Do Cats Grieve When Another Cat Dies?

Sometimes we get so caught up in our grief over the loss of a pet that it can be easy to forget how much the other pets can be hurting, too.

Often, pet parents wonder, “Do cats grieve?” and it seems as though they can, and often do, experience forms of grief.

Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care

Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.

Help Me Protect My Pet

Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care

Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.

Help Me Protect My Pet

Do Cats Grieve When Another Cat Dies?

Cats can grieve the loss of another cat, especially when they have formed a strong bond. Their reactions may be subtle or very noticeable, depending on the relationship and the individual cat.

Circe, a blue Abyssinian, had a close and affectionate connection with Phoenix, a ruddy Abyssinian male. They spent their days playing together, snuggling under quilts, and keeping each other company. They also regularly groomed each other, a behavior that often signals trust and affection. Phoenix even treated Circe as his mate despite being neutered at an early age.

• Phoenix later developed kidney disease.
• His condition was managed for a year and a half through dietary changes.
• Each time he returned from the veterinarian, Circe would climb into the empty carrier and rest inside it.
• This became her little ritual, something she seemed to enjoy after any cat came home from a checkup.

One December afternoon, Phoenix did not come home. The carrier was empty, and when Circe approached it, she stopped, backed away, and looked confused and sad. From that moment on, she never climbed into the carrier again.

This example suggests that cats can feel the absence of a companion very deeply, and their behaviors may clearly reflect the grief they experience.

Signs of Grief in Cats

Cats do grieve, and Circe was a lost soul without her Phoenix. Sometimes I think we get so caught up in our own grief, it’s easy to forget how deeply our companion animals can be hurting.

Some basic signs of grief in cats to look out for include:

• Loss of appetite / weight loss
• Changes in sleeping habits 
• Changes in behavior (i.e., lethargic, withdrawn, etc)

And more, depending on the individual cat and the situation.

How Do Cats Grieve the Loss of Another Cat?

Cats may process the loss of a companion in ways that mirror human grief. Their behaviors can shift noticeably as they respond to the absence of a friend.

Author Rita Reynolds explores this topic in her book Blessing the Bridge: What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, and Beyond. She shares the story of Thomas, a cat who lost his best friend Benjamin after a tragic accident. When Benjamin’s body was placed on a neighbor’s lawn, Thomas lay down beside him and rested his paw gently across Benjamin’s body. He remained so still and silent that the neighbor briefly believed both cats had passed.

Reynolds explains that this moment made her more aware of the signs of mourning in cats. These behaviors often include despondency, weight loss, a dull coat, aggression, or social withdrawal. She emphasizes the importance of helping grieving cats move through the emotional process.

• Kaetheryn Walker, a veterinary homeopathy specialist, describes a similar experience with her cat Sam.
• Sam declined rapidly after the death of his feline companion Smudge.
• Despite medical care and attention, Sam eventually stopped fighting for his own health.
• Walker later realized she had been so focused on preventing another loss that she missed the depth of Sam’s emotional suffering.

These accounts highlight how deeply bonded cats can be. They also help answer a question many pet parents ask: Do cats truly mourn other cats?

Cats often do, and their grief deserves attention and gentle support.

Do Cats Grieve the Loss of Kittens?

Cats can grieve deeply when they lose their kittens. The emotional bond between a mother cat and her litter is strong, and the sudden absence of that bond can lead to visible signs of distress. Introducing a new kitten or young animal can sometimes help a grieving mother cat redirect her care and affection.

In Of Cats and Kin, Helga Harrison describes how her cat Wellington mourned the loss of an entire litter that was born still. Wellington sat miserably with enlarged pupils and what looked like tears in her eyes. Then another cat in the home gently brought one of her newborn kittens to Wellington. The grieving mother immediately began to wash the kitten, and caring for him eased her heartbreak.

• A similar story involves a father cat who carried a baby bunny to his grieving mate so she could nurse it.
• Another example is Dawnie, a red Abyssinian, who softened her grief over her lost kitten Aspen by caring for two kittens that arrived shortly afterward.
• These moments show how nurturing instincts can help cats cope with overwhelming loss.

In Circe’s case, the grief was profound. She tried to mingle with the younger cats, but the loss of Phoenix affected her deeply. Within weeks of his passing, she too developed kidney issues. Her health declined quickly, and she passed away five months later.

These stories remind us that the bonds between cats are powerful. When those bonds are broken, the emotional impact can be just as real for them as it is for us.

How to Support a Grieving Cat at Home

Grieving cats often rely on stability, gentle reassurance, and consistent care as they adjust to the loss of a companion. Small changes in their environment or routine can help them feel more secure during this difficult time.

Cats may show their grief through appetite changes, withdrawal, or altered grooming habits. Providing a calm, predictable space helps them regain confidence and feel safe again.

• Keep daily routines steady, including feeding times and quiet rest periods
• Offer comforting interaction when your cat seeks attention
• Provide enrichment such as window views, puzzle feeders, or gentle play sessions
• Observe changes in appetite, grooming, or litter box habits
• Consider pheromone diffusers or calming aids if your cat seems anxious

For more guidance on recognizing emotional and behavioral shifts in cats, the Cornell Feline Health Center offers an excellent overview of cat behavior changes.

Supporting your cat with patience and consistent care can help them gradually move through the grieving process.

Conclusion: Honoring the Bond Cats Share

Cats form meaningful social bonds, and losing a companion can affect them in profound ways. By observing their behavior, responding with empathy, and providing a stable environment, you can help guide them through their grief.

Every cat’s experience is unique. Some may recover quickly, while others need time, comfort, and attentive care before they begin to heal.

Recognizing the depth of these bonds allows us to support our pets with the compassion they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)