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Do Cats Grieve?

Posted Tue, Jul 03, 2007, 10:00 am PDT

I recently consulted with a client about her cat, Winnie. The client had just lost another cat to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Thinking she could ease the loneliness for Winnie, she adopted a kitten. Sadly, the situation went from bad to worse.

Many people don't realize that animals grieve. But it's important to recognize it, so you can help your cat.

Even if companion cats aren't close, grieving can occur. Added to the grief is the feeling of confusion, because the surviving cat has no idea whether the other cat is returning. The grieving cat also gets the double-whammy grief effect when she sees her owner acting distraught. From her point of view, the bottom just fell out of her world. Her companion is gone, her human family is acting strangely, and she doesn't understand any of it.

In Winnie's situation, her owner thought she was doing a loving thing by quickly bringing home a new companion cat. In reality though, it created a crisis, because Winnie now had to deal with an unfamiliar feline intruder while in the throes of grief.

If you've recently lost a companion animal and you're concerned about your surviving cat, don't be in a rush to fill that empty space. Instead, spend time playing with your cat and interacting in a casual, comforting way. She needs normalcy in her everyday life. Comfort, but don't cling so much that it sends off alarms in her head that this is the end of the world.

Watch her eating and litter box habits, and make sure all is normal there. It's not unusual for a grieving cat to stop eating or stop using the litter box. If you notice either of these behaviours, contact your veterinarian. It's very dangerous for a cat to go two days without eating, because of the risk of liver damage.

If you do decide to bring home a new companion for your cat, wait until she is emotionally and physically ready. On a personal note, I can tell you that many of my clients have found comfort during the initial stages of grief by making a donation in honor of their cat to their favorite animal welfare organization. If you'd like to make a memorial donation to help fund research into feline disease such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, consider the Winn Feline Foundation.

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142 Comments

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1. tabrug1 - 12:21PM on 07/03/07

What about a cat mourning the loss of their human family?
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2. MAMMALS... - 3:00PM on 07/03/07

all mammals mourn their losses and appreciate their gains...
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3. c.laysbad - 3:17PM on 07/03/07

all animals have souls
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4. Jessica C - 3:42PM on 07/03/07

I took my cats, Gus and Magellan, to be neutered at the same time when they were 6 months old. Unfortunatley, Jelly had a reaction to the anesthesia and it killed him two days later. Gussy was with Jelly when he died. He has never been the same since. I have proof that cats mourn. Two years ago Gussy lost his mother to kidney failure, it has only added to his depression. Once playful, he only lies around now. It is the saddest thing you have ever seen.
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5. sara cobra (aimee) - 3:47PM on 07/03/07

i had two cats. my one that died was his brother. they had been together since day one. he stayed in the closet and barely came out. we did eventually get a kitten but waited about 6 months. rue (live one) took to the kitten really well since he is 3yrs. i miss the other cat but i think rue is happy to have a new friend. if you do get another cat after one dies take a few months before.
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6. Kimba - 6:24PM on 07/03/07

When my mom died 5 years ago Itch was howling like crazy and I use to live in a highrise on the top floor the 5 th and everyone heard him and I heard him and so did my ex from the first to the 5th and through the elevator and when I got off my the noise. My neighbor told me it was a hour of this and I told her I knew for I felt my mom has died and when I opened the door he jumped through my walker up my legs into my arms. And when three cat's we knew died he grieved and when my friend died recently unexpectently he really grieved throwing up alot and diarrhea. He kept close to me and he and I gave each other comfort. Itch is a registered therapy/helper cat and he knows so much that he has been a great comfort to me and more since I became disabled. He grieved also when I lost my old way of life for we had to learn a new way to live and play.
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7. ddnyteskye - 7:18PM on 07/03/07

I think cats have as many ways of dealing with the sad times of their lives as we do. And as with some of us, some cats are more accepting of their circumstances and making the best of them. My Kitty has a strength of character that has seen her through some challenges, as have I--that may be why she picked me. We have a strong connection. We were separated for quite some time recently. When I visited her, she was herself and kind of aloof, and adjusted well to her temporary home. When we were reunited, she hid in a closet for a few hours, finally came out and started learning her way around. By then, it was the middle of the night, so I just sat up with her as she came and went. The next morning, I woke up with her snuggled up against me, just like no time had passed. I know in my heart that she knew we'd be together again, and that helped me through a really tough time. I sense that it helped her, too.
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8. robin1018 - 9:10PM on 07/03/07

Cats certainly do grieve. When my older cat died (coincidentally of a cardiomyopathy like the client in this article) my younger cat walked around the house for weeks crying and looking for her. She even tried to go outside to continue her search. Interestingly, they were never close. The one who died was ten years older and accustomed to being the only cat. The younger one turned up on my doorstep when I had no adoption plans. It was very difficult for the older kitty to accept, she never completely got over her jealousy, so they did not really become friends that we could see. I waited about four months to adopt another cat. This worked out well - there was some initial jealousy, but they get along well.
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9. gablkpapillon - 6:58AM on 07/04/07

Cats definitely grieve. My cat Stoli, walked around in fog and seemed to mope for about two weeks after losing a family member. Finally, when he came around, he was even more loving (which I didn't think was possible-smile) as he was a love to begin with. When my beloved passed, I grieved and still do because not only was he my best friend and loyal companion, I think (with good reason) that he thought I gave birth to him.(smile) Some days when I am sleeping, I feel walking on my bed, then feel something lay down next to me. (okay folks, I am not crazy). It scared me at first because it would wake me up, then I realized my beloved cat was an angel who came to comfort me.
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10. Jeanie M - 8:02AM on 07/04/07

I understand that I have a cat named Bootsie, we went from having for cats down to just her. Her own littermate died right around the 4th of July, a few months later we found a home for Shadow and my beloved 9 year old cat died from cancer in January, poor Bootsie was all on her lonesome and she didn't know what to do, she would cry, and run around the house, she was all by herself, when we weren't home she was by herself, then she got to the point where she would wake me up in the middle of the night to play, thats when I said enough, I wasn't neccessarily ready for a kitty, but while I was at a Pampered Chef party I found the sweetest cat ever born, we of course named her Sweetie, lol and it has taken some time for them to get to the point of being friends, but they play, they love each other and my poor Bootsie is finally "normal" Grief, Love and other emotions affect cats, I know, I have seen them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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11. Crocodile - 10:01AM on 07/04/07

Yes cats grieve. When my dog died I was very sad and sitting here crying my eyes out. My old cat (now 14) came up to me (and she is a very elusive type of cat) and licked the tears off of my face. She knew I was sad because the dog had died and she was sad too I could tell. I have two cats and both of them were looking for the dog for several days after he died even though he is buried in the backyard. Cats are my best friends in life. :)
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12. barbara - 10:17AM on 07/04/07

all of these stories are making me cry! and yes, cats and other pets too, grieve. they are after all, a part of our family, and have emotional bodies as well as physical.
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13. Monica R - 12:16PM on 07/04/07

Cats not only grieve, they love like we do. I've seen cats from the same litter live together, share, love each other, sleep all huddled together, mourn for days when one of them died...the things we can learn from their unconditional love
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14. dj1short2002 - 1:03PM on 07/04/07

I lost my mother June 30th of this year and Missie my 2 yr old and my 1 yr old sat with me and slept with me which they don't do normally. They new i was sad so they watched over me and when my hubby came home from work they did their own thing,,They were watching over me for 3 days. So yes they have feelings to and can sense what you are feeling too.. I love them like my big grown boys.
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15. luckylinx420 - 9:10AM on 07/05/07

My dog Passed away a few years ago the cats in my house really loved him they used to follow him everywhere when they were kittens he used to watch them when the mother would leave And he wouldnt let anyone near them you couldnt go down the hallway near that closet when he passed all six of them wandered arround the house crying for him and looking for him it broke my heart how do you tell them that thier friend is gone
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16. Lee - 11:09AM on 07/05/07

I had a Himalayan cat Frosty and a cocker spaniel named Jett. Frosty tolerated Jett but they never really warmed up to each other. We bought Frosty as a kitten and had him about 9 years when we got Jett as a puppy. Unfortunately Jett developed a very bad case of epilepsy and we lost him at only 1 1/2 years old. Frosty, who really hadn't liked Jett, howled for over a month and became very antisocial for almost a year after Jett's death. No one can tell me animals don't have feelings and don't grieve!
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17. redcatt63 - 1:12PM on 07/05/07

oh, most certainly they grieve! the one that grieved the worst passed on himself at 15 last September. he was a 5yr old tuxedo, and I had a female siamese 2 yrs older than he was. they were good buddies and played all the time. then the siamese suddenly had a heart attack and died instantly...and he witnessed it! for a couple of months, he would either be sitting on the spot on the floor where she had died, or he was attached to me..in my lap, my arms or up against my leg if I was standing. he had never been without a cat companion, and I knew I had to get another cat for him. 2 months later, I brought home a 2 month old female siamese. it didn't take long for him to become attached to her. they played, groomed and cuddled all the time...and even "spooned" when they slept, or faced each other with paws around each others necks. he became very old, sick and frail last year and I had to put him down. he was 15. that siamese kitten was almost 10 when she lost him. she didn't witness his passing, but did look for him around the house for quite a while. by that time, we had 3 other cats. she was friendly with the 2 males, but not the female (a calico...and they still hate each other). we did adopt another little tuxedo, who she's friendly with, and even grooms and cuddles with, but I don't think she'll ever be as close to him as she was with her big brother!
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18. Dee - 8:27PM on 07/05/07

