I just had to put down my oldest cat today. How do I explain it to my younger 2 cats that he is gone?

Question

Do they know?

Answer 1

Bring them to the funeral.

Answer 2

When I had to put my first cat down, I had four surviving cats. I didn't notice any of them missing her, not that they didn't, just that I didn't see it. When I had to put her sister down just 5 months later, I did see the oldest surviving cat look around and I was sure he was looking for his big sister. When the two cats were gone there were three left and I think having each other helped. Just give your surviving cats extra love and play time. They'll be okay.

Answer 3

Sorry for your loss. I think they will know something is wrong. Not only will you be sad but they will notice the other one missing. When my oldest cat got sick and was in the hospital for a few days the little one was sad. Just give extra snuggles to the others that will help everyone feel better.

Answer 4

They may look for the cat for a few days, but overall, they will adapt better than you will. I do want to say that the personalities of your remaining cats will probably change. Anytime you add or subtract a cat from a home that has more than one cat, you change the dynamics of cats. It changes their position in the family and you will notice changes. Sometimes good sometimes not. Good luck and my sympathy for your loss.

Answer 5

They will notice a change...mostly in your behavior. But they will start to except the new change after about a week.

You may notice some extra fighting if they cat you put down was the Alpha in the house (new spot vacant-they are both going to apply).

Answer 6

Come on now people, we all talk to our pets! Well, us that love them anyway.I would explain the reasons, while giving them attention. The next few weeks are very important to keep them active and show lots of attention, I say this because our pets do get depressed, and they also sense our emotions as well. I am very sorry for your loss.Please do take care.

Answer 7

well how long were you petting him for if you just put him down i mean the other cats will find him if he ran away and its hard to talk to cats you have to meow like them and hope you get the right pitch of things i talk to my cats all the time although i know they cannot understand me i still give them the love and attention that is needed

Answer 8

If the other two had a close relationship with the one that was put down they might be a little lonly at first, but there are still two of them, and they wont be that upset.

Answer 9

you have my sympathy on your loss. the others know.they will grieve,look for and possibly meow for him. just reassure them that now their friend is not hurting, tell them about the rainbow bridge and be extra loving to them. they too have lost a friend in his passing.

for the poem "rainbow bridge" go to www.wikipedia.com
in the box by the word search,type ine rainbow bridge. hit search.
it will bring up several posibilities. click on the one with pets in parenthesis( pets).
it will take you to another page. toward the botttom is the poem

Answer 10

oh wow i'm so sorry for your loss i know exactly how that feels. They will definitely realize he is gone and will probably sniff around and call for him, just give them lots of love and attention and they will eventually move on.

Answer 11

they would, notice. that something is not right , they would read it from your behaviour. I took my old dog for final trip, and my other dog 1 year, Howled, like it was possed, and did not, eat and run for 2 days, just moped around, animals definitely got feelings