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Do Cats Grieve? How to Help a Grieving Cat
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Do cats grieve? It might sound like an unusual question at first.
After all, we often see cats as relatively “solitary” creatures, known for being aloof and distant. However, cats aren’t heartless, nor are they unaffected by the loss of a pet or human being.
Bringing a cat into your home makes them a part of your family. It’s not just you who sees your cat as another part of the “tribe”. Your cat also forms deep emotional attachments to the people and other creatures around them.
Do Cats Grieve?
While animal behaviorists don’t know for certain whether cats perceive death in the same way as humans, studies indicate cats are capable of grief, and regularly show behavioral changes after the loss of a family pet or friend.
Grieving Cat: The Signs
The ASPCA conducted a study in the 90s that found:
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Do Cats Grieve? The Symptoms of Cat Grief
Unfortunately, cats don’t speak our language, nor do we speak theirs. We can’t ask our feline companions how they feel about the loss of a person or animal, which means it’s difficult to understand for certain how cats “grieve”.
However, research into changing cat behaviors following the passing of another human or creature seems to suggest cats are capable of grieving.
In a multi-cat household, the death of another kitty can lead to significant changes in the behaviors of surviving cats.
Some cats become more aloof or spend increased time around areas where they would have typically interacted with the other cat. Others attach themselves to their human companions, showing more affection than usual.
Each cat is different, so the way yours expresses grief may differ compared to other animals. However, some of the most common symptoms of cat grief can include:
How Long Will a Cat Grieve?
Since the process of grieving in cats isn’t fully understood, it’s difficult to say for certain what it might look like, or how long it might last.
Some experts, such as cat behavior counselor Vicky Halls say there are often three stages involved in “cat grief”.
In most cases, the process will begin with your cat searching for the other cat, human, or animal, wandering around the house, and vocalizing more excessively.
They may pace more frequently, and spend less time simply laying down and relaxing.
This relatively active initial stage of grief can often be followed by a more “passive” stage when depression signs begin to exhibit themselves, and the cat becomes more withdrawn.
In the third and final stage (acceptance), the cat starts to settle into its new routine. Here, human owners might notice some permanent changes to their cat’s personality, such as a cat becoming more affectionate.
As with humans, there’s no specific timeline for how long these stages might last. Some cats pass through the stages of grief pretty quickly, while others take months to feel comfortable again after another animal or human passes away.
How to Help Your Cat Cope with Grief
Helping a feline companion deal with grief can be difficult.
When human beings pass away, we can provide. guidance to them based on our own experiences.
Unfortunately, this isn’t possible with a cat. In most cases, the best thing you can do is show your kitty extra attention during the mourning period.
A few ways you might be able to help your cat include:
Do Cats Grieve? Summary
Do cats grieve? Well, yes, cat grief can be a difficult thing to manage. The chances are you’re feeling your own negative emotions following the loss of a companion, another person, or animal, but it’s important not to let your feelings overwhelm your ability to care for your cat.
One thing to keep in mind is that introducing a new companion cat “replacement” to your feline after they lose a kitty companion too quickly can be problematic.
Your cat might be less likely to welcome a new stranger into the household when they’re still adjusting to the initial loss.
Give them some time to grieve and get over their sadness before you decide on your next steps and consider a new cat.
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