Preteenage cat lost its sibling (both were new to our family)

maggiey

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Dec 19, 2014
Messages
1
Purraise
1
The cats were two strays we decided to take in and we made them a spot in the garage with the door cracked and they had food and water and heating blankets in cat houses and toys.
They had only just become part of our damy about 2 weeks ago and they were finally comfortable. Trying to run in the house all the time and the leader cat would mess with her sibling and it was adorable.
Unfortunately my dad backed over one on accident (which killed it instantly) we were devastated. The sibling cat did not see its sisters accident or death. And we didn't want to show the body to the sibling because it was hard for even is to look at.
But I am worried about the cat left here. (It's name is cat). Cat seems fine she's eating a lot and sleeping in her bed but I wanted to give her extra love and attention so I let her inside to snuggle while I wrap gifts and she was ok but I could tell she felt uncomfortable in the house it didn't feel like her spot I guess.
I am new to the whole cat sibling thing. I read that they don't like change so I'm wondering what I should do?
I want to let it sleep with me inside tonight just so it won't be alone but it looks so uncomfortable.
How can I keep him not lonely. Or should I just bring him in and hope he sleeps in my bed eventually?
 

p3 and the king

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jan 10, 2012
Messages
1,831
Purraise
127
Location
Branson, Missouri (USA)
If you still have access to the body, I would let her see her sibling.  Cats deal with death similarly but also differently.  Sniffing her would confirm to her that her sibling is dead and she could move on easier.  

Also, yes bringing her in can cause some anxiety at first and she will need to get used to it.  But, it really is safer for her.  And I bet in no time, she would really enjoy being able to sleep with you.
 

Anne

Site Owner
Staff Member
Admin
Joined
Oct 23, 2000
Messages
40,216
Purraise
6,110
Location
On TCS
The cats were two strays we decided to take in and we made them a spot in the garage with the door cracked and they had food and water and heating blankets in cat houses and toys.
They had only just become part of our damy about 2 weeks ago and they were finally comfortable. Trying to run in the house all the time and the leader cat would mess with her sibling and it was adorable.
Unfortunately my dad backed over one on accident (which killed it instantly) we were devastated. The sibling cat did not see its sisters accident or death. And we didn't want to show the body to the sibling because it was hard for even is to look at.
But I am worried about the cat left here. (It's name is cat). Cat seems fine she's eating a lot and sleeping in her bed but I wanted to give her extra love and attention so I let her inside to snuggle while I wrap gifts and she was ok but I could tell she felt uncomfortable in the house it didn't feel like her spot I guess.
I am new to the whole cat sibling thing. I read that they don't like change so I'm wondering what I should do?
I want to let it sleep with me inside tonight just so it won't be alone but it looks so uncomfortable.
How can I keep him not lonely. Or should I just bring him in and hope he sleeps in my bed eventually?
I'm sorry for your loss. It is indeed devastating. I would definitely bring the remaining sibling indoors and keep her indoors only to keep her safe from future accidents. She's young and will get over the loss. You can read more about the issue of grieving cats here -

Do Cats Mourn?

 
Top