Do cats grieve? Some undergo drastic changes in behavior on the loss of a companion.  Unfortunately little attention is paid to the subject of bereavement in cats probably largely because cats are often seen as independent animals which retain much of their wild nature. But cats do exhibit behavioral changes after the loss of another cat and sometimes these can be difficult to understand. 

When animals are closely bonded they are more likely to be upset by the lossof their companion. Even cats that constantly fight can grieve the loss of afeuding partner. While no one will ever know if a cat understands death theycertainly know that a fellow housemate is missing and that something has changedin the house. The owner’s distress at the loss of a pet may also be communicatedto the cat adding to the confusion it may be feeling. 

Signs of grief 
There is really no way to predict how a cat is likely to behave when a companionis lost. Some cats seem completely unaffected and indeed a few may even seemto be positively happy when their housemate disappears. Others may stop eatingand lose interest in their surroundings simply sitting and staring; they seemto become depressed. A few cats undergo personality or behavioral changes whena companion is lost. In extreme cases the cat's behavior can become a problem. 

While there has been no major research on the subject of feline bereavement a survey by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals foundthat cats ate less slept more and became more vocal after the death of a companioncat. But encouragingly in the 160 households surveyed all pets that lost a companionwere behaving normally within six months. 

How can we help? 
There are a number of things you can do to help a grieving cat to overcome theloss. Minimizing change gives the cat time to come to terms with the loss ofa companion cat. Keep the cat's routine the same. Changes in feeding times oreven simply moving furniture around can cause further stress. 

A grieving cat may go off its food. A cat that goes off its food for severaldays is in danger of a potentially fatal liver disease called hepatic lipidosis.Encourage eating by warming food slightly or putting water or meat juice or it.Sit with your cat during meal times to provide reassurance. Don't be temptedto change diets to stimulate appetite as this may cause digestive upsets. Ifthe cat does not eat for three days seek veterinary advice. 

Spend more time with the cat grooming stroking and playing. This will give apositive feel to any changes in the house that the cat senses. 

Don't attempt to replace a lost cat immediately. While your remaining cat maybe missing a long term companion she is unlikely to welcome a stranger whenshe is still unsettled about the loss. A new cat at this time simply providesan extra source of stress. 

Like many species time spent sniffing and nuzzling the dead body of their companionmay be a necessary part of the grieving process. It can therefore be helpfulto bring the body of a euthanized cat home rather than have it cremated at thevet's. 

Whenever dramatic changes in behavior occur the cat should always be checkedby a vet for any underlying physical problem. Unresolved behavioral problemscan be referred onto animal behaviorists.

Pet loss support
Helping your cat to overcome grief can be especially difficult if you are havingtrouble coming to terms with the loss of your cat yourself. Sometimes it helpsto share your feelings with someone who knows from personal experience just howdistressing the loss of a pet can be.