cat dealing with grief over loss of friend?

Question

Yesterday, we lost our dog of 12 years, suddenly to lung cancer. (Diagnosed on Tues. passed on Friday). Our cat has literally grown up with the dog in the house and were the best of friends.

Now I'm worried she's suffering with grief and depression. I've looked it up and she's shown signs of the grieving process (anxiety, depression, and being overly needy and friendly for her "norm")

I've tried to keep her routine as normal as possible and have been trying to give her as much love and attention as I can seeing as how I'm grieving, too.

She's eating and drinking still, but I'm so worried she's going to grieve herself to death.

So, my question is this. What are some ways to try to make this easier for her? (Other than getting a new dog/cat, I'm just not emotionally ready for that)

limbergercheesestankymilf, there was absolutely no need in that kind of response, go find your two points elsewhere. I hope someone, somewhere reports you, you heartless excuse for a human.

Answer 1

Your Cat's Grief
Understanding Pet Loss in Cats
By: Karen Commings

If your cat shows signs that she is grieving the loss of an animal or human family member, provide her with more attention and affection. Section: Do Cats Grieve

When Maggie died from kidney failure, Metta, her most constant companion appeared aloof and lethargic. Although she continued to eat, she kept to herself, not seeking out the company of other cats in the household. Based on the outward signs of her behavior, Metta appeared to be grieving over Maggie's death.

Because our pets cannot speak, we don't really know what is going
through their minds or what they are thinking. We must base our
interpretations of their emotional state on their behavior – what they
do in certain situations and under specific circumstances.

When a person experiences the death of a human loved one, we may know he feels grief based on what he says. Very often, however, it is how he reacts, what he does that tells us he is suffering. He loses his focus, becomes listless and disoriented, doesn't eat and becomes disinterested in what is happening around him. The person may cry or go without sleep or sleep more.

An animal that is experiencing the loss of another animal companion may react similarly. "Some animals can actually become depressed when they lose a loved one," says Monique D. Chretien, MSc, AHT, Animal Behavior Consultant. "They show symptoms similar to humans such as loss of interest in their favorite activities and sleeping more than usual. However, sometimes cats hide and sleep more than usual when they are ill, so you should consult with your veterinarian before seeing a behaviorist if your cat exhibits symptoms such as these."

Your cat may lose her appetite, become disoriented, or become more clingy. If the deceased cat was taken to a veterinarian to be euthanized, the grieving cat may sit at the window for days watching for her return. Animal behaviorists commonly call this emotional state, separation anxiety. On the surface, the pet's behavior is similar to
that of a person experiencing grief over the loss of a loved one.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals conducted a Companion Animal Mourning Project in 1996. The study found that 46 percent of cats ate less than usual after the death of another cat companion. In some extreme cases, the cat actually starved to death. About 70 percent of cats meowed more than normal or meowed less. Study respondents indicated that surviving cats changed the quantity and location of sleep. More than half the surviving pets became more affectionate and clingy with their caregivers. Overall, the study revealed that 65 percent of cats exhibited four or more behavioral changes after losing a pet companion.

If your cat shows signs that she is grieving the loss of an animal or human family member, provide her with more attention and affection. "Try to take her mind off it by engaging her in a favorite activity," says Chretien. If she enjoys human company, invite friends that she likes to visit and spend time with her. Use environmental enrichment techniques such as balls filled with cat treats to help keep her busy. Hide catnip toys at her favorite spots for her to find during the day.

If your cat is too depressed over the loss, she may not respond to extra activity right away. The old saying, "Time heals all wounds," has meaning for your cat, too. "Time is one thing that may help," says Chretien.

If your cat is meowing more or howling, distract her. Don't give her treats to distract her or you might unintentionally reinforce the yowling. "Giving attention during any behavior will help to reinforce it so be sure you are not reinforcing a behavior that you don't like," says Chretien. "Give attention at a time when your cat is engaging in
behaviors that you do like, such as when she is resting quietly or watching the birds. As the pain of the loss begins to subside, so should the vocalizing as long as it is related to the grieving process."

You may also want to consult with your veterinarian regarding drug therapy to help decrease your cat's anxiety, advises Chretien.

If you are thinking about adding another cat, wait until you and your surviving cat have adjusted to the loss. Forcing your cat to get to know a newcomer will only add stress to her already anxiety-ridden emotional state. And be patient. Your cat may miss her feline companion as much as you do.

(type exactly as it is below)

Answer 2

I can relate to your friend..6 weeks ago we had to put our DC {dog/cat} down. She was 13 and had cancer..it hurts, but her cat is no longer in pain. It is OK to cry, she loved that cat, they are very easy to love, especially DCs. My vet sent me a poem about all the animals that have died and they are all having a great time @ the Rainbow Bridge, when one day her cats ears will perk up and she will come to greet her as she crosses the Rainbow Bridge and they will be together again.. just be there for her and someday hopefully not too far away she will want a new kitty, but she will never forget this kitty no matter how many more she gets throughout her lifetime. Everyone of them is special. Remember all the times she made you laugh and all the other good times you had snuggling with her, and how lucky she was to have your friend to care for her during her short time on earth..I know, I have been there..I feel her pain..

Answer 3

Death is the hardest thing to get over. Your cat just hasnt lost a friend but a family member. Your cat will always miss him. But i would try getting a new dog that has the same playful personality. But i understand why you dont. I would play with her a lot more. If you keep her busy with something else than she cant think about it. Good luck.

Answer 4

I think you should show your cat some love that's what she needs. She's prob really lonely right now. Just think how you would feel it was your best friend. You would need someone to just be there for you. So I'm sure she will be fine as long as she still has a buddy to be there for her. Same thing happend to my dog w/ her cat. And she's doing great. By the way I'm really sorry for your loss. Hope your doing okay. Good luck to you two.

Answer 5

This is going to sound weird. I read a Chicken Soup Book where a woman's cat was grieving over the other cat being gone. She stuffed the cat and put him in a bed and every night that other cat sleeps with the dead cat. It won't stink and it could be comforting to you and try to make it look real, so your friends and family won't freak!!

Answer 6

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. That is horrible and so quick. There may not be anything you can do. Just like humans depression is a kind of sickness not just some little thing .Good luck!

Answer 7

When cats lose their buddy they do get depressed, and sometimes never get over it. You can try seeing if there is any meds your vet can give you, or else get a new buddy for your cat asap!

Answer 8

nothing else you can do