A cat experiencing the loss of a companion may undergo significant distress, even if their relationship was less than amicable. Stories abound of cats languishing after the demise of their owners. Do cats truly grieve, and if so, how can one assist a grieving feline?
Do all cats grieve?
Since we cannot directly ask a cat its emotional state, we must rely on his behavior to gauge his feelings. While some cats exhibit no signs of mourning, especially if the relationship with the departed feline was strained, others may surprisingly seek out the deceased cat. This could be potential stress from a disrupted environment. But regardless of the semantics, the cat is distressed and needs your support.
Different degrees of mourning
The grieving process in cats varies, mirroring the diversity seen in human responses. Some cats may display prolonged distress, while others swiftly return to their usual selves. A study by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) revealed that 65% of cats undergo behavioral changes following the loss of a housemate, highlighting the individuality of each cat’s response.
How do you recognize a grieving cat?
Common behavioral changes are:
- Increased vocalization (meowing)
- sleeping more than usual
- reduced appetite
- more affectionate towards the owner
- searching for the absent cat
and sometimes
- spraying
- staring in the distance
- reluctance to play or not playing at all
How long do cats grieve?
The duration of feline mourning remains elusive, as animals, like humans, cope with loss differently. The abovementioned study by the ASPCA showed that after six months, behavioral changes were no longer visible even in the most intensely grieving animals.
Helping a grieving cat
Establishing and maintaining routines provides comfort to grieving cats. Incorporating new activities, such as daily cuddle sessions, can be beneficial.
Regular playtime, even when the cat seems uninterested, serves as an effective means to dispel sadness and lethargy.
Providing support to a grieving cat involves responding to their cues for attention and comfort. Sudden changes in your behavior may confuse the cat, hence maintaining a balance is essential.
Does your cat want to say goodbye?
Will the grieving process be made easier for the remaining cat when he can see his deceased friend? The truth is that we don’t know, there is simply no research on this subject yet. Responses to such situations vary among cats, with some exhibiting indifference, others bidding farewell, and some reacting with panic.
Some cats don’t react at all when seeing a dead companion, others do say goodbye, and some cats panic and run.
Do not feel guilty if a ‘proper goodbye’ is not possible due to circumstances, it is no drama.
How about another cat?
Introducing another cat to the household after a loss requires careful consideration. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and hasty decisions may not be in the best interest of the grieving cat. Observing their adjustment to the new circumstances is crucial, and if loneliness poses a risk, finding a suitable feline companion may be a thoughtful choice.