Loss and grieving: Do Cats Know When Another Cat Dies?

Some people believe cats can sense when another cat dies, especially if the two kitties are closely bonded. Other people maintain their cats have no idea what is happening.

In this article, I’ll take a look at some of the research on this topic and try to find answers based on my real-life experience.

I’ll also explain how you can help your cat deal with the loss of a feline companion.

Do animals grieve?

The evidence for animal grief is largely anecdotal and there are countless stories of animals behaving in ways that suggest they are grappling with loss.

Elephants are perhaps the best-known examples of this. In one memorable incident, a group of elephants was observed gently touching and caressing the body of an elderly matriarch who had died.

Elephants are also known to visit the gravesites of deceased family members and will sometimes place branches or other objects on the graves. There have even been reports of elephants digging graves for their dead companions.

Great apes, such as chimpanzees and bonobos, have also been observed engaging in mourning rituals. For example, when a young chimp dies, its mother will carry the body around for days, refusing to leave it behind.

One well-known story tells of a chimpanzee named Washoe who was raised by humans and learned sign language.

After Washoe’s companion Flo died, Washoe signed “Flo dead.” She then refused to eat or drink for days and would often sit silently near Flo’s grave, signing her name over and over again.

Similarly, when an orca whale loses a calf, the other members of the pod will gather around the mother and help to support her during her time of grief.

Even some birds display signs of mourning when their mates die. Magpies have been seen covering their dead companions with leaves and twigs, while crows have been observed to congregate in large groups, squawking over the loss of one of their own.

Do these stories prove that animals grieve? Not definitively. But they do suggest that animals may have some understanding of death and may experience emotions like sadness and grief when they lose someone they care about.

“A growing body of scientific evidence supports the idea that nonhuman animals are aware of death, can experience grief and will sometimes mourn for or ritualize their dead,” confirms bioethicist Jessica Pierce.

And as our understanding of animal emotions grows, it is becoming increasingly clear that grief is not unique to humans. Indeed, why should it be?

Do cats grieve?

Cats are very intuitive creatures and can often sense when something is wrong with another cat, e.g. if they are sick or dying.

Cats are also finely attuned to their environment and will pick up on visual cues, such as changes in another cat’s behavior, scent, or appearance.

When an animal dies, “changes in the survivor’s patterns of social behavior, eating, sleeping, and/or of expression of affect are the key criteria for defining grief,” says anthropologist Barbara J. King.

“Based on this understanding of grief, it is not only big-brained mammals like elephants, apes, and cetaceans who can be said to mourn, but also a wide variety of other animals, including domestic companions like cats, dogs, and rabbits; horses and farm animals; and some birds.”

But cats are solitary animals, aren’t they?

While there is a common misconception that cats like to live a solitary existence, many cats are quite social with other cats and can form close social bonds with them. In multi-cat households especially, there may be complex social dynamics and relationships at play.

As such, when one of the cats dies, it can be enormously distressing for the surviving cat, or cats, who may go through something akin to a grieving process.

Behavior changes

How do we know this? Because of changes in their behavior.

For example, your cat may become withdrawn or listless with reduced energy levels. She may hide away or display signs of depression and anxiety.

She may even go around the house trying to find the deceased cat.

Each cat will respond differently to the sudden change, but common behaviors include:

• Loss of regular appetite (even to the point of fasting).
• Weight loss.
• Changes in sleep patterns.
• Lack of play.
• Excessive howling or becoming very silent.
• Staring out the window for periods of time.
• Wandering aimlessly around the favorite spots of the deceased companion.
• Becoming more clingy to the owner or preferring to be alone most of the time (Cornell CatWatch, 2003).

Is there proof that cats grieve?

In 1996, a study conducted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) provided some interesting revelations about the feline grieving process.

The Companion Animal Mourning Project gathered data from pet owners who completed a survey asking them about the common behavioral signs associated with mourning.

The study found that:

• 46% of cats experienced a decreased appetite following the loss of a feline companion.
• Many cats slept more than usual while some suffered from insomnia.
• Some cats changed the area of the house where they slept.
• About 70% of cats exhibited changes in vocal patterns; some meowed more while others were quieter than they were before the loss of their companion.
• Surviving cats were often more affectionate with their owners and more attention-seeking.
• 65% of cats experienced four or more behavioral changes after the loss of a family pet which indicated grief (Buzhardt, 2022).

A similar study, conducted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in Australia and New Zealand, investigated cat and dog owners’ perceptions of their pets’ reactions to the loss of an animal companion.

The study found that:

• 78% of cats showed changes in affectionate behavior.
• 63% of cats showed changes in territorial behavior.
• Cats in general demanded more attention from their owners and/or displayed affiliative behavior.
• Cats also spent time seeking out the deceased’s favorite spot.
• 43% of cats increased the frequency of their vocalizations.
• 32% of cats increased the volume of their vocalizations.
• 97% of cats demanded more affection from their owner, and/or became more clingy/needy towards the owner.
• The median duration of reported behavioral changes in both cats and dogs was less than 6 months.

The researchers concluded there was a general consensus “that the behaviour of companion animals changed in response to the loss of an animal companion” and that these behavioural changes “suggest the loss had an impact on the remaining animal.” (Walker et al., 2016).

Is my cat happy that my other cat died?

In cases where one cat in the home is bullying another and the recipient of the bullying is experiencing chronic stress, the death of the bully may come as an enormous relief.

No more hiding away or sneaking around at night, eating or using the litter tray while the other one’s asleep, always worrying about being randomly attacked even when sleeping.

What a huge relief to finally be free and no longer have to worry!

“Cats in particular are a very territorial species and the death of a companion animal could be perceived by the remaining animal as the removal of a resource competitor,” explain Walker et al. (2016).

What happens when cats grieve?

GRIEF* responses are activated in the brain by neurotransmitters glutamate and corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), which triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone.

Stress can have a negative impact on a cat’s immune system and, as such, she can become more vulnerable to illness. She may also display changes in behavior, such as those already discussed.

When cats are stressed it’s not uncommon for them to experience hair loss from over-grooming, as the act of grooming can be self-comforting and often results in the release of feel-good endorphins (Ehrlich, 2014).

Some cats, however, will stop grooming themselves altogether.

In addition, when cats are stressed or feeling insecure, they may start peeing and pooping outside the litter box a form of self-reassurance. In other words, surrounding themselves with their own scent provides comfort and security.

“Many experts note a three-stage grieving process,” explains feline behavior expert Jane Ehrlich.

“The first shows itself with vocalizing, pacing and searching. The second: the cat is listless and disinterested in whatever is going on around him. The third stage is a kind of acceptance, although perhaps not in the human sense.

“This is where we’ll find cats truly “coming into their own” in their character; becoming friendlier, more active, more…individual.”

What happens if you have two cats and one dies?

Losing a pet is always a difficult experience. If you have two cats and one of them dies, it can be even more challenging.

In addition to dealing with your own grief, you also have to worry about how the remaining cat will cope with the loss.

If you have a closely bonded pair, it can leave the other feeling lonely and confused when one of those cats dies.

So if you have a cat who has recently lost a companion, it is important to be understanding and patient.

Allow her time to grieve in her own way, provide her with companionship if she wants it, and encourage her to play to help elevate her mood state.

In multi-cat households, a cat’s grief for the loss of a companion may not be so obvious.

She may already have deep attachments to one or more of the resident cats, or she may form a new bond with a different cat.

While the extent and duration of grieving may vary between individual cats, it appears cats do experience loss and go through a period of mourning just as we do.

Take care of your beloved bereaved cat during this difficult time and give her the support she deserves.

How do you help a cat when another cat dies?

When a cat dies, it can be a very difficult time for the other cats in the household.

The loss of a feline friend can be traumatic, and it’s important to do what you can to help your cat through this tough time.

Spend extra time petting and playing with your cat, and try to create a calm and relaxing environment at home.

She may not always want a load of extra attention though, so you may also want to give her some alone time.

Keeping her daily routine is important, so don’t make any sweeping changes to her diet or schedule.

To start with, I would also keep the deceased cat’s toys and bedding accessible as the scent may be comforting.

If your cat shows any concerning behavior changes, such as not eating or excessive grooming, it may be a good idea to consult with your veterinarian or a feline behavior specialist for advice and additional support.

And if your kitty goes around yowling or displays any kind of undesired behavior, try to distract her with a piece of string to chase or a wand toy with feathers on the end to swat at.

By engaging her predatory instincts she’ll get a boost of dopamine and a great sense of satisfaction when she “catches” her prey. You can supplement her “good” behavior with some of her favorite treats too.

All this can help lift her to a more positive state of mind, as well as combat some of the negative feelings and personality changes we may see in our depressed cats. For a while at least.

Keep at it and, with a little patience and care, you can help your cat get through the healing process and adjust to life without her feline friend.

Why is my cat clingy after my other cat died?

As reported by the RSPCA study (2016), 78% of cats showed a change in affectionate behavior after the loss of a close companion.

These changes included 40% of cats demanding more affection from their owner and 22% becoming increasingly clingy or needy.

At the other end of the spectrum, 15% sought less affection from their owners.

The data shows that clinginess is a completely normal response for some cats.

You can help boost your cat’s emotional state to a more positive one by maintaining her daily routine and feeding schedule, as well as setting up her environment to include multiple resources to choose from (cat trees, scratching posts, toys, high shelving or other vertical space, hiding places).

In addition, try to provide mental and physical enrichment through chasing games or food puzzles where she has to work to get her food.

Engaging the rational brain helps inhibit the emotional brain, thus helping to calm her and make her feel more relaxed.

How long will a cat remember another cat?

According to the RSPCA study (2016), the median duration of changes in affectionate behavior in cats after the loss of a companion lasts anywhere from two to six months.

The study also reports that the median duration of changes in territorial and vocalization behavior rarely exceeds two months.

Bonded brother cats

We had a very bonded pair of brother cats, Spencer and Finlay. Finlay was very dependent on Spencer and always sought him out. We’d often find them snuggled up together.

When Finlay was just 10 years old, he got sick very suddenly and we were left with no option but to let him go.

Amid our grief and shock, poor Spencer went pacing around the house yowling his head off and looking for Finlay. It was heartbreaking.

We did our best to keep Spencer’s routine and provide him with plenty of physical and mental enrichment, and he did calm down after about a week.

But it was always so sad to see him curled up asleep on his own with a big gap where Finlay used to be.

Over the course of several months, Spencer formed a new bond with our very fearful cat Jethro.

While they are not as close as Spencer and Finlay, they are close friends who hang out together and sleep right next to each other, even if they’re not completely entwined.

I’m so happy for Spencer that he’s been able to form strong bonds with another companion cat, and I’m sure Finlay would be too.

Should I let my cat see the deceased cat?

The decision of whether or not to let your cat see the deceased body of another cat is a personal one.

Some cat owners feel that their cats will be better off not seeing the dead cat’s body, while others believe that it may help them to understand and come to terms with the death.

There is no right or wrong answer, and ultimately you will need to decide what you think is best for your cat. If you do decide to let your cat see the body, it is important to be present with them and offer support and comfort if they seem upset.

You should also be prepared for the possibility that your cat may become disturbed or agitated by the experience.

Ultimately, only you can decide what is best for your cat in this difficult situation.

Back to the RSPCA study, in which 42% of the cats taking part in the survey viewed their deceased companion’s body.

The cat’s owners reported no difference in behavioral changes “between animals that saw, and those that did not see their companion’s deceased body.” (Walker et al., 2016).

And what did the cats do when they saw their deceased companion?

The majority (73%) “were reported to sniff and investigate the body,” say Walker et al. (2016).

Bonded brother and sister cats

We used to have a very bonded pair of cats, siblings George and Loulou.

When they were 15 years old, George went to the vet for a chest X-ray. Heartbreakingly, and totally unexpectedly, he had an asthma attack while under anesthetic the vets were unable to save him.

The next day, we went to collect him to bring him home. I was certain that Loulou wouldn’t be able to cope with the loss of her brother and thought it might help her to see him so she could understand what happened.

She gave him a quick sniff and that was it. She didn’t seem at all concerned and didn’t display any of the signs of being a grieving cat like I’ve talked about above. She was so calm and collected, it was almost as if she knew something we didn’t!

Loulou was always the less human-friendly, more dependent cat of the two and she seemed to take George’s passing in stride.

We also had two other cats in our home at the time, our rescued street kittens Mini Me and Jeffrey. This pair had grown up with George and Loulou and all the cats were quite comfortable together.

When we lost George, Mini Me and Jeffrey were 7 years old and their presence seemed to help Loulou. She would quite happily spend her time with Mini Me especially.

Having them around provided both distraction and companionship. Even if the bond was not quite as intense as it had been with George, I have no doubt it helped her during her time of loss.

Should I get another cat when one cat dies?

The loss of a pet is always a difficult experience. After all, cats become members of the family, and their sudden absence can leave a big hole in our lives.

There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer when it comes to getting a new feline family member after the death of your beloved cat.

However, there are a few things to consider that may help you make your decision.

For example, if you have other pets, it’s important to make sure that they would be compatible with a new addition to the family, especially if one cat is grieving the loss of a close companion.

If this is the case it’s probably best to wait till she’s feeling better. That way she’ll be more able to cope with a new friend and another big new change in her life.

You also need to think about whether you’re ready for the responsibility of another cat. Caring for a pet is a big commitment. It’s important to make sure it’s the right time and that you’re prepared for it.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get another cat after the death of one is a personal one. There’s no right or wrong answer, and there’s no set timeline. Just do what feels right for you and your family.

And if you do decide to add a new cat, I would be guided by the temperament of the incoming cat rather than what they look like!

In my experience, adult cats often adapt more easily to a new kitten or another adult cat of the opposite gender.

Final thoughts

Though we cannot say for certain if a cat knows when another cat dies, the evidence suggests that not only are cats aware when they lose a best friend, many of them experience a period of grief too, as can be seen via the changes in their behavior.

So if your cat is acting differently after the loss of a furry friend, it is likely she is grieving and could benefit from some extra emotional support and understanding.

Have you noticed any changes in your cat’s behavior after the death of another animal? Drop us a line and let us know.

*GRIEF belongs to the seven “core emotional feelings” or “brain systems” as described by neuroscientist and psychobiologist Jaak Panksepp. The other six are LUST, PLAY, FEAR, SEEKING, RAGE and CARE. Panksepp capitalized them to differentiate them from the regular use of the same words.

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Paws For Thought: Can Cats Tell When You’re Sad?

Resources

• Animal mourning – Barbara J. King
• Companion Animal Mourning Project  – ASPCA
• Do Animals Experience Grief? – Jessica Pierce
• Do animals grieve? – Ute Carson
• Do Cats Mourn? – Lynn Buzhardt DVM
• GRIEF – Animal Emotions/Module 3 [Educational Course] – Dr. Karolina Westlund/Illis Animal Behaviour Courses
• Grieving Cats – Jane Ehrlich
• Is your cat grieving? –  Sally E. Bahner
• Normal feline behaviour: … and why problem behaviours develop – John Bradshaw
• Owners’ Perceptions of Their Animal’s Behavioural Response to the Loss of an Animal Companion – Jessica K. Walker, Natalie K. Waran, & Clive J. C. Phillips
• Soothe Your Cat’s Grief – Cornell Cat Watch

NEED HELP FROM A CAT BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST?

If you need more help dealing with a training or behavior issue, please find professional help from a certified feline behavior consultant. They will be able to offer you tailored advice for your cat(s) and situation.

Good places to start are:
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
- COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior