When a beloved family member dies, whether that’s a human or another household pet, it’s natural for everyone left behind to go through a grieving process. But what about our cats? Do cats grieve too? Many cat owners notice changes in their cat’s behaviour after the loss of someone close, and it can raise questions. Is my cat sad? Does my cat understand death? And most importantly, how can I help?
The truth is that cats can and do grieve, although not in the same way that we humans do. They may not be able to understand the concept of death, but they certainly notice when a familiar person or animal is suddenly absent. Cats thrive on routine and familiarity, so when that routine is disrupted by loss, the impact can be profound.
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Do cats grieve?
Yes, cats grieve. Their grief may look different from ours, but many cats show clear signs of sadness and distress after losing a companion cat. They may appear unsettled, confused, or withdrawn, especially if they were strongly bonded to the person or pet who has died. Because cats can’t understand explanations, they simply experience the absence: the voice they no longer hear, the lap they no longer curl up on, the playmate who doesn’t appear at the usual time.
It’s important to remember that all cats are individuals. Some cats may show obvious signs of mourning, while others adjust with little outward change. Neither reaction is “right” or “wrong” – just different ways of coping.
Signs of grief in cats
Cats express grief through behaviour. If your cat is grieving, you might notice some of the following changes:
- Searching and calling out – Your cat may pace through the house as if looking for the missing person or pet, sometimes vocalising more than usual.
- Loss of appetite – Many grieving cats eat less, or may refuse food altogether.
- Changes in sleep – Some sleep far more than usual, while others seem restless.
- Withdrawal or hiding – A once social cat may retreat under the bed or to quiet corners.
- Lethargy – Reduced play, less interest in interaction, and a general “flatness.”
- Increased clinginess – Some cats become more affectionate and dependent on their remaining family.
- Anxiety-related behaviours – Excessive grooming, toileting outside the litter box, or sudden aggression can sometimes emerge.
One well-known study by the ASPCA found that 65% of cats showed four or more behavioural changes after losing a companion, with almost half eating less and around 70% altering their vocalisation patterns (meowing more, or less than normal). These statistics reflect just how deeply grief can affect a cat.
Do cats understand death?
This is a question many grieving pet parents ask. Cats likely do not understand death in the same way humans do. They don’t have a concept of mortality. What they do understand is absence and change. If a person who always fed them, brushed them, or shared the sofa is suddenly gone, your cat will feel that void keenly.
Cats also pick up on human emotions. If you and your family are visibly upset, your cat may mirror that sadness or anxiety. This emotional transfer can intensify their grieving behaviour, making them more withdrawn or clingy.
How to help a grieving cat
Supporting a grieving cat takes patience, love, and consistency. Here are some ways you can help your cat through this difficult time:
Maintain routine
Cats find comfort in predictability. Try to keep feeding, playtime, and bedtime schedules the same. Consistency reassures your cat that their world, although changed, is still safe.
Offer comfort and reassurance
Spend more time with your cat, even if they don’t actively seek it. Gentle stroking, sitting together quietly, or engaging in their favourite activity can help them feel secure. If they prefer solitude, don’t force closeness, just make sure they know you’re nearby.
Encourage eating
If your cat has lost interest in food, tempt them with their favourite treats or warmed wet food, which enhances aroma. Offer small, frequent meals. If refusal continues beyond a couple of days, see your vet. Cats can develop dangerous liver problems if they stop eating.
Provide environmental support
Consider using a feline pheromone diffuser like Feliway Classic to help reduce anxiety and reassure your cat while they adjust to loss. Provide cozy hiding places, familiar bedding, and sunny spots to nap. For anxious cats, limiting outdoor access temporarily can prevent wandering or escape attempts in search of their lost companion.
Introduce enrichment
Engage your cat with gentle play, puzzle feeders, or new toys. To lift your cat’s mood try something like the Cat Dancer wand toy. Stimulation can distract from sadness and help them build new, positive associations.
Monitor health closely
Grief can lower immunity and trigger stress-related illness. Keep an eye on weight, litter box habits, and grooming. If you notice persistent changes, a veterinary check-up is essential.
Helping your cat and yourself
It’s worth acknowledging that supporting your grieving cat often happens while you’re grieving too. The loss of a beloved person or pet affects the whole household. In some ways, helping your cat can also help you: keeping to routines, offering comfort, and recognising that grief is natural. Your bond with your cat may even deepen as you navigate this together.
When to seek veterinary help
If your cat shows severe or prolonged signs of grief, such as refusing food, ongoing lethargy, or self-destructive grooming, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Vets can rule out medical conditions and may suggest appetite stimulants, anti-anxiety support, or referral to a behaviourist. Grief is normal, but extreme or ongoing distress should never be ignored.
Final thoughts
Do cats grieve? Yes, they feel absence and change deeply, even if they don’t grasp death itself. Some cats mourn quietly, others show visible sadness, and some may adapt quickly. The key is to provide stability, love, and understanding. Just like us, cats need time and reassurance to heal. By keeping routines steady, offering comfort, and seeking help if needed, you can guide your feline friend through loss and back to a place of calm and security.
