Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Multiple cats and death

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 6/3/2008


Question
We have a 15yr old female cat and had a 15yr old male cat who just passed away.  The female cat just seems to do nothing but meow and we want to make sure that there is not something we can do to make it seem less lonely for the female.  We do not really want another cat right this second.

Answer
Lisa,

The cat is grieving...which is normal. Cats do not have any understanding of the concept of death so she is confused about why her pal isn't there, and she is lonely and misses his presence. It may take up to 6 months for her to get over it. Treat the cat as you would a child who is crying over a death. Have patience, give reassurance and lots of love.

It is probably good not to get another cat for a companion for a 15 year old cat. If the cat goes into a deep depression or starts any compulsive behavior like pulling out her fur then talk to the vet about a prescription for kitty Prozac. It is very commonly used either long term or short term for kittys that are very stressed or have emotional issues.

I am including an excellent link to an article on cat grief that you may find helpful and informative. Copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar:

http://www.messybeast.com/cat-grief.htm

I hope this helps. And I'm sorry about the loss of your male cat.

Tabbi

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

Experience

Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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