Cats can experience grief-like responses after the loss of bonded companions. Recognising these responses enables owners to provide appropriate support.
Cat grief responses represent a welfare dimension that is still not fully understood but is increasingly documented by owners and researchers. Cats that show reduced food intake, unusual vocalisation, and persistent searching behaviour after the death of a bonded companion are likely experiencing an emotional state that warrants welfare attention. The mechanisms are unclear — cats may be responding to the absence of a familiar social partner, to changes in household dynamics, or to the human grief that pervades the home environment. Providing extra attention, maintaining routine, and allowing the cat to process the changed environment without immediately introducing new stressors supports recovery. Introducing a new cat too quickly may create additional stress rather than providing the social comfort owners hope for.