![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/sophieLilystaring-e1583495565852-225x300.jpg\")
First, let\u2019s establish whether or not an animal can grieve. Those of you who have had cats and other animals for any length of time\u2014you know the answer. Absolutely animals feel and express emotion. You\u2019ve seen your cat\u2019s happy dance, her grumpy side, signs of frustration, fright, irritation, adoration\u2014all of it. To know a cat is to know how deeply she loves and maybe that\u2019s one of the most endearing things about a cat.<\/p>\n
As you know\u2014because I haven\u2019t kept quiet about it\u2014we lost our precious tabby-girl, Lily this year. Damn 2020!!! Damn kidney disease!! Left behind are two blubbering people who loved her dearly and our tortie, ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/lilysophienap-e1583756546250-225x300.jpg\")
Sophie. Sophie was four when Lily came to live with us. She seemed to enjoy having a little sister to play with. It appeared to renew Sophie\u2019s energy\u2014give her a spark she\u2019d lost when her senior pal, Winfield, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. While Sophie and Lily did not become snuggle-buddies, they didn\u2019t groom one another or sleep cuddled up together, I know now that there was a bond between them.<\/p>\n
The ASPCA did a study some years ago to find out if cats mourn. They called it the ASPCA Companion Mourning Project. The results of that project might ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/lilysophiefighting-e1579696089966-225x300.jpg\")
surprise some\u2014others will nod knowingly. We certainly saw signs that Sophie was mourning when she realized Lily was not coming back. I believe that some of that knowingness came from us. Sophie sensed the shift in our emotions. And she responded. Anyone who has had cats for any length of time can tap into their cats\u2019 sensitivities. We know our cats. They\u2019re creatures of habit and when the behavior changes, you know that something has changed within them. Either the cat is happier and more contented because of a positive connection with another animal you\u2019ve introduced or another person, perhaps. Or she is hurting because she\u2019s ill or grieving. What are the signs of grieving in a cat?<\/p>\n
According to the study:<\/p>\n
42% of cats that had lost an animal companion ate less.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/SmokeyKittyBooboo-225x300.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
70% became more vocal.<\/p>\n
More than half of them in the study became more clingy with the humans in the household. They also often slept in different places.<\/p>\n
65% showed four or more behavior changes.<\/p>\n
We notice that Sophie is eating more actually. She definitely is more vocal. Generally twice every day ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/LilyAly-004-300x200.jpg\")
Sophie and Lily would run at breakneck speed up and down the hallway\u2014Lily being chased in one direction and the chaser in the other direction. Now, at least twice a day Sophie walks through the halls calling as if for Lily. It\u2019s sad and haunting.<\/p>\n
Sophie is more affectionate and clingy and she has taken over some of Lily\u2019s jobs\u2014asking ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/SophiePinkChair-e1545129487585-225x300.jpg\")
for food when it\u2019s mealtime, checking in with me when I\u2019m working in my office, and scratching on my favorite chair.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s recommended that you watch over the cat or cats left after one of their companions passes. Make sure she is eating and that she\u2019s using the litter box as usual. Talk to her\u2014let her know you\u2019re still there for her and you understand her pain.<\/p>\n
It is also recommended that you do not get a new cat right away.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
First, let\u2019s establish whether or not an animal can grieve. Those of you who have had cats and other animals for any length of time\u2014you know the answer. Absolutely animals feel and express emotion. You\u2019ve seen your cat\u2019s happy dance, … Continue reading