I’m sorry to hear about your kitty. People do seem to be split into two camps: those who need to see the body and those who don’t. Personally, I’m the latter, but the former way is valid, too. If you know which one Kim is, you can make some guesses, but allowing her to choose will almost always be the best way to go.
I’m sorry to hear that Kim is having trouble, too. Best wishes.
My condolences on your loss.
I’m very sorry for your loss, Skald. That’s really terrible.
Personally I would not bury her, but rather I suggest taking her to the vet for an examination/necropsy. I would certainly want to know what might have happened, especially if it might have been poison (you never know – 3 seems ridiculously young for it to be purely natural causes). I know, I know, “it’s only a cat,” some may say. But if you want to get another pet at some point, you need to know if there’s something (or worse, someone) dangerous lying around.
Best wishes to both of you, and again, I’m so sorry.
Do you suppose it’s confirmation bias that there are a bazillion sick and dead pets on the Dope right when I had to put my dog to sleep? Because it seems like a Martian death ray or something.
I don’t know if this has any relevance to you and your wife or not, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be in the room or not when they put my dog down, and I kind of thought I wanted to just have them take the body away and not have to deal with it, but my boyfriend convinced me to let him get a box and dig a hole, and I convinced myself it would be cowardly not to be there, and on both counts the decision was IMHO the correct one.
I’m sorry about your dog, Zsofia. I’m very much in favor of pet burial, if it’s a possibility. A funeral for a pet can be cathartic and meaningful. It’s easy to feel dismissed and alone when you’re grieving the loss of a beloved animal, and setting aside time for this occasion is imortant, I think. On this little memorial I made for my cat (for whom I created my screenname), you can scroll down for a little information about pet cemetaries and my experiences with them.
I’m so very very sorry.
How’s Kim holding up? I know it’s rough on both of you.
I’m sorry, Skald. It’s always hard to lose a pet but the timing is particularly for Kim. FWIW, I enjoy your lighthearted approach on the board and you sure don’t owe the harder aspects of your life to anyone here. There’s not a damned thing wrong with using a message board as an enjoyable respite.
Burial or no burial is a toss up. I buried all of my smaller pets. But, if it helps, dead animals don’t look as dead as dead people do.
There’s this to consider: your poor kitty died very young, and unexpectedly. Kim might imagine horrors, wondering if the poor thing died in some awful way you wouldn’t tell her about.
No matter what you decide, all best to you and Kim.
So many Doper pets dying. I’m sorry, and if we lived closer together, I’d be there if you needed me to be.
I hope it helps, that while we all are writing here, we are doing so because we are all sorry for your losses and most - if not all of us - have been where you are right now, Skald. You and your Mrs. Whatsit are in my thoughts.
My condolences.
Bill
Skald - I’m very sorry to hear about your cat – you have my condolences. If it makes you feel any better, I’m sure it was a comfort for Mrs. Whatsit to pass away at home. If I had to choose, my own backyard would be an OK place to pass away.
You may also want to call the local police. Mention that your outdoor cat passed away unexpectedly, and you were wondering if others had reported anything similar. Most likely they will brush you off without even taking a report, but on the small chance there is a problem you will be helping save other pets (and people) from a similar situation.
Sometimes life tests you, but hang in there and things will get better.
Poor kitty. Hang in there, Skald makes manly gesture of solidarity. 
I’m sorry to hear that Skald.. I can relate. I had a very beloved three-year old dog mysteriously die a few years back. It’s extra sad when they are young and seem to be in good health and there doesn’t seem to be an explanation. I hope better days lie ahead for you and your wife.
My condolences. We lost our ancient cat a few months ago, and I suspect we’re going to lose the merely old one in the near future. It sucks.
Is your wife home now? How is she?
I’m so sorry,its always a sad time when a much loved pet dies.
We’re all with you in spirit.
Sorry I took a while to respond; I missed this the other day.
Kim’s halfway home, by which I mean she has outpatient therapy in the day but can come home in the afternoon and spend the night. I think she’s doing okay, but it’s hard to tell sometimes.
Thanks to all who’ve offered condolences.