What to do for my cat who seems lonely since our dog died last week?

Sorry for the loss of your dog, it's heartbreaking when a family member dies. You're not crazy, cats do grieve when a close companion (whether they be human or animal) is suddenly absent from their life. At first they may search or call for their missing friend and the continued absence of someone familiar is distressing to many cats. In extreme cases, it can lead to depression, and signs to look for would be behavioural ones such as changes in eating and sleeping patterns, or the cat becoming more withdrawn.

Offer your cat lots of extra reassurance and affection. If he likes being groomed, spend more time doing this as it will help comfort him and strengthen the bond between you. Spoil him with his favourite food treats. Cats are creatures of habit, so try not to change the daily household routine too much, as this can cause additional stress.

At 14, your cat is a senior citizen and taking on a new companion to prevent loneliness isn't necessarily a good idea just yet. While this may work for the more sociable and extrovert cat, it doesn't work for all. The new pet will be seen as a stranger and a territorial invader, which may simply be an additional source of stress to your cat at this time.

The article below "When Cats Grieve" has lots of information that you may find helpful at this very sad time.

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

I am a veterinarian. I have had numerous clients come in asking the same thing. I believe that animals mourn just as humans do. I have seen pets that have lost companions stop eating, hide and act overall depressed. Your cat will need extra attention during this time. I agree, she may not be up for a new pet right now, but you never know. SOme animals will welcome a new cat or dog as company.

I'm sorry about your dog. No, you aren't crazy at all, it's natural for your cat to be lonely without his buddy who he's lived with for a long time, just like you are mourning your dog. I think the best thing would be to try to spend more time with your cat if you can, more cuddles and talk to him, they like the sound of your voice and sometimes it will calm them if they're upset. It will take time, both for you and your cat.

Best wishes.

ur not crazy. ur actually reading ur cat's mind. most pets like cats and dogs seem lonely when a pet dies.

(e.x. not 2 long ago, a cat/dog were best friends. so when the dog got ran over by a car, the cat was so deppresed it drowned itself... not that ur cat will do this!)

so just give it lots of attention, talk to the cat, encourage it 2 play, and when ur ready, get another dog - make sure not 2 4get ur old dog, but don't think 'bout ur old dog. keep him in ur heart, and u will b happy again.

~Heather

No you are not crazy the cat is lonely, probably more affection towards you lately. If you have not intentions of getting another pet spend time with the cat. Hopefully that will help fill the loss of your cat's friend.

Cats and dogts are creatures of habit and are students of learned response. Your cat was used to seeing the dog all the time and reacted accordingly. They had a balance beteween each other from shared-learned-interaction it would seem logical to get either another dog or another cat to replace that space your lost dog has created in your cats life...and your cat should be back up to speed. I am so sorry for your loss...I couldn't imagine losing my two kitties I love them so much!

i had 2 cats before and one of them died my other cat used to hate the one but then them became like bestfriends and then he died my cat my lonely so i got a other cat it still didnt work after that i bought her treats and toys and let her sleep on my bed with me and it seems like every day she gets happier so show a lot of love and maybe she will get happier

you shoud play with your cat and then she/he shoud be fine and not lonely

hahaha your a loving owner... hmm... just play wih ur cat so he/she can forget the happenings hahaha