The Cat's Meow Rescue
Stay in touch!
  • Home
  • Available for Adoption
  • ADOPTED!
  • Special Needs Cats
  • Blog: Feline Friends
  • Contact
  • More Information
    • FAQ
    • Barn Cats
    • Finding your kitty a new home
    • Caring for Abandoned Kittens
    • Important to Spay & Neuter
    • Introducing a new cat to your home
    • Declawing - If you care, be AWARE
    • Litter Box Issues
    • What is Feline Leukemia?
    • What is FIV?
    • Kitty-Proof Your Home
    • Help Us Help Them
    • Become a Foster
    • LINKS
    • Media Kit
    • EVENTS
    • Special-Needs Posters Story

Do Meow Meows Mourn?

4/10/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
By Nomi Berger

Do Meow Meows Mourn?
 
Paws-itively.
 
For most cats, the passing of a cherished feline companion can be an extremely emotional experience. The intensity and length of their relationship, coupled with the circumstances – sudden or gradual – surrounding their furry friend’s demise will usually determine their response: ranging from no reaction whatsoever to utter and easily recognizable despair.
 
In fact, many animal experts describe three distinct stages of kitty grief.
 
The first stage is known as “activation.” Immediately after the loss of her pussycat playmate, the “survivor” will start looking for her missing companion. She will pace your home, searching here, there and everywhere, often vocalizing or crying out as she attempts to locate her lost friend.
 
The second stage is depression. This phase is characterized by one or more of the following: lethargy, withdrawal (loss of interest in her surroundings, playing and socialization), clingy and needy behavior or its polar opposite, separation anxiety, and loss of appetite. The latter is the most serious with the potential to be life threatening. Because anorexia in cats can lead to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), contact your vet immediately if your cat refuses to eat.
 
The third stage is acceptance. This is when many cats exhibit permanent “character changes.” Some will become chattier, friendlier and more approachable. Shy cats in particular may appear to “blossom” without their more assertive counterparts by becoming more outgoing and more active in general.
 
As a concerned cat guardian, there are numerous ways to help your mourning “mouser” as she moves through the grieving process. Keep her routine as normal as possible while lavishing her with extra affection in the form of more cuddles and pets, grooming and playing. Provide her with a quiet and private spot where she can spend time alone should she want it or place a cozy new cat bed close to a sunny window. Offer her some tasty new food to encourage her to eat and warm it slightly to more fully release its aroma. Present her with a new interactive toy to spark some fresh interest in playtime.
 
While some think adding a new cat to their diminished household is the cure for their current cat’s distress, most animal experts caution against it. They consider it a distraction not a cure and that a new pet won’t stop yours from grieving her lost companion. They suggest waiting a few months until both you and your kitty have fully healed. 
 
As with humans, felines differ not only in the way they grieve but in how long they grieve. Your particular pussycat may return to behaving “normally” after only a few days. On the other hand, it could take weeks, even months. If, however, yours seems stuck in the grieving process, speak to your veterinarian and ask to be referred to a veterinary behaviorist or other certified behavioral expert.
 
It may not seem so at the moment, but it will get better in time.

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author
    Blog articles for TCMR are written by Nomi Berger, an established author and journalist of 40 years, living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who graciously volunteers her time and talent to help further our rescue efforts.


    AWARDS

    Picture

    Picture
    Cat Rescue Blogs

    Picture

    Picture
    Animal Rescue Blogs

    Picture
    Awarded by Best1x.com
    Best for Pets

    Picture

    Picture
    2017 Top 35 Cat Blogs awarded by "We're All About the Cats"

    Picture
    Awarded by "Feedspot.com"

    Picture
    Awarded by "10Greatest.com"

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015

    Categories

    All
    Cat Facts
    Cat Safety
    Community Awareness
    Fun Facts
    Health And Behavior
    How You Can Help

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly