/or have no soul. Yet, death affects everyone differently and who are we to judge someone’s grief, whether it’s a human or pet? Dreams about our pets help ease our pain.
Dreaming of a Deceased Pet
In this blog post I will go over how our pets let us know they’re about to cross, comfort us after they pass, visit us, and when it’s not a visitation dream.
About to Cross Over
There are times a pet owner knows that there’s something off with their pet: not as active, lack of appetite, moody, and so on. Although, love of your pet could trigger denial. Your pet will visit you beforehand to inform of their upcoming passing. In 2008, my cat, Midnite, visited me in a dream as follows:
I put Midnite in the enclosed back porch and used a hammer to nail in the boards on the doorway to keep her in. Even though the door was boarded up, she escaped through a hole in the wall. I was so upset, although she was happy.
Now, I realize this dream is very symbolic, but I had been interpreting my dreams for a long time, and recognized the feeling of grief after a loved one departs to the other side. Midnite died in my arms shortly after that dream.
After Crossing the Rainbow Bridge
Many clients have told me how they have dreams of their pets a day or two after they died. This is not unusual for both humans and pets visit their loved ones to let them know they’re okay. Why do they visit in dreams? The following is a paragraph from my blog “Dreams of a Deceased Mother,” which was briefly mentioned in the first paragraph.
Those who have departed are now vibrating at a higher energetic frequency. While being alive on Earth, we must vibrate at a lower frequency to be able to maintain a solid form. It is much easier for us Earthlings to reach a higher frequency in the dream state. For those who are newly departed, it’s less demanding to lower themselves into our dream state than the physical awake state. Hence, the reason our deceased mothers appear in our dreams as it is a halfway meeting point.
The same applies to pet’s energy. Besides alerting their owner that it’s time for he/she to cross over the rainbow bridge, it also a process to assist him/her to let go of their family member in order to move forward.
Visitation Dreams
There are times when you’re dreaming of a deceased pet that it’s an actual visit. How can you tell? Your pet is spending time with you, whether that’s playing, giving and receiving love, or through their voice and/or body movements. The amount of time spent together can be a few seconds to minutes. Here are three examples:
Sleeping with You
Many clients and friends have told me that they feel, smell, or sense their pet on their bed in their usual sleeping spot during their dreams or right before waking up.
Barking
A family member, who is a cat owner, told me that she dreamed of a dog barking. She woke up thinking that doesn’t sound like my neighbor’s dog; therefore, it immediately occurred to her that was the sound of her dog’s bark who had passed away.
Goodbye
When Merlin, my white cat, was a kitten. I had the following dream:
Midnite was on top of a pedestal and jumped off, then Merlin leaped up to the top of the pedestal.
This was Midnite’s way of showing me that she approved of Merlin, happy that I had another kitty in my life, and wouldn’t be visiting me as much.
Not a Visitation
How do you know it’s not a visitation when you are dreaming of a deceased pet? Simply it doesn’t feel like a visit, nor are you spending time with them. If you’re dreaming of past events, then obviously it’s not a visitation. One huge sign is if there are other emotions than love; for instance, anger, sadness, or jealousy. This dream is pointing to unresolved issues you have with your pet, which need to be addressed.
Final Words
Losing a beloved pet is in reality – losing a family member. Allow yourself as much time as you need to grieve. Ignore those who say it’s just an animal as it’s their lost to have never experienced that kind of love. Reflect on the times you shared. And remember that’s it better to have loved than never to experience the love.
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More Blog Posts on This Topic
If you would like your departed pet to visit in your dreams, please read Request a Visitation from the Deceased.
Is it possible to have dreams of an upcoming death? Yes, here are the signs and with my personal precognitive dreams I had before my cat, Merlin, crossed over. Click to read, Precognitive Dreams for an Upcoming Death.
To learn more about pet grief and nine actions steps to take, the following blog post from my other website will help you. Please click, Pet Grief When You’re Spiritual.
Wow, this your article is so wonderful. All that you have here on your site are very great, you put a very hard effort in writing this article and that will be making me check your web blog from time to time. Just to learn more about your latest post and all…
I lost 10 year old kitty baby Bruce to kidney failure last month. He was diagnosed in December and shocked all the vets with how normal and happy he acted considering his extreme levels. Luckily his symptoms came on suddenly and he only had to deal with it for a few days before I put him to sleep. but ever since then, I’ve been having dreams of him visiting me. in the dreams, I am well aware that he isn’t living anymore. but he’s so happy, and wants to hangout. It’s always like “wow bruce is here!” And last night’s dream was me being excited to see him, getting to hold him and open the window for him to sniff outside. it broke my heart a little bit because he was searching for his litter box that isn’t in our house anymore.. but I’m just so thankful to have these moments with him in my dreams 💙
Also I wasn’t close with my dad the past few years, but after he died last May, I’ve had a few dreams that felt like he was showing me he was safe and happy.
I’m sorry about your loss of Bruce due to kidney failure, yet happy that you’re spending time with him in your dreams and that your dad has stopped by.
