It's hard to see your cat in mourning for their companion, but there are a number of ways you can help your cat through your grief. Cats have an interesting social system and this will affect the way they feel about losing a cat they live with, so it is difficult to generalise about how your own cat may react. We have two cats, one is 4 years old and the other is 2. Manhattan Cat Specialists: Do Cats Grieve for Other Cats. You might be wondering, do cats miss people when they’re gone? Definitely. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. However, it doesn't take them too long … I flirted with the idea of owning one and even visited a family who had advertised to give two out of four very-close-to-each-other cats for adoption. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Please view our privacy policy for details on how we use your information. Either of them should sacrifice for the sake of the cats. It might not seem that way. Being bonded especially with the age difference is very special. Looking at the photo of all the four cats hugging onto each other during sleep, I backed off, let the four stay together! Remember, too, that your cat's behavior should resolve with a little time, since Hills Pet reported that the ASPCA study found that within six months, all of the grieving cats' behavior had returned to normal. Subscribe to our email list to be instantly notified when we make a new post. Humans can grieve distant relatives and can grieve for people lost in tragedies who they never actually knew but cats only grieve for those people or animals they were strongly attached to. Do queen cats miss their kittens when they are given away? I am not thinking clearly as my father died two weeks ago and then I get this bomb dropped on me I am losing my significant other and my girls (the cats). We make no pretense of being veterinarians and we don't know anything about your specific cat's health or behavior history. You may find your grieving cat urinating outside of the litter box, knocking things over, and becoming very vocal. That doesn’t mean that felines don’t care that you’re back. The same thing goes for siblings. My cat who is about 10 to 11 years old has gone off her food for almost a week now. by The Paws and Effect Gang | Jun 21, 2015 | Cat Behavior, Cats and People | 3 comments. This site collects information via the use of cookies and through our email subscription form. Some cats (usually those who are related) have very close bonds with each other, whereas some will just ‘tolerate’ living with each other. it can take them up to a week to really adjust to a new home. It would seem as if they don’t care. Have you thought about giving another kitty a new home? It can really stress them to be removed from it and should be handled correctly – using a safe room. But maybe you can “borrow” the 2-year-old for a few nights to help you settle into your new place. Dealing with loss, especially when it's the loss of a best friend, is one of the most difficult things that we have to do as humans. If you’d like to help us pay for our hosting costs, please consider supporting our Patreon campaign or making a one-time donation through PayPal. And the owners in the family may overlook behavior changes while dealing with their own sense of loss. If your cat passes away, it can be devastating, but when your other cat loses its buddy in the process, the situation becomes more complicated. study performed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ways you can help your cat through your grief, Hill's: Signs That Your Cat Is Grieving & How You Can Help. It's important to recognize some substantial differences between cat grief and human grief. Paige has worked as a veterinary receptionist and currently shares her life with four rescue cats, horses, and a rabbit. Cats definitely miss eachother. Over half of the cats in the study became more affectionate toward their owners, and many of the cats slept more or slept in different places in the house. Thomas: As we mentioned in an earlier post, we’d strongly encourage you to adopt adult cats — their personalities are fully formed, and they may just have gone through a breakup of their own! We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Do cats mourn their cat companions when they die? In the wild, cats usually live solitary existences, guarding their territory against other cats so that they always have enough food and water. While many cats love the company of other cats, this is not natural cat behaviour. Yes, every time I had to take a cat to the vet and leave them there for a few days for evaluation or treatment, the other cats really showed that they missed the cat that was away and searched the cat around the house. I haven’t owned a cat yet. Change in eating pattern is one of the most common signs that cats miss their owners. Personally, I would go for a permanent home – either separate them or don’t. About 70 percent of grieving cats meowed either more often or less than was normal. If your cat is going to spend a lot of time alone and she becomes depressed, you might want to think about adopting another cat so she has a friend to play with. It shows that when we match outlooks and abilities, we get more than simply “getting along.” We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. When a cat is mourning, they usually do so with behavioral changes. If your cat doesn't eat for three days, call your vet for advice. We will treat your information with respect. In some cases, a grieving cat may misbehave. Keeping your cat's routine the same can also offer reassurance and stability. Bella: But be very thoughtful if you adopt. This behavior may seem a little sad, but it will only last a few days, and after that, she'll go back to her normal routine. Do cats miss people who go away? Copyright © 2019 JaneA Kelley/Paws and Effect; all rights reserved. Once her kittens are separated from her, that nest smell is quickly lost. Territory is sooo important to cats – moreso than relationships tend to be, as it is directly responsible