Cat miaowing for her deceased brother

[MummyFoxy]

We lost our beloved male cat 3 weeks ago. He was only 6 and developed a blood clot; he went from perfectly healthy to being put to sleep within the space of 3 hours. We were understandably distraught.

We are now coming to terms with our loss, but sadly it seems his sister isn't 😢 She spends a lot of time wandering round the house miaowing loudly, it seems like she's calling for him. She's also looking a bit unkempt (her brother used to spend quite a lot of time cuddled up to her grooming her). Does anyone have experience of a cat losing a sibling and apparently going through a grieving process? Does it get easier? (We're not in a position to get a new cat at the moment, so that isn't a option). Many thanks.

Did you let your cat sniff your male cat's body after he was pts?
I think cats understand then and will stop looking.

MummyFoxy Sorry for your loss .

Our elderly cat (who sadly had to be PTS nearly three weeks ago) used to miaow super loudly every time she went upstairs into DS's room - where she used to snuggle up with her feline companion who died seven years ago. Of course I can't be sure it was plaintive pining, but as she never did it anywhere else in the house I assumed it was some type of residual memory thing kicking in.

Thank you for your replies. No, there wasn't the option for her to see him again. It's just so sad to see her like this. We will be moving house later in the year, so perhaps a new home without the smell of him will help her forget, as sad as that is.

I haven't experience of cats, but my dogs have always seemed to mourn for a few weeks, then settle down. As mentioned, it's easier for them when they've seen the dead animal and understand, so it may take a bit longer as yours hasn't. I'd spend a lot of time stroking and grooming the cat, try and maker her feel less alone. Fingers crossed for her.

I have never used one but could you try a feliway? They’re supposed to calm cats down. Maybe she is stressed because she can’t find him.

That's so sad. I'm sorry OP

We had our boy pts this week last year and it was heart breaking to watch his sister. She didn't notice for the first couple of days, then started looking out of the back window and then constantly looking around the house. Every time we opened a cupboard she wanted to go in and was clearly looking for him.

I think it took her 2/3 months. I just tried to give her as much love, attention and treats as I could. She's an oldie so didn't really want to play, but if yours is younger than might be worth encouraging if you can.

I chose to have my boy pts at the vets and my girl didn't see him, and for me personally I would do the same thing again. Some are saying it's a good idea, but I across many last year who told me otherwise, so don't knock yourself for that.

Yes. Barnby was knocked down and killed but Troy wouldn't come near when I brought him home to bury him. For weeks Troy seemed down and would go out and look for his brother. It was heart breaking when he took to sitting on Barnaby's grave. Sadly Troy died aged 5 a couple of years later from hypertropic cardiomyopathy and they are now reunited.

Zylkene might help, it's a supplement (over the counter at vet's or Pets At Home/online shops) - helps to relax them just a little without sedation and good for stressful situations.

Yes, one of our cats was knocked down and killed a few weeks ago. We still have his brother. He didn’t eat and wouldn’t come into the house for a few days, prompting a couple of trips to the vet. He has come round now though, and is more clingy d f affectionate than previously. He’s still refusing his Dreamies and dry food, so we’ve had to move him to set food pouches, which he’d never had before.

My sister's cat was like this when his brother was PTS. He would get especially distressed if he saw a similar-looking cat outside the window. It was so sad. He didn't really get over it until she got another cat, which seemed to take his mind off it (she got a young, cheeky kitten who had to be shown how to behave!).