I had a pet mouse who was very sweet, smart and super attached to me. Unfortunately he died very young, about a month ago, and two days ago I dreamed that he was running towards me. while he was doing that all of a sudden the color of his coat changed to a much lighter color and when he almost reached me, he dissolved! I woke up right at that point. Really wonder what that means…
I’m sorry for the lost of your pet mouse. Your dream reminds me of when my cat, Midnite, “visited me” on the night of her death. She jumped on my bed, and meowed as she rubbed against my leg. I went to pet her, then she jumped thru the window and disappeared… Midnite and your mouse were letting us know they’re with us and are okay.
Thank you so much for your response! I often thought I feel his energy. This was the first time I knowingly dreamed of him. It’s comforting to know that our animals are still around.
Wow such an amazing story. I lost my cat midnight on April 24 a few weeks ago I miss her so. But the night she was passing in the animal hospital. I saw her walk under my bed and that Sunday I felt her sitting beside me purring while I was asleep. I moved a little then she was gone. And just the other night I heard her in her litter box and felt her rub her head and back against my leg I woke up calling her name and she was gone. Then last night I saw her in my dream playing so happily me and her I woke up smiling and very happy I got time to hold her and feel her fur. My midnight.
Kathy, thanks for sharing your dreams and beautiful experiences with Midnight. My Midnite passed in 2008 and she came for a visit a few days before Merlin passed on 2-6-21. It was her way of letting me know she had been with me and will take care of my baby boy, Merlin.
I had a dream last night about my deceased dog Oreo. It started off when my friends and family dropped off their pets so I can take care of them while their owners are gone. I got about 4 pets that day that I had to pet sit for and their was a small Yorkie that I wanted to put inside so she didn’t have to be with the other big dogs while I was entering my house with the Yorkie I saw my deceased pet Oreo standing outside by the door. I called Oreo to come in using the puppy voice I would use when I would call her but Oreo just stood their she looked alive and well and she wasn’t mad or sad but she was doing that thing where she tilts her heads as if she’s confused. I closed the door and the door went through her as if she was a ghost. When I woke up I couldn’t stop thinking about and I just want to know what it meant when I experienced this dream.
Your dream could have many different meanings, Guillermo. Plus, this dream seems to be a mixture of a symbolic/visitation dream. Hopefully, this blog and some of my other blogs helped you with your questions. If you need further assistance, please purchase a dream interpretation service.
We adopted our cat 16 months ago. My 12 year old cat passed away from Euthanization last Friday. He was living with severe heart disease, liver disease, arthritis, and mega colon. He had a stroke and lost the bottom half of his body. He was actually relieved that the bottom half didn’t hurt anymore but he couldn’t swallow without violently gagging but wanted to eat his favorite food. I had to make the decision to euthanize him, but he was so spunky and upset with me before he fell asleep in my arms at the vet. I didn’t regret what i did, but I knew he was upset with me. He wasn’t ready to leave us. Today he finally visited me in the my dream, and violently shot diarrhea at my face and hair. I wasn’t upset, I understood he was upset with me and did what he did to express it. Later he was walking around confidently around the apt and I woke up. Today, we will be adopting a cat that looks like him that has been in the shelter since 2008. She gave birth to a litter of kittens in 2008, and my cat was born in 2008… Maybe we found his mom. She’s 15 years old with early signs of liver disease. I will give her the all the love and respect she deserves.
Your cats are lucky to have you! I’m sorry for your loss, yet glad that he is now at peace. May he visit you often in your dreams…
This article gave me a sense of comfort. My dog of 4 years died due to a kidney failure yesterday. It’s my fault for not taking care of her properly. I always want to see her. I’m even thinking of digging her grave just to see her again. I’m worried that she’s alone there. I used to see them on TV as being overreacting but now I am experiencing it. Everywhere I look, I remember her playing ang sleeping. And now I just woke up and I dreamed of her, sleeping under my bed where she used to sleep. I was so happy in that dream and rubbed her behind the ears. I woke up feeling light and less depressed. Now I vow to take care of my other dog. I’m sure he’s going to miss her a lot.
I’m grateful that this article brought you some comfort during your grieving. Losing a pet is difficult and it’s easy to blame ourselves of how I could do better, if only I had done this, or if I had more money I would have… Yes, it’s important to take care of our pets, but in reality we have no control of their timing to cross over. My father and stepmom just lost their cat, Snug, (who was around your dog’s age) a few days ago due to kidney cancer. Believe me, they take great care of and spend a ton of money on their cats! Sadly, their vet was only able to diagnose the cancer when it was in the last stage. May your dog who is here give you much comfort and love during his time on Earth.
A pet dog dying from kidney failure at four years of age is unusual. There has been proof that dog food and cat food bought from grocery stores and convenience stores are contaminated. This is what causes your pet to get sick and die. Its better to buy at local pet stores because they provide healthy and fresh food for your pets which is not contaminated.
Peg, I was debating whether to approve this comment because we don’t know if the issue was from the pet food or what the exact circumstances were. Perhaps the dog had kidney issues from birth. I wish you had ‘provided an URL’ to back up your statement about grocery/convenience store contaminated pet food. (I couldn’t find anything in my internet search) Pet food (and food) prices continue to go up… and not everyone can afford the local pet stores prices. Some pets are really picky eaters. For example, my senior cat eats the senior Hills dry cat food, but refuses or only eats a little of the healthier, expensive senior can food. And I have tried many brands. I’m sick of throwing out this expensive food. So I’m giving her what she likes even if it’s not as healthy.
