Do Cats Mourn the Loss of a Dog?

Even if your kitty wasn't all that close to your dog, pets that live together for a period of time get used to each other's presence. The loss of your pup changes your cat's world -- she will no longer see or smell your dog. Kitties are not fans of change, whether it be a change in routine or even the location of a piece of furniture. Thus, the loss of her canine companion is likely to be upsetting for your cat, causing her anxiety.

Your kitty will typically grieve for the loss of your dog in a variety of ways. Some cats may cry, calling for the pup or for your attention because of their upset. Others may become lethargic, eating less and sleeping more. She may become closer to you or possibly become more distant. You may find your kitty frequenting spots in your home where your pup liked to hang out. She's searching for her companion and doesn't understand where she's gone -- she may even stare out the window looking for the deceased pet outside. The grieving process can last longer for your kitty if she was particularly close to your pup.

Your kitty's period of grief may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months as she adjusts to the loss of your pup's presence in her life. If you notice serious changes in her behavior during this time, take her to a veterinarian for an exam. If she fails to eat for more than a few days due to her grief, your kitty could develop a potentially fatal liver disease known as hepatic lipidosis. Your vet may recommend an antidepressant for her to take to help her get over her grief, especially if it seems her reaction to the loss could threaten her own health.

Try to engage your kitty in some play with interactive cat toys to keep her active. Give her a cat perch placed by a window for her to observe the outdoors. Distracting her from her grief can help improve her outlook, and it allows the two of you to bond with each other in this time of mourning for you both. Spray some synthetic cat pheromones, which you'll find in pet supply stores, around your home to further comfort your kitty.

While it might be tempting to adopt a new dog soon after the passing of your old one, it may not be the best thing for your kitty. A young puppy has lots of energy and will not know how to behave around cats the way your deceased dog did. This can cause further stress for your grieving kitty. Remember, she's already dealing with one change, so you don't want to pile on more. If you have another cat or dog, they may bond over the loss, becoming closer during their grieving periods. Try to keep your routine the same as prior to your dog's passing, feeding your kitty at the same times and making as few changes to her environment as you can. With time, both you and your feline companion should adjust to the loss of your beloved pup.