As I shared a week or so ago, I lost the light of my life - Pauline. I have 2 more cats who at first did not seem to notice anything. I was so entangled in my sorrow that I was actually glad they continued behaving as if nothing. When suddenly, Candy, who never seemed to really care for Pauline, stopped eating, started jumping at every little noise, watching the door frantically, refusing to sleep and finally developing a bad lung infection. I finally took her to the vet who confirmed it was all about grieving Pauline. I had never witnessed an animal grieving a companion. When I mentioned to the vet that Candy never seemed to care about Pauline, she answered: "she did something for her that she misses terribly.." Of course, Pauline would always eat from Candy's dishes, drink from her water, sit where she sat... Pauline was like Candy's shadow. Whatever Candy did, Pauline did - a really copycat... Has anyone any advice as to how to deal with a grieving animal? thanks
lesly

Sometimes our pets surprise us by having such unexpected social bonds with our other pets - that's what it sounds like with Pauline and Candy. Candy probably misses being the role model - I guess it's called an alpha cat - for another animal. I haven't had to experience this type of grief with my own pets before, but I would think that if you spend extra time with Candy, maybe give her some extra-special attention or treats, that might help. Did your vet give you any advice on how to deal with this, and is Candy on any medication now? I'd be curious to know how to deal with this, too. Is your other cat close to Candy? - maybe Candy wants another cat to do the sort of things Pauline did. I'm just speculating here, since I haven't had this happen to me or my cats before. Please let us know how you and Candy are doing, and take care - Barbara

Quite honestly and very sadly I truly believe that losing Amber was a significant factor that affected my CC and may have caused him to weaken and allow the cancer to take him so rapidly ~ they were like Mom and Son (unrelated by blood ) but when she went he had no reason to be fiesty any more ~ he really did miss her so very much ~ It broke both of our hearts and may have stopped his from going on ~ My sweet boy so innocent and pure in his joy of life ~ yet he looked to Ambie for ~ let me say a reference point ~ as did I ~ she was so tiny and perfectly in "command" ~ I miss them beyond words ~ My life is forever changed ~ what I am doing these days is trying to get used to being the person I must be to go on in life without them physically here ~ But the answer to your inquiry for me is absolutely they do miss each other when life transitions one from the earthly to the place I refer to as behind the veil ~ Since my CC was deaf he had even more sensitivity to these things ~ Obviously this is a hard thing to write about ~ I am so sorry for your loss of sweet Pauline ~ Blessings and Comfort ~