Thank you for this article. I lost my dog of nearly 17 years back in January. I was a child when we got her, so we grew up together. She lived a full and happy life, and brought us endless joy. We shared a strong, special bond, and I adored her. Towards the end of her life, we cared for her as much as we could until it was time to let her go. She was ready before we were. I carried her into the vet that day, and kept thinking of how that would be the last time I ever held her. That thought stayed with me for months after her death and it tore at me. I’ve had dreams of her, but last night, I dreamed that I was holding her. We were not at my parents’ house, but the house I moved into as an adult. She was healthy, her fur vibrant, and I held her in front of a mirror so we could see ourselves. She loved being held this way. Suddenly, I remembered that she was gone, and began weeping while still holding her. Through the sadness, I felt my love for her and felt her weight in my arms. I still have my moments when I mourn her, but I know she’s happier now and comfortable. I’ll always share that bond with her.
I’m sorry for the loss of your dog, yet as you know she is always with you…
A few weeks ago, I dreamt of my dead cat that died in 2016 or 2017. Please tell me what this means because I really want to know what it means!
Lizzie, I would be happy to tell you what your dream means. However, I would need you to purchase an email reading as this is my livelihood. Plus I would need to know the actions that happened in the dream and the feelings you and your cat had in the dream. Here’s the link for my dream analysis by email
https://learndreaminterpretation.com/dream-interpretation-services/dream-interpretation-by-email/
My dog died recently I only saw visions of him in my house Like during day time I have never seen a dream of him all I want to know is whether it is a bad sign I will be very grateful if you could help me
Sounds like he could be visiting you. If you need further assistance, please check out my other website for spiritual growth coaching. There are single sessions and coaching packages https://www.pamelacummins.com/spiritual-growth-coaching
My cat never came home for two months. I even have no idea what happened to him. I thought maybe he already died. For the past two months I often dream of him coming home and I was overjoyed. I exclaim “see? He’s still alive!!” But wake up feeling lonely. Then last night i dreamed of him coming home again. I hugged him because i missed him for so long. Then i let go of him he sat on the floor and was suddenly dying. I cried because for so long i was able to hug him and now he suddenly dies. Then he lived. But he was not a white cat anymore but a gray striped cat which we have at home now. I still feel lonely, until now.
Thank you for sharing how your dream has given you some peace, Rose Marie.
I had a pet dog that I had bought as a gift to my father for fathers day about 6 years ago. The dog was very smart and very attached to me. He was ill and once while I was out, my mother had gone to put him down without warning. I came home and he was gone. I’ve never once cried about him, even that day, but today, fathers day 3 years after he passed, he was in a dream of mine. Everything about the dream felt so intensely real. He had come into my bedroom and I was surprised to see him but he was still joyful and loving the way I remember him, I then sat on the floor with him and hugged him, petting underneath his chin and then I began crying while I was holding him. The kind of crying that makes your throat hurt. Yet, when I woke up I had no memory of the dream until my father mentioned him at breakfast. I’ve been uncontrollably crying since then and I can’t seem to get a grip and I keep looking over thinking he’s going to be there even though I haven’t seen or thought about him in so long.
Thanks for sharing your dream. I often say that dreams help us realize the truth and how we feel about a situation, which is why it’s important to acknowledge/feel grief and other emotions.
We recently lost our beloved Aussie two days after a car accident involving a deer. It was a couple months before I dreamt of him. In the first stream he was facing away from me and nothing else in the second dream he was coming to me happy I guess healthy looking but nothing more can you help me with this I’ve done nothing but cry for three months
Losing a pet is difficult and I’m sorry for the loss of your family member, Kimberley. I would be happy help you through this with my services, whether that is through email, phone, or Zoom. I also have a special on Tuesday through the end of September 2020. Learn more here https://learndreaminterpretation.com/2020/07/20/special-tuesdays/
I love this blog post. Thank you so much for putting it out there. I have a kitty who I lost to heart failure quite suddenly about a year ago. All of the sudden, the last couple of weeks, I’ve been having dreams of him! I’m sure they are visitations. The first dream, he was just there in the crook of my arm. I looked down at him and exclaimed: “PeeKee! What are you doing here, baby boy?! I miss you so much!!” And he blinked at me with that little head nod they do, and reached at me with his paw like he used to. Oh, my heart!! I was so happy. And then again last night I dreamt of him, but this time it was strange and a little dark. He was back again but his fur was funky and dirty, and he was so thirsty and hungry! I began to immediately give him water (I gave him water from the glass I was drinking from and he sipped from it) and gave him some food he happily ate. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d come back from the dead. it was that feeling. Like the movie Pet Sematary. But he wasn’t mean, just didn’t feel great and giving off the impression he’d reanimated and come home. It was eerie and I was feeling like I’d buried him alive. What the heck was that about following such a beautiful dream?
Gianna, I’m glad you enjoyed this and I’m sorry about the loss of PeeKee. If you need help with the second dream I have services available, which were mentioned in the blog post. And until September 29, 2020 you can save money on Tuesdays, learn more at https://learndreaminterpretation.com/2020/07/20/special-tuesdays/
I woke up today, knowing so vividly how I dreamt about my deceased pet dogs. First it was our shepherd Maico. He died last year. He came to me in my parental bedroom, leaping onto my bed. We left, together, and we went camping by the forest. Maico slept with me on a blanket, and I felt protected by him. He sat beside me, panting, keeping watch.
