Many people think of cats as aloof. They believe that cats do not care about their owners, and will not miss household humans, or animals, if one dies. However, this is simply not the case. Cats do form bonds with their owners, and the animals in the home, and when one dies, a cat will mourn their passing.
A cat is much like a child in that it may take a few days for the animal to realize someone is missing. The cat probably knows something is wrong, since animals do tend to pick up on high emotions, but they do not yet know it is because someone has died. Once the cat begins missing the person or animal, it will usually begin looking for them. The cat will look in the places where it is accustomed to seeing that person, such as a favorite chair, or a bedroom. Often, the cat will meow in these places, seemingly calling for the person. It will often anxiously approach other family members, meowing, going to that person’s room or place, obviously attempting to understand where the person has gone.
The cat may begin sleeping where the person or animal slept, and will often look all around that favored place, as if to see if the person has returned to it.
This kind of “searching” behavior can be expected to last from two weeks to a month. Even after this time, the cat may wander around, seeming to know that something still isn’t quite right. Most recover their spirits after a time, but some become depressed.
Depression is a hallmark sign of feline mourning. A depressed cat may become listless. Its appetite may be poor, and its coat will lose luster. It may seem to lose interest in those things that were once exciting — just as in humans.
Older cats may even show signs of confusion or dementia when a human or animal companion dies. As with humans, this radical life change seems to throw them into a tailspin and they are not able to cope with the loss.
What can a cat owner do? If the animal seems genuinely ill, take it to the veterinarian, to rule out any disease. The vet can also prescribe medication to help stimulate the animal’s appetite, which may help encourage a recovery from the depression.
An owner should pay extra attention to the cat, making sure it has plenty of physical activity to keep it occupied. The owner should also consider another animal companion, if the cat is not elderly, and has always accepted other animals.
Cats also like routine, and an owner can help reduce a cat’s mourning period by trying, insofar as possible, to keep to the same routine. The owner should wait a few months before making any drastic changes, such as remodeling the home, or even doing much interior decorating. Cats hate upheaval of this kind, and keeping it to a minimum will help the cat recover more quickly.
Humans need to remember that animals mourn, just as we do. However, they do not have the advantage of being able to understand the death or absence. They simply know that someone they had bonded with is no longer in the home. Their confusion undoubtedly adds to their depression. But a loving owner can make all the difference, by giving the animal extra love, attention and activity.
