It’s so stupid for people to think that we are the only ones with emotions. Not only do our cats experience a wide spectrum of emotions that humans share, but they also live completely complex lives that we don’t understand.
When it comes to a cat who has lost another cat, is there a grieving process? Do they miss their feline counterpart after their earthly departure? In reality, cats are likely to miss and may grieve the loss of another cat, but it’s hard to say for sure and for how long they grieve. Let’s find out more in this article.
Cats have many feelings
Cats can have a wide spectrum of emotions. It is very difficult to understand because we are human, and they are cats. We cannot fully understand the actual experience of another species. The truth is, no matter how many professionals exist out there, we only know what we can observe.
There is so much going on beneath the surface, and we have no ability to verify the process, intelligence, and consciousness of other life. Any mammal that raises its young has an instinct to protect and care for its offspring.
Because of this natural and inborn desire, your cat is able to keep a litter of their kittens alive. However, it’s more than just having kittens to take care of. Cats also connect with other cats.
Although they are mostly solitary creatures, they still love to play, snuggle, snuggle, and groom other kittens. So, it’s only understandable to assume that if a cat is experiencing a loss of connection, they’re grieving. But it’s hard to say exactly how long they grieve.
How Do Cats Show Grief?
Many animals show similar behavior when it comes to showing sadness. Just like people, cats can really get blue when another cat or their human counterpart leaves. Other cats remain seemingly unaffected by this fact.
Researchers aren’t entirely convinced that cats actually have the full spectrum of grief the way other mammals do. However, they can actually agree that there is some level of genuine recognition that a cat is grieving in some cases and to some degree—but it depends on the cat and the situation.
You may notice some of these signs if your cat is grieving.
Decreased Appetite
If your cat is really missing someone, he may not want to eat as much as they did. Their hearts are sad, so their bellies are full. This is a pretty classic sign in humans and our pets.
So, if your cat is experiencing loss and seems to be avoiding the food bowl, this can be expected to some extent. In fact, more than half of cats who experience bereavement lose their appetite.
Lack of energy
If your cat is experiencing some degree of sadness, they may have a severe reduction in activity. They may not play as much as they did, they may sleep more, or they may not seem interested in things that once brought them joy.
If you notice, lack of energy is also something we experience when we lose someone we love.
looking for
If a human owner dies, the cat may search for them for days, and sometimes even weeks. They form very strong connections with their human counterparts, though each relationship will have its own level of closeness.
If they are very attached and dependent on someone, they may not rest until their nervous system readjusts to the loss.
Vocalization
If your cat is looking indoors or otherwise doesn’t understand what’s going on, they may increase in vocalization. It can show how uncomfortable or confused they are, and it can get worse at night.
hiding
Some cats may want to be left alone to deal with the loss. They don’t really want to be around others and have no desire to be a part of what’s going on around the home.
5 Ways to Help a Grieving Cat
So now you know that cats can grieve, but what exactly do you do for them? If you have a cat experiencing loss, how you can help depends on the particular cat in question. But here are some ideas.
1. Spend Quality Time
It’s time to spend more time together. Some cats may actually be missing that connection and will thrive by having too much love right now.
2. Give Them Space
Some cats really don’t want attention. Instead, they just want to let themselves go. If they really don’t want a partner, leave them alone and let them decide if they are ready for love.
3. Offer Distractions
Have you gotten your cat a new toy lately? If not, it might be a fun idea to distract them from the problem. While it may not be a fix-all, it can certainly help.
4. Consider a Partner
If you lose another cat with your cat, you may want to consider getting another cat after a while. This is not something you should go back and do right away, as your cat needs time to adjust.
If you do this too soon, it can worsen the grieving process and cause aggression or dislike of the new family member.
5. Call Your Vet
If you feel like it’s been a few weeks since the disappearance and your cat’s mood hasn’t improved, it may be time to take them to the vet. While some signs of sadness may be completely normal and expected, if it starts to affect your cat’s health in a negative way, something else may be going on.
You know your cat. If you think they need to be seen, even if it’s just a few days and especially if your cat isn’t eating, take them to the vet. The vet can prescribe them medications for depression or check for other underlying health conditions that may not be so obvious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Cats Hate Other Cats?
Cats can grieve with other cats, but this requires a specific connection. Our cats tend to be pretty independent creatures, so it takes a really good friend to leave an impression.
Do Mother Cats Mourn Kittens?
Mother cats show a strong bond and ownership with their kittens. So, when a mother cat experiences a loss, it is very normal for them to feel sad as part of the process. Some cats have a stronger maternal instinct than others, which can influence overall behavior and emotional levels.
Will Mourning Cats Be Aggressive?
It is not unusual for a grieving cat to act aggressively. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t be angrier than usual. If they don’t want to play or they just want to be alone and something or someone won’t let them go, they may drool as a way to ask to be left alone.
Can Cats Die from Depression?
According to the ASPCA, depression in cats is not fatal. However, depression can lead to other events that can cause breakdowns and other declines. For example, lack of motivation can cause decreased hydration and appetite. These things over time can lead to weight loss that can drop to dangerous levels.
Will a Surrendered Cat Get a New Home?
If a cat is experiencing loneliness because he has been rehomed or his environment has changed, you may wonder how long it will take him to adjust. If you bring them home and they look like they’re just in the dumps, give them a few days to a few weeks.
Cats may take a different amount of time to warm up. It depends on many factors such as how comfortable they are in the new home, how close they are to their previous owner, how well they have adapted to change, and the list goes on.
Conclusion
So now you understand a little more about the way cats grieve. As with anything, individual reaction is not very predictable until it happens. Cats will have all different ways of showing sadness, and some may not experience it when you expect them to.
Regardless, if your kitten is having trouble adjusting to a life without the friends they’re used to, you can make them more comfortable while they process and take them to a vet if it starts to negatively affect their health.
Featured Image Credit: Kristi Blokhin, Shutterstock