The dream transitioned over to our jack russel dog Tippie, who died 2 years ago. I remember how I was holding her in that same spot. Everything was fine, until I see my phantom-like mother, whose high energy always had a burn-out effect on the dogs, and health issues like epilepsy. I held Tippie, and she saw my mom pass by.
I knew Tippie wanted to go to her, but I had that jealous feeling I used to have as a kid, when the dogs refused my attention for someone else’s. I turned away Tippie’s head, so she wouldn’t see mom, but it made Tippie weep for a bit. I woke up feeling exptremely guilty.
I was a wild kid and Tippie has been through some accidents with me….I was encouraging her one time to walk the stairs she was afraid of. Almost on the loft, she slipped right in between the steps, and tumbled right down to the ground floor…..I remember how I had been in panic and yelled her name hard as I ran after her. I found her on the floor, making all kinds of feeble pain noises. I was just so glad she was alive and didn’t have any broken bones or anything…I’ve held her for hours on end, until my family came home late at night. Yep I’ve never let any dog walk on stairs with open steps since then.
I’m sure that’s why I dreamt of Tippie, feeling guilty. I’m not sure if she visited me, but I’m pretty sure Maico did, because his energy was so real at the time. I saw him vividly, and felt his presence so normally, as though he was lying right beside me.
Thanks for sharing your dream, Reene. I understand about stairs because my former home had a metal spiral staircase with big spaces in between the steps. My cats used to play on those stairs and thankfully they would stop when I yelled, “No play on the stairs.” Rhiannon fell one time, luckily it only stunned her.
My 15 year old dog, Daisy, died 7 weeks ago. Last night I dreamed she was with me in a supermarket and when I looked around she was walking out of the automatic doors and disappeared. I spent the rest of the dream looking for her, but never found her.
I am sorry about the loss of your dog, Debbie. Please know that Daisy may not be here in the physical, yet she is always with you in spirit.
My 4 year old dog passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday. I have been struggling with accepting it and trying to adapt without her here. Last night I dreamt of coming home from work one day (after she had passed) and walking into the living room with her laying in our spot on the couch with her looking at me. She came up to me and I was kneeling down as she snuggled her head into my neck and me telling her how much I loved and missed her. The next part I remember is laying on my bed with her and my husband and commenting on her thick fur and how pretty she was (She has shorter thin fur than normal dogs her breed and was always cold) she looked happy and healthy. Then I just remember it (The dream) fading away but not in a bad or negative way. I was so happy to see her again, I cried when I woke up but I was also happy for her and to be able to tell her how much I loved her. I can’t stop thinking about the dream though.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jessica. Your dog continues to love you and wants to help you through your grief…
I am searching for the meaning of dreams I have been having. I had a golden retriever Mandy who passed at 13 years old. I found out she was dying the same day my sister told me she was getting married. I grabbed Maddies face and told her she couldn’t go right now I needed her. The day after my sisters wedding she passed. Years later I rescued an 8 year old abused puppy mill Papillon. I knew Maddy was happy for me. I was blessed to have LucyLOO until last June when she turned 20. She was my love and although I saved her life in many ways she saved mine. I often dream of her now and she is much younger like when I first brought her home. Although I know she is there somewhere I am desperate to find her and I never can. I find this very upsetting. I should also mention my father is currently palliative.
I am sorry for the loss of your dogs and will keep your father in my prayers. Grief over our pets comes in stages and everyone is different on how they process it. I hope reading this post gave you some peace and insights into your dreams. As stated at the end in the blog, if you need further assistance I have services available.
I just woke from my dream about 20 minutes back and came across your blog after searching what it could mean. It was so vivid. My family recently lost our beloved dog Bella just 5 days ago to cancer. She was mostly my dads dog and he loved her more than anything.
In the dream our front verandah sensor light turned on which alerted me someone was outside. There is a panel of glass on our front door so I looked through this to see what had made the light turn on and I saw only the back of Bella. Her body was in a tense frozen stance with her head down, growling at something in some trees at our fenceline that I couldn’t see. I woke up after that with an instant feeling of being scared of whatever she was protecting us from. It will sound weird too but when I woke my eyes were disoriented and I thought i saw something scary looking standing at the end of my bed. I’m in my 20s but I’ve had to turn on my bedside lamp like I’m a kid waking from some nighmare. Waiting for that scared feeling to subside before I try to get some sleep…In my life I have rarely had dreams so vivid or ones that frighten me and wake me from my sleep. I love and miss Bella and the one thing thats giving me comfort is even in my dreams she is protecting me and my family. Thanks for the blog as its made me consider things ive never thought before.
I’m glad the blog has helped you consider things that you haven’t before regarding the loss of Bella. Our pets do protect us in the physical and nonphysical.
I lost my Orbie in 2018. She was 19 years old. She was with me since she was 5 months old. I have been struggling with moving on . My Dad recently gave me a 7 week old kitten. I named her Candy. Candy has been Chasing and trilling at something I couldn’t see. Then last night I had a dream of Orbie standing on the heart part of my chest. Something she’d never had done while alive. When I woke up I had this feeling of “she’s in my heart.” or “she will always be in my heart.” Not sure if it was a visit or what.
