Parents cat depressed.

I mentioned in another thread my father passed away on Friday. Ever since the cat - a part bengel mix that was close to my father has been depressed. He's been sleeping a lot, much more clingy and wanting to cuddle. Not eating or eating very little. He keeps expecting my father to walk in the house or out of the bedroom. He gets so excited and perks up staring towards the outside door and towards the bedroom then he realizes and hangs his head down while sitting there. Doing a lot of deep sighing. We swear he's crying. It's like he feels just like we do. My mom's worried about him, we don't know how to get him to snap out of it. He'll go drink a bit of water and look at the food bowl, like he is thinking about it then hangs his head down to go lie down and sleep again.

We've been giving him lots of attention and consoling him. We hope he will snap out of it soon.

Everyone needs time. Even animals.  I've read that it can sometimes take a couple of months for a cat to return to 'normal'.    Make sure it has lots of attention with daily play time.

FWIW my two main coons took about one month to get over the loss of a senior cat.

I also believe family pets are sensitive to the energy within the house (ie. other owners). 

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a hard thing to be going through

With astute, loving guardians, as you and your mom are for this kitty, he will be fine.

Again, my condolences for the loss of your father.

My heart goes out to you, I, too, lost my father last month, so I know how empty our lives feel without them in it. You can all comfort each other now, you need the love of family and friends to get through these first lonely days. Of course his cat is depressed, he feels the emptiness too, and knows the one that loved him is gone from his life and he doesn't understand. Time is the only thing that will help, you all need comfort and extra attention to stop you from dwelling on what cannot be changed and to start down the path of healing. Try to tempt him with special treats, tuna and hot dogs are good, now is not the time to worry about nutrition, but the need to get him to eat something. I know it's hard when your heart is broken, but try to get some play time in, even if it is only for 5 minutes, distraction is welcome at a time like this. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, and pray that your father may rest in peace. Take care.....