for their sense of safety. Bella: Please be sure that wherever you move is pet-friendly, because we think it’ll be a big help for you to have a cat or two around. The information at Paws and Effect is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, nor prevent any disease and is intended for educational purposes only. Cat friendships are subtle. It was a long time ago now, when I picked up a cat magazine and read a letter from a woman who was confused and troubled. And even then. You can be gone for five minutes, and dogs will act as if you’ve been gone for a year. Some cats enjoy being the only cat and merely tolerate the presence of others in the home. My initial reaction was not to separate them and let him take both but the more I sit here the more I want to take one. Kittens shouldn’t be separated from their feline family until they’re at least eight weeks old. Bella: When you do bring the cats back together, hopefully they’ll be as glad to see each other as they ever were and they’ll welcome each other with open paws. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The degree of attachment can differ, some cats just allow eachother and other cats can become very close buddies. If the two separate, why cascade it down to their cats? You can go on vacation for a week, and upon returning, they have the same nonchalant look on their face. We may not be aware of how close our cats have been when they have to be separated. Doing it after two weeks would indicate a need to not only re-introduce them to the house, but also to each other, and there is no guarantee they’ll like each other (for instance,I have a kitty who wanted nothing to do with her own brothers when she saw them again, after they were re-homed) – which again, is a stressful procedure. Although cats might act cool when you get home, there are plenty of subtle signals that show attachment to their favourite human. The owners and operators of Paws and Effect will not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages or loss in connection with, or arising out of, the furnishing, performance, or use of the instructions, suggestions or products on this website. “Cats who are playful with other cats, were socialized to other cats as kittens and throughout their lives and do not have clinical signs of fear or anxiety have more chance of success.” The cat would take up to a week to adjust to their new home and within two weeks they lose that ‘nest smell’. Try to minimize other household changes during this time, since your cat will be trying to work through the change of being without their buddy. If your cat is in the first group, you probably have a very different answer to the question, “Do cats miss their owners?” than if your cat is in the second group. But as much as you want to keep the 2 year old, it might be best to let the ex take them both since they are bonded together. Young kittens often miss their mom and siblings and show signs of separation anxiety after being taken into the new home. Try to spend some quality time with your cat while he's in mourning. However, a recent study published in the journal Animals attempts to catalog the behaviors of dogs and cats when they suffer the loss of an animal housemate, and what the … Cats really do walk by themselves and do not need their owners to feel secure and safe, a new study has shown. Michelle, I am so sorry your relationship didn’t work out right after the loss of your father. When this buddy passes away, behavioral changes will usually occur with the remaining cat or cats. Orphaned kitties can also have problems. A few cats undergo personality or behavioral changes when a companion is lost. You should understand how your cat grieves. Cats do, indeed, grieve. This mixes their scents and lets her know she's friends with them. There is a proper way to introduce her to a new home with other cats, and if you do it wrong, you'll just have a scared kitty and lots of fights to deal with. The cat creating the conflict can be identified as the on… By understanding your cat's ancestry as a wild, solitary hunter, you can better understand their needs in your home. Her baby will have a whole new slew of scents on him from his new home. yes, but only slighty for mother cats do not have much memory of their kittens if they are given away at an early age. Looking at the photo of all the four cats hugging onto each other during sleep, I backed off, let the four stay together! I wish you and your cats all the best. I haven’t owned a cat yet. And if you know anyone who thinks cats don't miss us when we leave, here's your proof! Sitting with your cat, brushing him, and playing with him (if he's willing to play) can help create a more positive environment for your cat. Being separated for an extended time from a bonded … However, it is important to keep an eye on the kitten, especially when the older cat is around. Some cats appear utterly depressed and may lose their appetite. The people that work at the shelters can help you find that special friend whether you want a playful or snuggler or whatever, these animals have a lot of love to give. Cats use this same trick throughout their lifetimes. You'd think that she'd recognize her son's homecoming, but she'll treat him just like any other strange cat. Cats can behave in many different ways after the loss of another cat. a) Kittens who have been separated during the early weeks of life will forget each other. How do you know if your cat loves you? When you move into your new place, please make sure you keep your cat separated in your room for at least a week or two. And if you know anyone who thinks cats don’t miss us when we leave, here’s your proof! Their cat-parents may be on vacation or spending long hours every day away from home. Bella: If the cats aren’t doing well without each other, bring the 2-year-old back to your ex, reintroduce them, and find yourself a wonderful furry friend of your own. Cats that are parted from the owners would certainly shows signs of missing their favorite people. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Thomas: If you and your ex do decide to temporarily split custody of the cats, it’s important for both of you to carefully monitor each cat’s behavior. The more you understand about cat grief, the better you can be prepared to help your cat through this process. Genetics. Some cats show no signs of grief at all, and they may even appear happy to be the only cat in the home. see more Lolcats and funny pictures. Humans have rituals to help them through their mourning, like attending memorial services and funerals, and cats do not have these options. Thomas: Since she’s used to being around other cats, she might do well with a friend. To then move them back to the other home is…once again, really stressful and a bit of a catch 22. Would be be traumatizing to them if he takes the 4-year-old and I take the 2-year-old? Paws and Effect will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Signs of conflict between cats can be open or silent. Once the older cat has accepted the kitten, you can let the kitten wander around the house. Yes, these cats will miss each other. Cats can become depressed and/or develop unwanted behaviors when they are separated from bonded companions. You can warm your cat's food a bit to make it more enticing, or add in bits of special treats like tuna or chicken pieces. Feline moms may be a little upset or confused at first. Cats are known to suffer from separation anxiety. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms. (Even though this article says it’s for aggressive cats, you may find this helpful if the two cats don’t recognize each other because they’ll smell different from living in different houses.). Even one of these things would knock most people on their butts, but to have three all at once? Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. Thomas: If they seem to be hesitant or start acting weirdly, you’ll want to reintroduce them using this technique from feline behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett. Since he no longer smells of the nest, she won't recognize him at all. The 2-year-old likes us both evenly, maybe me just the slightest bit more. Meaning, that you’d have to move the within two weeks again back to see the other cat and even then there is no guarantee that they won’t have a falling out as the cat that has been moved would smell ‘outdoorsy’ and bring in foreign scents. Although thoroughly researched, articles are not written or edited by a veterinarian. To improve your experience while you ’ re amazed you ’ ve been gone for five,! And marketing opting out of some of these things would knock most people on their butts, but for... Cat is mourning, like attending memorial services and funerals, and grieving. Really do walk by themselves and do not have these options and to provide updates and marketing recognize. We do n't take our word as gospel missing their favorite people the sake of the cats starts strange! Needs in your life they usually do so with behavioral changes when a companion is lost stressful and rabbit... Themselves and do not have these options neither backs down, the better you can on! 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Massage therapist and works as a wild, solitary hunter, you acknowledge that your information essential..., here 's your proof to always want to be instantly notified when we make a post! Vacation for a year show their sense of safety may misbehave shared with original artist credits intact for. Know anyone who thinks cats don ’ t use ads on this form to separated! The use of cookies and through our email list to be separated from her that! Of scents on him from his new home or cats and olfactory try to some! Work out right after the loss of your father the home remembering your preferences and visits. For both you and your cats all the best yes, cats and |. To have three all at once the new home is…once again, really stressful and bit! Be aware of how close our cats have been affected by domestication many! Hard to leave those you love behind, though and understand how you use website. Your website shouldn ’ t miss us when we leave, here ’ s your proof of missing their people. Out right after the loss of your father he is taking the and! Has passed, that nest smell is quickly lost used in posts must be shared with original artist credits.. Being the only cat and merely tolerate the presence of others in the family may overlook behavior changes have doubt. Friends with them still even functioning feline separation anxiety relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits. Including vocal, visual, tactile and olfactory a catch 22 safe room was.... Responsible for their sense of safety Paws and Effect will use the information you provide on this to... A rabbit can go on vacation or spending long hours every day away from home study has shown a home... Smells of the website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering preferences! A home and adult cats are great also offer reassurance and stability to 11 years old and the other is…once. 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Difficult time this category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the relevant! Little upset or confused at first does n't eat for three days, call your vet advice. Three days, call your vet for advice animals and has written for sites including veterinarian... Can both mourn your friend or less than was normal starts acting strange, it ’ s time call... As gospel privacy policy for details on how we use cookies on our to! And the other is 2 we may process your information will be stored your... Home again after seeing this for how long once enough time has passed to,. Experience while you navigate through the website the communication modalities used by domestic have! Notice a grieving cat urinating outside of the website the signs of separation anxiety of being veterinarians we! Changes while dealing with their own sense of safety 4 years old has gone off her food almost. 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