Lisa, I don’t think we ever stop missing our deceased pets. Sigh, if they could only live longer… Please reread the visitation section of this blog and think of how you felt in the dreams as your feelings are huge clues in a dream. In any case, the most important lesson of your dream is – Orbie is and always be in your heart…
I personally think its her way of saying, “its time for me to go. You are in good hands.”
Last night I dreamt of my cat who died about 5 years ago. My mother bought a new cat as a replacement but until today I can‘t accept that cat. I would still feel feel sad from time to time thinking of my old cat Gafi. I had a special bond with it since I grew up with it. In my dream he was deaf and I just following him everywhere, protecting him from cars on the street. Even though I felt like I had to protect him at all costs, he seemed to be fine on his own. Maybe this was a sign that I shouldn’t feel sad anymore because he‘s fine now?
I don’t know.
Our deceased pets and loved ones are okay on the other side, it’s those who are left on Earth that grieve. In the meantime, please don’t take your grief out on the new cat nor think of it as a replacement. Rather accept this kitty’s unique personality.
I’ve been having a really hard time since I had to have my sweet dog put to sleep because he had cancer, he was only 10 years old and it’s been 7 weeks since he’s been gone. I sometimes feel as if I dreamed about him but when I wake can’t ever remember what it was about which makes me feel worse. This morning as I was waking up I had a very vivid sight of him standing on a beach with the sunset behind him, I saw his silhouette he was standing tall and looked like he was about to run.. It was just a quick glimpse then I was awake. I wish I could have stayed in the dream longer
I’m sorry for the loss of your dog, Vee. Thank you for sharing your beautiful dream!
Hello Ms. Pamela. Yesterday I had my beautiful cat of 19yrs put to sleep due to cancer. The vet came to our home and I had it done here. I was inconsolable yesterday as we had so much history together and she was very precious to me. I have felt so horrible today and laid down to nap. I had a dream that I was walking down the hallway to my bedroom and there I saw her tail curl around the door jamb out of sight, I woke up and immediately remembered her falling asleep in my arms before she was euthanized. I was over come with grief again. Was this a visitation or just a cruel dream?
I am so sorry for the loss of your cat, yet what a gift that she was in your life for 19 years. Dreams are never meant to be cruel, instead they help us in whatever form that is. Please think about your feeling within the dream (not upon awakening) and reread the section on visitation in the blog, this will help you to determine if it was a visitation. My gut feeling is that she will visit you again in your dreams.
Hi Ms. Pamela. My family and I made a tough decision to have our dog put down. He’s a German Shepherd mixed with something, not entirely sure with what exactly. I’d say he left us at the age of 8 or so. Not very old. He had a neurological condition with his hips and back legs. Most of the time he was fine and everything seemed normal. Gave him medication and treated him the best we could. From July up until yesterday his hips and back legs had rapidly deteriorated. To where walking was next to impossible. Because the quality of life wasn’t there. Rather than trying to cope with this and whatever pain he was physically having to endure. It was best for him rest peacefully. I am struggling with this loss. I feel absolutely horrible. I cry off and on throughout the day. I tired by best to comfort him, gave all my love to him. It was a regular check up at the vet. I imagined this how he saw it also. I pray he visits me in a dream and tells me he’s okay. It would mean a lot to me.
Thanks for being here.
Patt, I’m sorry for the loss of your fur child. Our pets are smarter than we think and most likely he picked up on your emotions and motives through your energy. This was a tough decision for you to give him mercy. My sister felt horrible for keeping her dog past his prime and wished she had put Snowy down earlier. There’s always regret no matter what choice we make. He is free and may he visit you soon in your dreams.
I lost my cat few weeks ago kidney, urinary and in the end mrsa bacteria. And now this night I’ve dreamt about my pet. I was in a white big villa with many floors. Each floor had never ending rooms and every floor had his own guard. suddenly my pet run towards me, not sick at all, healthy, nice fur, playful. I could cuddle him and pick him up. It was not possible to take him with me and somehow I said to the guard, its okay I will not take him with me. and in the end I was outside the building. It was like my pet was saying that he was okay, no pain anymore and I should not worry. I think the villa was some kind of heaven for pets or like an hotel where pets were looked after.
What a beautiful dream to let you know your cat is safe and will always be with you!
I think my 14 year old baby Mittens (a tuxedo cat) visited me in my dream last night. I was helping my dad out with stuff and she was following me. When I first saw her I had seen her by the front door and I was so excited to see her. She then just followed me as I was doing what I was doing. At some point in my dream I thought I should probably let her go in order to move on since it has been a year since she departed. Everytime I think of her now I cry because I miss her so much. She had followed me home when I was 7 years old i am now 21 years old I had her for most of my life and I miss her dearly
That does sound like Mittens visiting you, Cassie, because it was simple and an action she did when she was alive. I am sorry about your loss and in my humble opinion – we will always miss our beloved pets, no matter how long it has been since they departed. Yet, how they enrich our lives when they are alive and it’s worth the pain when they leave us in the physical. Then to be reunited in the afterlife…
I lost my dog of 12 years on the 11th of Jan this year. She had been very sick for the last 12 months and she passed peacefully surrounded by her family. I have been heartbroken ever since. Her ashes were returned home to us yesterday and last night i had a dream of my Missy. I saw her playing outside in the yard, rolling around un the grass like she used to when she was younger. I followed her out and she came and sat next to me on the couch where she used to sit with me when i wanted to read. She looked young and healthy again and she sat there looking straight into my eyes for what seemed to be minutes. I felt so calm and at ease as I just knew she was telling me that she was okay now and that she was at peace. I have never experienced anything like it but it has comforted me beyond belief.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful visitation dream, Paula. And how wonderful that it brought you comfort!
