It’s only natural to want to help the surviving cat feel better. Watching a cat grieve is hard, especially when the human is also grieving the loss of the companion cat. Overall, 65% of cats exhibited four or more behavior changes after losing a pet companion. And while cats may not show grief the same way as humans do, a 1996 ASPCA study fund that 46% of cats ate less than usual after the death of a companion cat, around 70% showed a change in vocalization pattern, more than half of the cats became more affectionate and “clingy” with their owners, and many of the cats slept more, and changed the location of where they usually slept. No two cats react the same way to the loss of a companion, but there’s no doubt in my mind that cats grieve. The remaining cat appears to be grieving. Are you projecting your own feelings onto your cat?Ī frequent scenario I’m asked about is this: a senior cat recently lost his or her companion. And these questions are even harder to answer when it comes to deciding whether to get a companion for a senior cat. How do I find a cat that will be a good match for my cat? Should I get a cat who’s the same age as my resident cat, or should I get a kitten? Male or female? Will the resident cat accept the newcomer? I wish I could give definitive answers to all of these questions, but the reality is that while you can do some homework, ultimately, each cat’s unique history and personality will determine the outcome. I frequently get questions from readers who are looking to add a new cat to their family.