grieving cat

[goosing]

I lost my 3 year old cat last night after a car hit him. (The driver looked but didn't get out or anything - hope he's struck down by something nasty) The vet couldn't save him because of the nerve damage to his legs, his pelvis could have been fixed but he still wouldn't have been able to walk properly if at all.
We're all upset, but also worried about his brother, they've never been apart before and Boots is wandering around like he's lost, none of his usual bounce. We're giving him lots of love but he's not really in the mood for it. He's sniffed his brothers bed and the catbox (I've put them and his bowls away now). Do cats grieve? Does anyone know how long for or how we can help him? I only wish we'd taken him to the vets too so he could have seen him afterwards, perhaps it would have helped, but every thing was such a panic at the time.

[divegirl]

Hi, I'm so sorry to here about your cat, you must be absolutley devestated. Unfortunately I am no cat expert and can offer no real advice concerning your other cat, but I do know that dogs pine for a lost friend and don't see why a cat would be any different. I would suggest that all you can really do is to give him all the extra attention he needs, maybe give your vet a ring and see if he can suggest anything.

Good luck + sending you hugs

Lisa x

[PinkFizz]

ohh,you poor thing.I have had exactly the same thing happent o two of my cats and it is heartbreaking.Yes I am sure that cats pine as the syster cat of one of mine that dies did indeed hunt all over for her for ages.It will take time but meanwhile a big hug to you .xx

[catlavender]

Sorry to hear about your cat. I know how devastating it is. My Mum has had several cats over the years and they do seem to grieve when one of them dies. She normally lets them see the cat that's died so they know but obviously you can't do that now. You seem to be doing everything you can so I would try not to worry too much about him, he probably just needs time like anyone who loses someone close to them. Like Lisa says maybe speak to your vet too. I hope all's well in the long run.

[cat woman]

Hi goosing, I'm so very,very sorry to learn of the loss of your dearly, much loved cat, I have been in the same situation twice this year although 1 of my cats died of old age my other puss "Merlin" was tragically taken from us back in May, my remaining cat did look for him as they always played together, I eventually got 2 kittens ( brother & sister ) who get really well with" Millie" and have formed a close bond, it also helped to ease myself & my husband pain of losing two, much loved and valued members of the family.

I know it's too soon for you to consider but maybe in time you could introduce a new pal for your remaining puss, in the mean time all I can say is just give your cat loads of affection and your self time to grieve.

It's been 5 months since we lost "MERILN" and 8 months since "SOOTY" passed away but we still miss them both and will always love and remember them for as long as we live.

With my deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Love from cat woman X X X :-(

[Nickynoodles]

I too am really sorry to hear about your awful loss. Our cat Rags was knocked down two nights ago. Luckily he only has tendon damage and is now back at home - drugged up to the eyeballs but getting there!

In answer to your question, yes cat's do grieve, especially litter mates - our vet says that they can even stop eating, and worse!! the loss can be great - however, I do not know what to tell you to do - give him loads of hugs (which will help you also) Maybe give your vets a ring and ask their advice.

Thinking of you x x

[horsestache1]

Hi, I had no intention of replying to your post, as I felt everyone above had been helpful, but after reading the dreadful post by some sh1t. I felt I had to pass on my sympathy to you, and to say I hope you other cat will be OK

[les saisies]

Yes, i am sure that cats do grieve.

We were unfortunate to lose one of our cats in January of this year and our remaining cat (male) was certainly off colour for 2 or 3 weeks and even now has moments of melancholy. They were brother and sister and had never been separated in there lives and although there was always play fighting and minor scrapping at the end they were always best mates.

When i recovered her body from the road i made sure that he smelt the remains of her and he did seem to know that it was her. In many ways the most upsetting thing was to watch him sit by the door waiting for her to come home.

However, on Saturday we are going to collect a new friend and so he will have a new playmate.

I do know how you are feeling at the moment and I can really sympathise with you; it is a horrible feeling which in time will ease. Even now 9 months after she was run over it still hurts to think about it but cats will be cats and if you truely love them you must let them out to do what cats must do.

[auzzie]

This is very sad reading. I do think that cats grieve. Our cat looked and behaved very lost and sad when we had to have our dog put down. They were very close even though he was a 13 stone mastiff! I did get another cat, but to this day (4 years later) they still don't get on! So then i got another one! Well i adopted him after he was found wandering the streets at about 10-12 weeks old. He was handed into the vets who were none to keen to keep boarding him. Anyway, my other two cats hate him AND one another. The dogs are not sure about anything!!

[cloudcity]

I'm sure they do too. Cats are as emotional as they are inquisitive. The only suggestion I have is if he is left alone at all leave some toys around for him to play with. Maybe small food parcels for him to find around the house.

Something to take his mind off the grieving perhaps?

I wish you and him all the best. x x x