Thank you Pamela, this blog is amazing and it has been so comforting reading other peoples stories as well as your advice. I really do believe that our beloved pets always stay with us and watch over us and that even though we will always miss them, they are in a better place ❤ I will never forget my baby Missy, i think of her every day.
Aw, thank you for your kind words. Yes, they are in a better place and one day we will see them again.
i0 lost my dog snickers last monday jan i8 he was 12 years old through the years he became my best friend and i miss him very much but last night i had a dream about him i was carrying him in my arms to a car in this huge parking lot he was sleeping i gave him to a very nice lady in a car and she said i will take care of him dont worry that he is a sleep the next day i picked him up from the lady and his coat was the brightest white i ever saw but he was still asleep then i woke up i cannot figure out why i picked him up thank you michael scotto
I’m sorry for your loss of Snickers. What a gift that you had him for 12 years! If you need further assistance, please check out my services.
My 12 year old soul mate dog Kirby died last week and i have been devastated. I feel incredible guilt for not getting him to the vet much sooner. He died in my arms 2 hours after taking him to the vet. He had a heart murmur and had declined very rapidly over a couple days. He visited me the next night. He ran up to me all happy and free. I said “kirby you came back to me!” Over and over. I don’t exactly remember what else happened other than i knew he just wanted me to know he was happy. I am still really struggling with his death.
Julie, I am sorry for the loss of Kirby. What a gift you gave each other when he passed in your arms. I know because my cat, Midnite, passed in my arms – heart to heart. Kirby also let you know that he’s happy and free by visiting you in your dreams. We, pet owners, often feel guilt over what we should have, could have done. The important thing is you loved him for 12 years and spent his last moments with him. Great grief occurs from great love. Take as long as you need to grieve…
We just put our 12 yr old cat down yesterday, he’d been sick off/on for awhile and we decided it was time. It was so hard all I do is cry and can’t stop. I see him everywhere. Last night when I finally fell asleep I thought that I was holding him and asked my husband, do you see him and he said no, but I wasn’t really asking him, it was only a dream that felt so real. I feel a lot of guilt by putting him down because he always bounced back after getting sick.
Hi Karen, I’m sorry about the loss of your cat. Please know that he is still around you and it does sound like a visitation dream because of how it felt like an everyday interaction. We, pet owners, often feel guilty about what we should have done. I understand about seeing him everywhere. Because my baby boy, Merlin, passed on 2-6-21, which was my father’s 85th birthday. He would have been 12 years old on 4-28. The important thing is the great love we share with our pets. This love is worth the grief we feel when they cross over. May they visit us often in our dreams until we meet again…
The night our cat died and we didn’t no she had yet , I was asleep and my partner in the other room I wake up to her crying out and it was so loud that i woke up and said hold on shadow I’ll be there in a minute, thinking maybe she was locked in and wanted out but this cry was a loud worry concerning cry “meow” I didn’t get up and just went back to sleep the next day we couldn’t find her and she hadn’t come home so we thought, any way a hole night passed and she still hadn’t come home or popped in like she would and that was strange, we went looking for her the day after thinking maybe she was stuck somewhere or In someone’s house and can’t get out and we found nothing called out to her and nothing, we decided to have a look on the lost pet pages and there she was our beautiful girl had been hit by a car and all I could think was she come home to tell us what had happened to let us no and she had come home straight after and those cry’s I heard was her warning us calling out to us and it was to late she was allready gone the hole time😖 you always think it will never happen to you that only happens to other people and we were absolutely hart broken totally crushed our poor girl 😰 ❤️ We love you shadow cat and feel you around us we miss you and no you are there until we meet again beautiful girl
I’m sorry for your loss, Sade. Your beautiful girl was alerting you to what happen. Yes, we often think it happens to other people’s pets and sadly, our turn will come. All we can do is love them with all our hearts and enjoy each moment with them. Until we meet again…
About 8 years ago I had to put my baby boy Bubba to sleep. While I was picking him up out of the van I ruptured a disc in my back. I had to have emergency back surgery 4 days later. 3 days after my surgery I was asleep in my hospital room and I had a dream I was running home. I then had had 3 different versions of my boy Bubba in my dream the first one was when he was a puppy sitting behind a chain length fence, the second version was a 5-7 year old version of him running and chasing birds, then I finally got home and there was a random person sitting at the table and he said “ I know someone who misses you just as much as you miss him” then the older version of Bubba cane walking up to me and as I hugged him and kissed him we both went to the ground and he disappeared.
What a beautiful dream of you and Bubba celebrating your life together! He is with you forever, Jason…
Last night I dreamt of my 9 year old dog that we had to put down a couple of months ago. My sister and I went to a forest (in which we didn’t bury her in in real life) to visit her. She appeared and was laying on her side with her head up like she always did. We got to just cry and pet her and feel like she was really there with us. I have personally felt very closed off to my emotions— only really getting all of my cries out during the moments leading to her death and realizing she was gone. Maybe this dream was telling me that I needed to really experience her loss and cry it out.
Camille, what a gift that she visited you in your dream even if it brought up your grief. It’s important to let the tears flow or release your pain in some way. I just lost my cat, Merlin, last Saturday (2-6-21) and can relate to your feelings. What has helped me besides crying, is to write and talk about it. I also speak to Merlin (in private), too. Going through and releasing the grief is a way of honoring our pets who have crossed over
I like to thank you for sharing you stories about your love ones, I Margaret had a best friend that we went every we’re together had outings, sleeper together every time her word was mine, I am so lost Annie is no longer with me my little spaniel Annie is gone already it’s been to months that she left me i cry every day night for her to come back I only wish one day I can wake up to her. So I just wanted to say my heart goes out to you all. Thank you love you Annie ❤️
You’re welcome, and it’s good to know that this blog/people’s comments have helped you. Please know that Annie is forever in your heart and still with you.
I knew my dog Oscar had come for a visit, and that it wasn’t just a dream. We were both laying in the grass with the sun on us (so real!) I was petting his forearm while listening to the funny way he used to breathe. So peaceful and such love in that moment. I woke up thinking if heaven is like that, then I’m all in! ****I will note that while petting his arm, a small spider crawled out of his fur. My first instinct was alarm, but then I thought: it doesn’t seem to bother Oscar, so leave it be. Oscar was half pyr so in life he always had critters on him.
What a beautiful dream, Duncan and thank you for sharing. It’s interesting to me about Oscar’s unique way of breathing. Because last week I dreamed of Merlin’s purring as I petted him, he passed on 2-6-21. It reinforces how simple visitation dreams are. I’ve written a bunch of spider symbols blogs and columns, if you want to learn more about that, please click https://learndreaminterpretation.com/2018/11/01/dreaming-of-snakes-and-spiders-is-it-common/
I had a guinea pig as a kid. Last night I had a dream that i found him in a hutch, in a dark room, he was all grey (naturally he was brown and black) like he had aged and was super skinny like i forgot to feed him? I took him out of the cage, i felt so bad and got him water and food straight away..
Any idea what this could mean?
Narniee, your comment reminded me of my guinea pig, Gandalf, who passed a few decades ago. Yes, I have a few ideas of what the dream means. As already mentioned in this post – to have me interpret your dream, please visit my services page to choose the service that works for you. https://learndreaminterpretation.com/dream-interpretation-services/
my husky snowy passed two weeks ago and twice this week i have dreamed of her first she was been playful second she wanted attention from me then she started playing with our other dog, i was wondering if she has safely crossed over or is she stranded here but there is another thing im the only one who can see her noone else in the dream saw her but she loooks like she walks out the grave she was light brown and the grave sand is semi dark brown when i see her, her fur looks like the sand but she is healthy when she shows up in the dream. thank you lounay
I’m sorry for the loss of Snowy, Lounay. After my cat, Merlin, recent departure it was heartwarming when he visit me in my dreams. But it also stirred up grief. I recently wrote a blog on how to deal with pet grief with nine action steps I used when my pets cross. It’s on my other website, please click https://www.pamelacummins.com/pet-grief-when-youre-spiritual
My little dachshund died suddenly and tragically. It was late in the evening and I was so distraught. When I finally went to bed; I dreamed so clearly of her being handed to me by my son. When she was in my arms I felt her and smelled her and was filled instantly with immense feelings of love and thankfulness. And then she disappeared and I woke up. She has not visited again though I have welcomed her should she wish to.
Thank you sharing your dream, Sam. I’m sorry for your loss, although I’m happy that you had a such a loving visit. May she visit you again and again…
I miss my cat midnight she departed on the 23 or 25 of this month I been dreaming of her. I wish my midnight was here with me.
Kathy, I’m sorry for the loss of your cat, Midnight. I understand the feeling of wishing she was here with you. That’s how I felt on 4-28-21, which would have been Merlin’s 12th birthday (he passed 2-6-21). Grief is a process. If you haven’t read my pet grief blog that I mentioned in the article, please check out the nine tips I give here https://www.pamelacummins.com/pet-grief-when-youre-spiritual
I had a dream where I was at my great grandma’s,but it was my grandma’s house,than I saw my grandma’s deceased dog,and the dog looked happy and wanted me to pet her,then I did and told my grandma that I saw Niena (wich was her name) and my grandma said I don’t believe in spirits and ghosts,then I woke up feeling emotional, so I’m guessing it’s a visit dream. Ps. My grandma does believe in spirits
Thanks for sharing your dream, Erica. Usually, a visitation dreams feels like an actual visit.
