i had two cats a boy and a girl who were brother and sister, they've both lived with us there whole lives therefore they have never been seperated. today the little girl cat got hit by a car and died instantly, when we were burying her we let her brother just sniff her a bit in hope that it will help him understand shes dead. i'm so worried for him because after he sniffed her he started shivering incontrollably, we took him inside were he lay in her bed and slept for a while. can animals get depressed? we also have a dog who he's close to but he's had his sister his whole life and they have never been apart. i'm worried he is going to get terribly lonely. any ideas on what to do next??
thankyou =(=(
2007-03-18 08:36:08 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Cats, like any animals (including human) can indeed get depressed, and any major changes in the cat's lifestyle, such as the death of a family member or a companion animal, a divorce, a new baby, or even a new house can cause kitty to getg down in the dumps. Additionally, cats left in boarding kennels often become depressed, as they're separated from their families as well as their comfortable and safe surroundings. Left entirely untreated, feline depression often leads to serious medical problems.
It's important to pay attention to kitty's normal behaviour and look for any changes. If your cat has recently undergone a major change in its life and stops playing, she may be depressed. Some signs to look for include:
A loss of appetite - However, a loss of appetite or weight loss can also be a sign of a physical problem. Take your cat to your vet if you notice any change in its weight or eating habits.
Lack of grooming - Depressed cats often become lethargic and may stop grooming themselves altogether.
Aggression - Depressed cats scratch or bite more often than normal cats. Often they're reacting to some change in their lives, such as a new spouse that they believe dislikes them.
Excessive sleeping - A cat that's always sleeping is often bored or depressed. This can be a tough one to spot, since healthy cats need a lot of sleep. But any unexplained change in sleep habits can be a sign of trouble.
If you think your cat is depressed, take it to your vet first to rule out any underlying medical conditions. If your vet gives kitty a clean bill of health, she could be depressed. Try spending extra time with your cat, giving it extra affection and praise. If you don't already brush or comb your cat, now's a good time to start.
If your kitty's bummed because of the death of a companion animal, consider adopting another cat. Look for a friendly, easy-going, non-threatening cat. After a brief adjustment period, most cats get along quite well.
If it's new digs that have kitty down in the dumps, do what you can to make them comfortable in their new surroundings. Make certain that favoured blankets, rugs, or other sleeping areas are available, as are favourite toys. Reassure them that all is well, and help them work out their new routine. Often times, a new house can be overwhelming to a cat used to a tiny apartment, so it helps if you acclimatize them to it one room at a time. Set up a single room as close as you can to a favourite room in the old domicile and leave them there overnight (pay plenty of attention to them as well!). Open the door and allow kitty to explore - they'll slowly check out the new place, using the "comfortable" room as a sort of "base of operations". Before long, they'll probably be their usual confident self.
Feline depression can lead to some serious consequences if left unchecked, but with some attention from you and a little TLC, you'll have kitty back to him/herself in no time.
2007-03-18 08:43:39 · answer #1 · answered by mermaids_n_moons 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Oh I`m so sorry and yes animals can get depressed and even die. First make sure that he gets lots of loving and try to make him and the dog closer because he could find comfort there. Dont get a new pet just yet because that can make him more sad.You should make a scedualed play time with him every day so he gets exercise and does not become lazy. Dont let many people come to the house just let because he might want to be alone.Remember that ice this is a sad time for him dont make him sadder by acting sad also because he will just be happy to let life go on. Sorry again and I hope everything goes the right way and I will be thinking about him always
2007-03-18 08:42:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Aww i am so sorry, i know exactly what your going through. I had 2 cats who were brother and sister and the brother got run over by a car but didnt die instantly he was in a terrible state his face was all destorted and i was horrified he got taken home by the vet and died at the vets home, i was devastated and the little girl smudge cried and moaned she didnt eat for days and days and she was snappy and moody- bless. But then Sh went missing a few weeks after and the only reason i can think of is that she went looking for leo her brother. Its been 2 years this summer and i still miss them dreadfully as they were my first cats and they were treated like royalty. I heard in the paper that a cat that had gone missing for 5 years came home! I await the day that my little smudgie returns. I know she is alive i just know it and if she is i just hope that whoever has her takes good care of her. I am so sorry about your cat. Just give the brother lots and lots and lots of love special treatment. Everytime i walk to school i think of her because she was last seen by the local shop one mile away and there is a little grey cat who lives down there that looks so much like her and i always give it a little stroke!:D I now have 2 cats called Lotty and Tootsie. I love them dearly but no cat can ever replace my leo and smudge as they were my first! Good luck, Give your cat a hug from me xx
2007-03-18 08:57:34 · answer #3 · answered by Tink 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Based on the reaction you've described about your surviving cat, yes...he is aware that the other cat is no longer alive and will be upset for some time. Whatever you do, do NOT get another cat. Just give him more attention, as he will be needing comfort. Perhaps in time, 3 or so months, you can think about getting another kitten to keep him company, but for now, let him grieve. He'll be okay.
If he stops eating/drinking for more than a couple days, then take him to the vet.
Sorry to hear about your loss ~hug~
2007-03-18 08:42:59 · answer #4 · answered by Cindy 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ignatia is the homeopathic remedy for grief. You can get some at a 30C dosage at a health food store. It would help both you and your cat overcome the deepest grief at your loss. A one-time dose is sufficient.
It will not mean there will be no grieving process as that is necessary for humans and animals to go through. And it will make it easier to do so.
That's such a horrible way to lose a beloved pet or companion. I wish you and your cat ease in dealing with your loss.
2007-03-18 09:02:32 · answer #5 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel sooooo bad for you. I'm going through a loss right now too. I had 2 beagles. The mother (24 pounds) had 6 pups one and a half years ago. We kept one and named her Chloe. She ended up being 36 pounds and attacted her mother and gave her 8 stitches just last Saturday. I raised Chloe since she was born, I have cryed everyday since we had to give her away. We kept the mother though. She seems very sad and lonely that Chloe is gone, but at the same time happy because she is safe and won't get attacted. I do feel your pain.
2007-03-18 08:48:46 · answer #6 · answered by *~<3~* Дпﺃмдℓ ℓo٧ε٢ *~<3~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had the same situation with animals both cats and dogs. Yes, he will miss her and be sad it's only natural. In time he should get better. Do you have a soft stuffed animal that you could lay by him or even a very soft small blanket-it will show him you understand. Good Luck, I'm sorry for your loss.
2007-03-18 08:44:28 · answer #7 · answered by doe 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
So sorry for your loss. Yes animals can absolutely become depressed.. Perhaps go to your local shelter and rescue a kitty around the same age, for a playmate for your cat. Also give him/her alot of loving and attention. Buy him some new toys,give him catnip. Keep him inside so he doesn't wander looking for a companion. Cats do very well staying in the house. Best of luck to you and your kitty
2007-03-18 08:42:02 · answer #8 · answered by porkchop 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Aniamls certainly get depressed, especially under the circumstances you describe. They've been together their entire lives, and the male kitty will grieve for his sister.
The dog will comfort him somewhat, but if he continues to be depressed for more than a few weeks, you might want to consider adopting a female kitten as a companion for him.
I'm sorry for your loss Hon....please take steps to ensure that this doesn't happen to your male kitty, too.
2007-03-18 08:44:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
first of all, i'm sorry for the loss of your kitty. he probably will be depressed for awhile. the only thing i can think of, if you are willing to do it, is to get another kitten. it might take your male some time to adjust, but it would give him a playmate. other than that i'm not really sure what to tell you. play with him and give him lots of love and attention.
again, i'm sorry for your loss. it has to be hard on you as well.
2007-03-18 08:41:54 · answer #10 · answered by awolves74 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