Need advice about pet death & kids

On my sons 6th birthday two little black kitties wandered into our yard. They fed them and they have been here ever since. It's been almost a month.

We were just getting ready to leave for the afternoon and all the boys are in the car, one cat shoots out from under the van and where's the other one????

It came straggling out about a minute later. The poor thing! I was about crying but I didnt' want to upset my boys. Ray was going to put it out of it's misery since it was so bad, but when the boys and I were leaving to go get ice creams (they didn't see the kitty) the van wouldnt' go. Long story short we had to call someone to come help get the belt back on the engine.)

How did or would you tell your 7, 6 and 3 year olds that one of their kitties is dead?

My parents always told me they "ran away".

Just be honest but no details. You could say there was an accident.

I Agree..just Tell Them In A Way That Is Suitable For Their Ages. You Could Have A Funeral For The Kitty Or Put Flowers On Its Grave. That Always Helped My Kids.

Thanks for the advice ladies! They are going to be so heart broken when they find out.

Im so sorry Leanna I know how tough it is. We have lost our fair share of loved pets over the years. We have three dogs buried out here plus one of dh parents. My boys were present for three of the burials, they helped dig the graves. My last dog got buried in a quilt that was left to me in my grandmothers hopechest. I sent my oldest to get a blanket and he chose the quilt I didnt have the heart to tell him no , but deep down I knew my grandmother wouldnt mind. We always stood and had a little ceremony afterwards.
There is a good book called Waterbugs and dragonflies and it explains how the waterbug swims up to the surface and promises his friends he will come back to tell what happens out in the world but once he becomes a dragonfly he can not enter after many attempts. So he begins his new life as a dragonfly. IT was written for children that lose someone they loved. Its just a small little book so Im sure it is very inexpensive.
Hugs Meg

Thanks Meg! I'll look for that book.