Hi Miss Pamela,
My pet cat has left me for almost 15 years but I still dream of him on and off, I used to dream of him when we were staying in our previous home just him and me in the house. And just yesterday only, I dreamed of him again “meowing” at me and I was like talking to him petting him and kissing his forehead like usual during those old days. I wonder why I keep dreaming of him even after 15 years has passed? is it because I have unresolved and emotions that is hidden in me?
Whenever i thought of him, i will cry even writing this note to you Pam, I’m crying a river. I don’t know why but I really missed him eventhough 15 years has passed.
Thanks.
Regards,
Rachel C.
Our dreams, deceased loved one, plus our issues/emotions aren’t limited in time and space. Which is why it may seem baffling to have these types dreams when you’re awake as we humans are trapped in space and time. Unresolved emotions and issues pop up years or decades later. Our deceased loved ones visit because we will always love and miss them…
Our beloved Marley cat. An orange tabby maine coon, playful but also calm and sweet in demeanor, passed this June. We knew it was happening, after a good run for 14 years, he became I’ll. The night before he passed, he mustered up the stamina to greet me as I came home and we hung out for a while. I almost felt as though he was turning around. Yet now I think that he knew he would leave us very soon and he wanted to have one last normal night. I saw him the next morning looking very run down again. I gave him his medication, held him, kissed him goodbye for the day. Unfortunately it was the last time I’d see his adoring eyes and feel his warmth. I came come after a long day out to witness what I dreaded most, he was gone. I picked him up to hold him and say goodbye and apologize for not being there for him in his final moment. Even though he had lost a lot of weight, he felt even lighter as though it wasn’t really him anymore but, the vessel he once occupied. It has been sad without him, I love summers in the backyard, watching the kids play and him either laying on my lap or the chair next to me. Two days after he passed I had a dream that I was walking around a part of town that was lush and green with lots of stone buildings. I entered one with my daughter or who I sensed to be her as she was much younger like a 4 year old. Inside were many small animals that seemed to be an assortment of pets moving about freely. A lady was taking care of them all. I remember my daughter smiling at a guinea pig, then I saw him, Marley vibrant and healthy like he was before. I said “wow! look at you”, not sure if I was seeing was him or a cat who looked like him. I was crouched down on the floor reaching for something and he hopped on my back which he always seemed to do throughout our life together. I could feel his weight, the warmth through his paws and even his claws gently poking at my skin. I remember wriggling to get him off as I would do, usually I was in the middle of looking for or working on something when he’d do this. He hopped down and I woke up. I hope he visits me from time to time. He can hop on me all he wants! I miss him. I can’t imagine caring for another animal right now as many have asked if I would. It’s asking me if a friend died or moved away that I would just go find another. Doesn’t work like that! He was like a child and friend to me. One day, perhaps, but the stars have to align just like they did when we were blessed with Marley. RIP bud! 5/5/07-6/8/2021
I’m sorry about the loss of Marley, yet happy he visited you in your dreams. May he visit again and again… You’re smart to wait until the stars align before getting another pet. And who knows, perhaps Marley will have a helping paw in aligning the stars?
my cat Annie visited me 2-3 times a year in my dreams usually when I was in deep sleep. She visited me again last night and it felt so real, I could fee her weight on my laps, I could feel her bite on my fingers – we were having a great time. I didn’t want to wake up at all. I missed her so much and I hope she is ok on the other side of the world. Then I cried after I reading about your posts.
I hope my posts gave you comfort about Annie! It is awesome that she visits you a few times a year.
My cat Bynx recently just passed on January 7th he was 16! But he was my baby through everything in my life.
In my dreams I was working and this guys out of no where goes we have a visitor and my cat came around the corner and was rubbing against me letting me pet him and then vanished. This happened one more time and then I woke up. That’s when I began to look up articles and yours was the first one I came across. I started reading and I scroll down to see the first picture of your black cat midnite. I thought I saw a ghost! My bynx looks like the same cat. That was my sign!! I just started crying. ♥️ I was trying to comment with a picture but I can’t.
I am sorry for your recent loss of your fur baby, Bynx. The fact that guy said, “We have a visitor,” and it was a simple dream, plus it’s happened more than once – it sounds like a visitation dream. This was confirmed by the picture of Midnite, who I still miss. Please allow yourself to grieve, Hollie. In case you missed it, I have a blog about pet grief on my other website https://www.pamelacummins.com/pet-grief-when-youre-spiritual I’m not sure why the comments don’t allow pictures and I’ll put it on my to-do list.
My boxer shepherd was 12 when we had to put him down due brain problems. He was our third kid and loved beyond belief. I saw him in my dream like he was real and young again. Bright, happy and he let me know it’s all good. I woke up with peace.
What a beautiful dream and I’m glad it brought you peace.
I had a dream about my rottweiler Hercules, who we had to put down last year because of a grand mal seizure. I had still have a hard time, but I know he comes around.
His birthday was on 4/8…
In my dream I walked into the kitchen and the house was dark because it was early in the morning and as I hit the corner I see Hercules…in a sit… lay down position( like he was alert), but his face was co ered in white foam…like he was or had a seizure…I was telling him he was okay…I feel like I was fighting to wake up from the dream because it felt like reality of when he was having his seizures when he was still here …..
Anniversaries of a pet’s death can bring about grief, guilt, and a dream of them, especially the 1st one. I’m sorry for your loss, yet glad about the time you had with Hercules.