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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/CATS GRIEVING
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Question
Hi..I was wondering if yiu can answer my question or direct me to who can. I had 9 cats, one of them unfortunately I had to put to sleep he was very sick. His best buddy (who I took in four years ago fro the outside) for some reason attached to him immediately, wherever he went she was right with him. They slept together and everything. Unfortunately even thought I fed her (Mommy) on the outside for 7 years she will not come over to me. She keeps looking for him (his name was E.T.) and I feel so sad that I cannot help her with this grieving and she hasn't hooked up with any of the other kittys. Is there anything I can do to make this easier for her??? My heart is breaking... Thanks Mary
Mary,
I'm sorry about your kitty. Unfortunately it will take time for the cat to get over her, possibly up to six months. Give her kitty treats and try to take her mind off of looking for him.
Here is a good article to read on cats grieving:
(copy and paste, or type the whole link into your address bar)
http://www.messybeast.com/cat-grief.htm
I hope this helps.
Tabbi
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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).
Education/Credentials
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* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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