Life in a multi-cat household is not for the faint of heart. Cats cohabitating bring a whole new level of curiosity, quirkiness, and personalities that might blend well or completely clash. One thing is for sure: there is so much extra love that comes with each additional paw in a multi-cat household. What happens to the other cats when one cat in a multi-cat household dies? Does it change the in-house dynamic for the other cats in the home?
Grieving in Cats
Just like humans, cats can grieve when they lose someone close to them. Even cats that didn’t necessarily get along while they were both living can go through a period of grieving after a loss. Whether your cats were joined at the tail or fought at every opportunity, the absence of one leaves a hole for the other (or others). Grieving cats might display the following signs:
- Sleeping more or less than normal
- Changes in eating habits
- Different levels of vocalization than normal
- Changes in social interactions with humans and other animals
- Changes in behavior (like wanting to play less than normal)
- Changes in bathroom behavior
- Changes in grooming behavior
- Physical symptoms like vomiting
The Stages of Grieving for Cats
Each cat has a unique personality and will experience grief in different ways. For many cats, there are clear stages to the grieving process that you can expect to see if you’ve lost a cat in a multi-cat household. These include:
The Initial Stage
During this beginning stage, you will likely notice obvious behaviors like increased vocalization, pacing, or even searching the house for the missing cat. Some cats might have more subtle behaviors during this initial stage as they adjust to the loss.
Withdrawal
Once they make it through the initial stage, many grieving cats will go through a period of withdrawal. This could include less interest in toys, activities, and even treats that they normally love.
Acceptance
Once they’ve successfully moved through the grieving process, many cats reach the acceptance stage and return largely to normal. There are some cats that are irrevocably changed after a loss, and they could exhibit some permanent personality changes.
Help for Grieving Cats
Grief is something cats have to experience when they lose a companion, but there are ways you can help them work through the process. Maintaining a normal routine is a way for them to feel some sense of security. You can offer them a little bit of extra attention so they feel comforted during this time. Try to keep your home environment calm to minimize their stress levels. Products like pheromone sprays can help with this. If your cat really seems to be struggling, call your veterinarian.
What happens when one cat in a multi-cat household dies? Grief can vary by cat and their unique personality, but most cats do indeed grieve the loss of the other cat. They go through a process of loss and adjustment, and we can help if we understand the signs.
At Union Lake Pet Services, we want to provide helpful resources that make it easier for you and your pets to enjoy your time together. From training and boarding to grooming and behavior modification, we have the services you need at any stage of your pet’s life. Call (248) 363-6262 to learn more.