Cats can form very strong bonds with humans, other cats in the family, and even other pets, including dogs. Although cats cannot verbally communicate that they are sad, they are expressive animals that communicate their emotions in other ways. After another pet passes away, you may notice changes in eating habits, bathroom habits, or even your cat’s mood.
Below, we’ll look at how to tell if your cat is sad and the steps you can take to help your cat overcome it.
Do cats feel sad?
I’m not sure if cats understand the concept of death or the idea that something has died. Instead, you have to infer what they are feeling from their actions. These often include changes in appetite, toilet use, or activity levels. Cats who have experienced the death of a beloved pet may exhibit changes in behavior for varying periods of time following the loss, which we usually consider to be grieving.
7 potential signs your cat is sad
Signs of sadness in cats are similar to those seen in humans. And just like humans, different cats seem to deal with sadness differently.
1. Changes in appetite
Some cats eat less when they feel stressed or anxious, while others eat more. Whether your cat is a free-feeder or has set meal times, you should be familiar with how much food your cat usually eats.
Small changes in food levels usually aren’t much of a concern unless they last for a long time, but if your cat refuses to eat or won’t stop eating, it becomes a problem that needs to be addressed. Possibly.
2. Changes in sleep patterns
Orphaned cats may sleep more, but it can be difficult to tell since most cats spend most of the day sleeping. They may also sleep less and choose to wander around the house throughout the day and night. You may also become restless and wake up frequently.
3. Restless behavior
If your cat is missing people or other animals, you may notice that your cat wanders around the house and appears to be looking for you. This can happen in the middle of the night, when they would normally be playing or napping, or even during the day. They may also become more excited, jump up and down, or leave the room quickly if there is a loud noise or sudden movement. You may also not want to play as much or hang out in your favorite spots.
4. Increased or decreased vocalization
This restlessness may be accompanied by increased vocalizations as the cat cries out for an answer from the missing confidant. Cats that are normally vocal may not make much noise.
5. Changes in exercise level
A grieving cat may not want to get up to scratch often and may be reluctant to go outside for exercise. This is especially true if your normally playful cat turns his nose up at his favorite wand toy or ignores the light toys he normally enjoys.
6. Sadness
Cat owners can generally tell how their cat is feeling by looking at subtle changes. It could be a change in the position of its tail or a change in the pitch of its meow. Trust your instincts and use your experience with cats to determine if your cat is feeling lonely or missing a feline friend.
7. I want to get more attention
A grieving cat may seek reassurance from someone with whom they have a strong bond. Hopefully this means you. Some cats hide in their favorite cat holes, while others seek security and intimacy on your lap.
How to help a sad cat
When it comes to loss, time is almost always the greatest healer. However, there are steps you can take to ease the anxiety the loss is causing in your cat. If your cat does not respond to your help and continues to grieve for a long time, consult your veterinarian.
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1. Stick to a routine
Cats are creatures of habit and thrive on routine. When you lose a cat, dog, or family member, your daily life tends to be disrupted. What your cat is missing is a normal routine of eating at set times, long plays, and naps. Try to maintain the same routine as before, as this will help your cat accept changes in life.
2. Give them space
If your cat wants to grieve alone in their favorite spot, give them time and space to do so. Just like you, your cat needs to process the loss. You want everything to work out, and you probably want some companionship from your cat, but space may be exactly what your cat needs for the time being.
Make sure they have food and water, provide a comfortable place to stay, and wait for them to come to you for attention and affection.
3. Give me time
Time certainly heals and at least helps ease the pain of loss. Cats need to process the loss and get used to the changes they are enduring in their lives. This means giving your cat time to do so. Don’t try to force things.
4. Give treats… sparingly
If your cat eats less due to sadness, try offering additional treats. Adding a little tuna to your cat’s regular food or some cat treats may help them feel better, at least for a while.
5. Play
Cats use play in a variety of ways. It is not only a good way to hone their hunting skills, but also a good way to relieve stress and release anxiety. It’s a good idea to give a grieving cat extra playtime. Grab a wand toy, toss a stuffed mouse, or pull out a Actinidia ball to help your four-legged friend feel at home.
conclusion
Cats are emotional little animals and you can’t tell for sure how they feel, but their reaction to loss is often similar to human grief. Whether your cat has lost a feline friend, a human family member, or even a family dog, they may feel the same sense of loss as you.
Give them the time and space they want, but be prepared to play, reassure them when they come to you, and monitor their diet and exercise levels over time.
Featured image credit: Greerascris, Shutterstock
