Helping Your Cat with Grief: A Guide for Cat Owners
Experiencing the loss of a feline companion can be a challenging time for both you and your remaining cat. This guide provides essential tips and advice on how to support your grieving cat and help them navigate their sorrow with care and understanding.
Added on: 25 May, 2024
Posted by: Sandra James
8 min read (1276 words)
Introduction
When a beloved cat passes away, it can be a deeply emotional experience for everyone in the household - including other cats. Cats form strong bonds with their feline companions, and the loss of a fellow cat can leave them feeling distressed and confused. Understanding how to help your cat through this period of grief is crucial for their well-being. Here’s a comprehensive guide to supporting your cat when they’re mourning the loss of a fellow cat.
Recognising Signs of Grief in Cats
Cats may not express grief in the same way humans do, but their behaviour can change noticeably. Here are some common signs that your cat might be grieving:
- Changes in Appetite: Your cat may eat less or show disinterest in food.
- Increased Vocalisation: They might meow more often or in a different tone.
- Withdrawal and Hiding: Cats may seek solitude or hide more than usual.
- Changes in Sleeping Patterns: Increased sleeping or changes in where they sleep.
- Depression: They might seem less playful and more lethargic.
- Searching Behaviour: Looking for their lost companion around the house.

How to Help Your Cat Cope with Grief
1. Maintain Routine
Cats thrive on routine. Keeping a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, and bedtime can provide a sense of normalcy and security during this difficult time.
2. Offer Extra Comfort and Attention
Spend more quality time with your cat. Gentle petting, talking softly, and offering reassurance can help them feel loved and supported. Interactive play sessions can also provide a distraction and help boost their mood.
3. Provide a Safe and Quiet Space
Ensure your cat has a comfortable, quiet place to retreat to if they need solitude. A cosy bed or a quiet corner can provide them with a safe space to process their emotions.
4. Monitor Their Health
Grief can sometimes lead to physical health issues. Keep an eye on your cat’s eating and drinking habits, and consult a vet if you notice significant changes or if they seem unwell. It’s important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be exacerbated by stress.
5. Use Familiar Scents
Cats rely heavily on scent to feel secure. Keeping items that carry the scent of the deceased cat, such as their bedding or favourite blanket, can provide comfort to the grieving cat. Gradually introduce these items to your cat to help them adjust.
6. Consider Feline Companionship
If your cat is used to having a feline friend, you might eventually consider adopting another cat. However, this should be done with caution and not immediately after the loss. Ensure your grieving cat is ready to accept a new companion and introduce them gradually to prevent stress. See our previous article - Introducing New Cats To Each Other.

7. Use Pheromone Products
Products like Feliway, which mimic natural feline pheromones, can help reduce stress and create a calming environment for your cat.
8. Give Them Time
Grieving is a process, and every cat will handle it differently. Be patient and give your cat the time they need to adjust to the loss. Avoid forcing interactions or changes in their environment during this period.
9. Encourage Normal Activity
Encouraging your cat to engage in their usual activities can help them adjust. This might include playing with their favourite toys, exploring their environment, or spending time in their favourite spots around the house.
10. Positive Reinforcement
Using treats and praise to reinforce positive behaviour can help your cat feel more secure and loved. This can be particularly effective if your cat seems reluctant to eat or engage in regular activities.
11. Interactive Feeding
To stimulate your cat’s appetite, consider interactive feeding solutions such as puzzle feeders or hiding small amounts of food around the house. This not only encourages them to eat but also engages their natural hunting instincts, providing mental stimulation.
12. Consult with a Behaviourist
If your cat’s grief manifests as severe behavioural issues, such as aggression or inappropriate elimination, consulting with a feline behaviourist can be beneficial. They can provide tailored strategies to help your cat cope with their loss.

Should I Show the Body of My Deceased Pet to My Surviving Cat?
When a cat passes away, you might wonder if it's beneficial for your surviving cat to see the body. Allowing your cat to see and sniff their deceased companion can help them understand the loss and provide a sense of closure. Ensure the environment is calm, supervise the interaction, and keep it brief. If the death was due to an infectious disease, consult your vet first. This can help your cat process their grief and move forward more naturally.
Sharing Your Own Grief
It’s important to acknowledge your own feelings of loss and grief. Cats are sensitive to their owners’ emotions, and sharing a quiet moment of remembrance with your cat can be comforting for both of you. Light a candle, look through photos, or simply sit together in a quiet space.
Long-Term Adjustments
Remember that grieving can take time, and some cats might need weeks or even months to fully adjust. Continue to provide love, patience, and a stable environment as they navigate their feelings. In time, you may find that your bond with your remaining cat grows even stronger as you support each other through this difficult period.

When to Seek Professional Help
If your cat’s behaviour doesn’t improve after several weeks, or if they show severe signs of depression, it might be time to consult with a veterinarian or a pet behaviourist. They can offer additional strategies or treatments to help your cat cope with their grief.
Conclusion
Helping your cat through the loss of a fellow cat requires patience, understanding, and a lot of love. By maintaining routines, providing comfort, and monitoring their health, you can support your cat as they navigate their grief. Remember, each cat is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is to be attentive and responsive to their needs during this challenging time.
For more tips on cat care and well-being, explore our other blog posts or get in touch with The Cat Butler team. We’re here to help you and your feline friends through all stages of life.
Sandra James
Owner & Founder
The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.