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How to help my cat now his sibling is no longer with us?

3 replies

WildFlowerBees · 25/06/2026 13:38

We rescued a brother and sister 14 years ago, they weren’t particularly bonded, never curled up together occasionally slept on the bed but mostly they did their own thing. Maybe a lick of the head before smacking it with a paw but they knew the other was about.

We said goodbye to our lovely girl 2 weeks ago, she was my best girl I adored her and am devastated, boy cat is bonded to dh so they have been spending a lot of time together.

He has barely got off our bed, he doesn’t want to come downstairs much, won’t go anywhere where she might have been. We have been putting his food and water in our bedroom as well as some in his usual place, he goes outside in the garden a few times a day but then comes in and goes straight back to bed. He’s not lethargic nothing screams medical just sadness.

He got to say goodbye to his sister after the vet had left, she was at home on her favourite blanket when he’d had a good sniff her went upstairs and that was that.

He’s not hiding just more withdrawn, he’s been sleeping on our bed for months so that’s not unusual, I’m just concerned about his wellbeing, he’s eating well seems alert just doesn’t want to come out of our room.

When dh goes in he started meowing a greeting to him which is new. I don’t know how to help him other than keep a close eye for lethargy, refusing food and not using the tray.

I just feel so sad, for him and for me.

OP posts:
Tams1234 · 25/06/2026 13:43

We had a very similar situation with our cat when his sister passed away. For about a month he just walked around the house shouting and didn’t really want to go out and was quite clingy. It has been about 2 months now and apart from being a lot louder he seems much more like his old self and has been going out and about like normal. I think it is like when we grieve it just takes time to get used to the new norm. Hopefully your cat also just needs a bit of time as well

WildFlowerBees · 25/06/2026 13:43

Pics because I think they are lovely! Sweet boy on the left, my lovely poppet in the suitcase. I was so owned by her!

How to help my cat now his sibling is no longer with us?
How to help my cat now his sibling is no longer with us?
OP posts:
WildFlowerBees · 25/06/2026 17:45

Tams1234 · 25/06/2026 13:43

We had a very similar situation with our cat when his sister passed away. For about a month he just walked around the house shouting and didn’t really want to go out and was quite clingy. It has been about 2 months now and apart from being a lot louder he seems much more like his old self and has been going out and about like normal. I think it is like when we grieve it just takes time to get used to the new norm. Hopefully your cat also just needs a bit of time as well

thank you, makes me feel better that this process likely won’t last very long then.

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