Do Cats Experience Grief? (2024)

FAQs

Do Cats Experience Grief? ›

When a cat loses a companion, whether animal or human, she grieves and reacts to the changes in her life. Cats alter their behavior when they mourn, much like people do. They may become depressed and listless. They may have a decreased appetite and decline to play.

While no-one will ever know if a cat understands death, they certainly know that a fellow housemate is missing and that something has changed in the house. The owner's distress at the loss of a pet may also be communicated to the cat, adding to the confusion it may be feeling.

Cats, like many other animals, can also experience grief when a sibling pet passes away.

How can I help my grieving cat? Doing your best to keep your cat's routine the same will help them in the days and weeks following a loss. Try to keep their meal times the same as before. Make sure they are eating, drinking and toileting properly.

“One reason why the loss of a pet cuts so deeply is the unconditional and accepting love they offer,” says Therapist Susan Anschuetz, LMFT, co-founder of the Denver-based nonprofit Human Animal Bond Trust, who has led free weekly pet loss support groups for over 30 years.

The first signs of a dying cat include lethargy, a lack of appetite, a messy coat, and a decrease in the frequency of urination and defecation. Labored breathing, a loss in muscle mass, and changes in alertness could also occur during the early stages. Some cats may find it too painful to climb into their litter box.

All in all, even the most aloof and brooding cat will be able to pick up on your warmth and devotion. Whether they choose to admit it or not, they can sense when a person loves them (and hates them). So always make sure you're emitting good, kitty-positive vibes, and your cat will be sure to indulge in the lovefest.

When a cat loses a companion, whether animal or human, she grieves and reacts to the changes in her life. Cats alter their behavior when they mourn, much like people do. They may become depressed and listless. They may have a decreased appetite and decline to play.

There does not appear to be a standard way to respond to the loss of a companion or even a set time over which to do so. Some cats will go through the process in a matter of days, others will skip the withdrawn, depressed phase and a few may show signs of disturbance for several weeks or even months.

How to help a cat pass away? ›

You can give your cat a good last day by bonding with your pet, creating a calm environment, and giving them a special treat. Consider in-home pet euthanasia and cremation to spend the final hours of your cat's life with compassion and dignity.

Many pet owners feel their pets are like surrogate children. When put into this context, it is completely understandable why the loss of a pet can be so devastating. Losing a source of non-judgmental, unconditional love in a person's life is usually extremely difficult, no matter the source of that love.

Like most animal species, including humans, cats have a great ability to store memories, but their ability to do so decreases over time as they age. Although difficult to assess, it's thought that cats hold on to memories for their lifetime—up to 15–20 years in some cases.

She may hide away or display signs of depression and anxiety. She may even go around the house trying to find the deceased cat. Each cat will respond differently to the sudden change, but common behaviors include: Loss of regular appetite (even to the point of fasting).

While dogs and cats may not fully grasp the significance of death, many pets exhibit behavioral patterns that suggest that they have been affected by the loss.

Mother Cats May Hide Their Kitten

She instinctively knows that the kitten might be dead for some kind of health reason and wants to move the body a safe distance from their other kittens. She might bury it, or if she has quite a few live kittens left, she will take it away from them and abandon it.