Jan 08 2009
Do Cats Grieve?
Do cats grieve when a loved one dies? Yes, they do. When our cat, Emma, had to be put down, Carmine and Milita grieved for several months afterward. Emma had to be put down because she was suffering from kidney failure and her quality of life became very ppor. It was tremendously sad.
After Emma’s death, Carmine became lethargic. He slept more often and played less. He walked around and stood in random parts of the house and meowed like crazy (which isn’t typical behavior for Carmine). Likewise, Milita seemed to be grieving as well; she was more lethargic and slept more than usual.
Your cats may grieve in different ways if they ever lose a companion - human or animal. Your cat might vocalize more, sleep more, eat less, be more lethargic, play less, or become very clingy. Your cat may also lose interest in his or her favorite activities. Because some of these behavioral changes ca also mean your kitty is sick, be sure to have him or her examined by a veterinarian before you seek help from a behavioral vet.
There are some things you can do to help your kitty through the grieving process, which may last from a couple of weeks to up to six months in duration. The most important thing you can do for your cat is to love him or her - show your kitty more affection, attention, and love while he or she grieves the loss of a companion.
You can also try engaging your kitty in more play activities with his or her favorite toys. Try hiding toys and treats in your cat’s favorite spots for him or her to discover while you are gone during the day.
Cats grieve in their own way. By giving them love, affection, and attention, you can help your kitty grieve the loss of a companion.
Please tell me what you think in the comments section below.
Source:
Pet Place: Do Cats Mourn the Loss of Another Cat?