I have seen many animals grieve themselves to death not only over the lost of another pet but of a human that they are mostly attached. I have given pets away and had to take them back because they stopped eating. Pets do react to loss.
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19. riddle92 - 11:57AM on 07/06/07

I always remember the book 'Where the Red Fern Grows'. I am sure those types of situations happen all the time with animals.
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20. maryjane - 9:30AM on 07/08/07

do cats pee out of anger/scared?
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21. blue_kitty_paws - 8:46PM on 07/09/07

My girlfriend (68) died of cancer. She was in the hospital about 3 days. After her funeral we went over to her house and her cat had suffered a stroke and couldn't move her back legs. She died later that night.
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22. crystalfin - 6:16AM on 07/10/07

I'm sure cats mourn and love just like we do...in fact, they are a lot like children. -If something dramatic happens, you have to remember to get down "on their level", and try to act "normal" -or maybe take concern of them a little bit more than usually. -But they have to have the mourning time if their petfriend dies, nobody should try to take it away from them, they need it. -But they will get over it, finally, and most of them will accept another friend. -We, as catowners, can help our cats in whatever comes in their life. Our attitudes matter so much; cats are exremely sensitive. -If we can get over our other pet's loss, they can most likely too. -I am a believer,too, I think that makes it a little easier for me to handle difficult situations. When our pets die they go to heaven, and we'll see them there when we get there -unless they come and lay on our beds- in spirit.
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23. kurtmac - 10:12AM on 07/11/07

It's indeed true that cats grieve. I had two cats, Figgy and Casper. Figgy passed away about 18 months ago, but Casper still "misses" him. They were maternal brothers and I am not sure how much of an effect that had on the grieving process for Casper, but I'm sure it was plenty. I've tried to spend plenty of time with Casper, but Casper and Figgy were very close, and I cannot be there as often (obviously). Casper has gotten better, but he still "remembers" Figgy and still misses him (as I do too).
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24. bryan r - 6:39PM on 07/11/07

YES THEY DO GRIEVE. WHEN MY 16 YR. OLD DIED MY OTHER 2 A 19 YR. OLD AND A 14 YR. OLD WHO WHERE 13 AND 11 AT THE TIME MOPED AROUND. THEN WHEN THE 13 YR OLD DIED LAST YR. AT 19 THE NOW 14 YR.OLD RAN CRAZY AROUND THE HOUSE. HE LOST HIS BEST FRIEND. AND NOW I HAVE 2 LITTERMATES WHO DO EVERYTHING TOGETHER.
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25. zreinach - 6:42PM on 07/11/07

About this whole...cat reports? Um...i myself am a cat lover. I have 2 cats of my own, Joe Joe and Scouty. Joe Joe came first and then scout. There was no fighting an no need for 2 of everything. The played and romped as kittens. Now they are older and just hang out together. I dont believe in the methods to these articles.
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26. Jujie - 7:01PM on 07/11/07

cats do mourn...and they do grief...when a kitty dies..the rest feel the lost...when the owner is a way..the kitty misses its owner...cats are just so lovable
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27. crazy4thecanes - 7:04PM on 07/11/07

Of course cats grieve! I was once told that you should show the deceased pet to those pets in your home that are left behind so that they 'know' what happened and don't spend time searching for their mate. I've done this ever since I heard that and I honestly believe that it helps. Those left behind aren't confused and wondering what happened to their companion. The first time I tried this I felt like a madwoman for doing it but the mate came close slowly, sniffed, stared, looked at me as if she understood and then proceeded to spend the next two months grieving. I don't think she ever got over losing her buddy but she certainly understood what happened and never spent time looking for her.
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28. sparks20740 - 7:11PM on 07/11/07

Yes, cats do grieve. We have three cats and Max, the male, was best friends with Tinker who lived across the street. Tinker was about 15/16 years old and Max is 6. All of a sudden Tinker developed kidney failure and was wouldn't eat or drink. The night before his owner took him to the vet to have him put down, he and Max slept outside in our neighbor's garden. The vet suggested putting Tinker down and not try to extend his life because of his age and condition, as well as the potential expense. This has been about three weeks and Max is still lost without his best friend. He goes and sits in their driveway and even looks in the rec room window to see if Tinker is there. All to no avail. He is still sitting and waiting and hoping. We feel sorry for him.
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29. toontzes - 7:39PM on 07/11/07

When two litters of kittens were born Easter Sunday I was over-joyed! Sadly the last of the 8 died in my arms two weeks ago. Since then I have had 3 little ones dropped off on my doorstep, one that was so buggy I thought we had a black cat. After 3 hours we found a snow white, unweened kitten we named marshmallow smudge. She has one blue eye and one green.
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30. Brenda W - 7:40PM on 07/11/07

my husband lost his cat and the other cats have hung back a little bite trying to find their sister. she just turnd a year old, so yes i do belive they do greave
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