One cat died, how to help the other?

[Turmerictea]

We got two male kittens, brothers, in June and they've been wonderful. Early Christmas eve we learned one had been hit by a car and killed. We are understandably devastated and very grateful to the person who picked him up, wrapped him up and let us know.

However we now have a confused brother at home. We showed him the body when we buried the dead cat, but hes clearly very distressed and lonely. Pacing and searching.

What can we do to make it easier for the surviving cat? Pic of surviving cat being christmassy.

:(

We were in exactly the same situation.. Dcat cried and became depressed
. For 5 months. I caved and got a dkitten.. Bonded within a fortnight.. Wish I had given in sooner...

That's so sad 😞 My instinct says to get another kitten, apparently always best to go younger so they are the ones in control. Hoping they will bond, poor love. Otherwise as humans give all tje love you can. Xx

Thank you. I dont want to rush into that just yet but will keep in mind!

Thank you. Again not rushing into another cat, but will keep on list.

Perhaps I should get him a pheromone plug in?

Ours sat on the decking for hours just crying loudly. He wasn't eating much either. Real grief...
CPS had a lone dkitten. ..
Was meant to be.
A few years in..
Been together 5 years now.

It’s sad, of course. But being brutal-he’ll get over it very quickly-don’t worry.

I'm no expert so best to check these things out. Your vet could recommend something to help, as with calming for fireworks. Personally I wouldn't go for chemical plug ins, rather other more qualified advice.

I agree, don't rush into a new one - this is enough of a change for him to cope with right now (and you too! ❤️)

Our girl was confused when her 'brother' died, but after a month or so she began to find her new position in the household as Top Cat, and has flourished since. We just made sure we kept to her routines as calmly as possible so she felt reassured that nothing else was going to change.

If he's still lonely after the adjustment period, then time to think again. Sorry for your loss, it's a rotten time of year to happen, but yes, it was good of those people to tell you.

Lots of cuddles and treats? Just letting them know you're there.

So sorry.

As he's still so young I would get another kitten sooner rather than later.

Sorry for your loss. so sad.

mine lay in state on his blanket and the sister cat saw him but knew it wasn’t him and still shouted for him.

yet was careful eating in case he threatened her like he used to until i broke then yp at mealtimes.
so sad.
time was the only thing that helped.
she shouted for him for about ten days and then forgot about him. but took over all his domains and became more friendly niw he wasn’t there trying to hog the peoples attention!

Thanks all. Ari spent the night in our room, generally under the covers "nursing" on me. Makes for uncomfortable sleep for me but I thunk he needs the comfort.

Im kinda hoping he'll fill "dominant cat" role after a few weeks but will see how it goes.

I am very sorry OP. What an awful thing to happen at Christmas. Animal grief is a wretched thing to witness. Had it with two of my cats who were best buddies and used to spend hours play fighting and wrestling round the floor together, the other cat kept going to the door to see if he was there.
Another vote for a new kitten, while your boy is still young and not too territorial.💐

We lost our cats brother in March following emergency surgery , him and his sister were 3 , she has absolutely thrived without him . He was such a big presence in the house that she had always come across as very quiet but now she has really come into her own and blossomed as an only cat . So my advice would be to wait a few weeks before you rush into a friend . Sorry for your loss @Turmerictea 💐

Thank you so much.
We live in a row of houses and he keeps going to.the end of the road and checking. And into any open doors. It breaks my heart.

He's a bit more relaxed today as we've been home all day.

I think being very conscious of their grief is a good start. And lots of cuddles and snuggles.

I am so so sorry.

I'll never forget- we had a brother and sister pair and a third cat. The third cat was very much on the outer and not friendly. The brother was hit and killed. We brought his body in for his sister to see. She gave it a little sniff then went to sit down. The third cat came in, sniffed him, then went over to snuggle with the sister and licked her and groomed her all over. It was so clear it was a comfort gesture and made us realise that the grief and understanding animals have is as sophisticated as humans. It was quite humbling tbh.

My cat was present and next to her sister when she was PTS. She physically recoiled from her after she died. And then flourished from then. (Her sister was a dominant diva) it was very bittersweet for me.

@Toddlerteaplease that is very similar to us then and it is difficult as on the one hand the existing cat has benefitted but we all still really miss our big boy who was a wonderful character .