Advice needed regarding Onyx...

As you know, Onyx is now an only kitty, by necessity. Hes had a rough adjustment period, pacing and meowing since Loco's departure Just lately ( in the last day or two) hes been playing a bit, but still seems a bit melancholy. I give him lots of cuddles and when my legs are forming a lap- hes on it. He has been sleeping in bed with us since we moved last weekend and hubby has found that for some reason Onyx doesn't seem to set off his allergies Thats a good thing though- since I get a nice warm furball in my bed to snuggle every night

Anyways, I have bought a lot of new toys for Onyx, scratching posts, furry mice, balls, you name it. But my worry is that he gets bored and lonely while we're all at work/school all day. Any ideas on how I can ease his lonliness with all the other kitties gone and keep him somewhat occupied during the day?

What about a stuffed toy or an old t-shirt of yours? Do you think you can have another kitty in the house, or is 1 the limit?

I guess I don't really have any advice, other than the toys...I'm not sure if this might belong in the behavior section, you might get more responses to it there, but I am not sure, and not thinking too straight tonight, so I will leave it here for you. Maybe someone will have some good advice for you!!! I hope it works out!!

Hi Mel-

You can help Onyx out by giving him things to climb during the day. Make him some ramps that attach to the wall high enough that he can leap up, but not so high he will miss. He is grieving for his friend so you have to allow for him to be a bit off until he adjusts to the absence. Clear off a high counter and put his bed up there, just be sure and secure it so he doesn't fall off once he lies in it.

When you get home play with him on the floor with interactive toys and let him know he is still special.

Melissa, I found an article for you on another cat site I go to. Also, in the second paragraph, what they say about a cat's personality changing following a loss is really true. Snowball became very attentive to us following the loss of our cat, Midnight.


Helping Your Cat Cope With The Loss Of A Companion.

Even in multi-cat households, the loss of a member can be quite traumatic. Even if the cats were not the best of friends, the balance of power (hierarchy) will change. Cats know when there has been a loss.

Cats are very much in tune with human emotions. They recognize stress and grief in humans. Some cats will go through a personality change when a loss occurs. They will become more loving and sometimes will misbehave. They do this to divert the human's attention, to get them away from the pain.

First, know that your cat is aware of what has occurred. Sit down with the cat or cats and tell them that their friend has crossed over the bridge. Spend quiet time with them. Hold them and caress them. Enhance your bond with them, allow them to grieve. Pick up anything that had the scent of the cat that has departed. When you feel up to it, play with them. A flying toy is a great distraction for both humans and felines.

Leave a radio or television on when you leave the house. Leave a couple of toys with catnip scent when you leave. Rotate the toys; this helps avoid boredom. Keep an eye on the remaining pets. If any of them start to sulk, lose weight, or start to over-clean themselves, take them to the vet. Use a different carrier than the one you used for the departed pet.

Over-cleaning indicates nervousness; weight loss and sulking are great indicators of depression. You might consider adding a hammock with a window view or even cat TV, also known as an aquarium. If the depression persists, consider adding a new pet. A kitten is easily accepted if the introductions are done correctly. Keep the kitten in a separate room with the food, toys and litter box. Bring him/her out only in your presence. Spritz with water if a fight should start. Hissing and growling are normal reactions. It will take time and the new addition will not take the place of the friend who crossed over the bridge.

Our feline angels understand and feel pain. Allow them and yourself to grieve. When and if you allow another cat into your life, do it in the name of the kitty that you lost. This brings about healing in both human and feline. Give it time, love and understanding. Remember, they are not gone, they have left their fur bodies and will continue on their journey across the bridge. They will live forever in our memories and in our hearts. Rejoice in the memories of happiness and remember that there is nothing more pure than the love of a cat!

Thanks very much for the advice everyone

MaryAnne- Onyx has lots of high places to retreat to, but I plan to make him a few more things to climb and scratch on. Thanks for the tips

That article was very interesting Lorie- thank you I like the idea of having a 'Kitty TV' (aquarium) and was planning on getting one anyways. I'll have to make sure it is set up low enough for him to watch the fish, but made kitty-proof so he can't eat them :laughing:

Hes coming around a little more each day- and I really hope he stays this affectionate after the grieving process is behind him.