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Losing a pet is one of the hardest things we go through as pet parents. A few months ago, my beloved Cavalier, Dexter, crossed the rainbow bridge. I was gutted, to say the least. I know people have asked me, if pets grieve, too, so I thought this would be a good time to discuss.
Over the years, I’ve seen different reactions from my animals when one of their companions passed. When my cat, Nutter, passed away, Dexter had grown up with him, but he didn’t seem particularly affected. They weren’t deeply bonded, so while he noticed Nutter was gone, it didn’t seem to impact him emotionally. On the other hand, our other cat, Delilah, was devastated! She would cry for him, go to his favorite spots and look for him. She most definitely was grieving for her Nut Nut. I’ve heard many stories of pets who deeply mourn the loss of a companion, showing signs of sadness, confusion, or even depression.
So, do pets grieve? Yes, but it looks different for every pet.
How to Tell if Your Pet is Grieving
Pets may not express grief in the same way we do, but they absolutely notice when a companion is missing. Some common signs of pet grief include:
- Searching for the missing pet – Walking around the house, sniffing their favorite spots, or even waiting by the door.
- Changes in appetite – Eating less or seeming disinterested in meals.
- Lethargy or withdrawal – Sleeping more, seeming less engaged, or not wanting to play.
- Increased clinginess or anxiety – Wanting to be closer to you, following you around more than usual.
- Vocalization – Some pets will whine, cry, or meow more, almost as if calling for their missing friend.
Not every pet will react this way, but if you notice these signs, your pet may be struggling with their loss.
Helping Your Pet Cope with the Loss of Another Pet
Let Them Say Goodbye
One of the most important things you can do for your pet is to allow them to see and process that their companion has passed. If possible, let them be present at the vet’s office when saying goodbye, or bring the body home for them to sniff and acknowledge. This might sound hard, but many pets seem to understand death better when they see it for themselves. It can help them process the loss rather than being left wondering where their friend went.
Keep Their Routine Consistent
Pets thrive on routine, and when a companion is suddenly gone, their world feels off-balance. Try to keep mealtimes, walks, and play sessions as normal as possible. Stability is comforting during a time of change.
Offer Extra Comfort and Attention
Just like us, grieving pets may need extra love and reassurance. Spend quality time together, extra snuggles, gentle play, or even just sitting together can help them feel supported.
Use Natural Remedies for Pet Grief
There are gentle, natural options that can help pets navigate grief. One of my favorites is Life’s Changes flower essence, which is designed to support animals during times of transition and loss. Other remedies such as Bach flower remedies like Star of Bethlehem or Walnut can also be helpful. These remedies work on an energetic level to help with emotional processing.
Do Something Special with Your Remaining Pet
Honoring the pet that passed can be a healing experience for both you and your surviving pet. You might take a special walk in a place they all loved, create a little memorial, or even introduce new enrichment activities to bring some joy back into your pet’s life. Sometimes, a fresh new experience, like a different walking route, a new puzzle toy, or even a fun training session, can help shift their energy.
For cats, enrichment might look a little different. Try offering a new cozy sleeping spot, a special catnip toy, or even a new scratching post to encourage positive engagement. Some cats enjoy scent-based enrichment, so rotating blankets with familiar scents or even using calming pheromone diffusers can help them feel more secure. If your cat was particularly bonded to the pet who passed, spending extra one-on-one time through gentle play or brushing can help them feel supported.
Be Patient and Understanding
Grief doesn’t have a timeline, for us or for them. Some pets may adjust quickly, while others take longer. The best thing you can do is be there for them, provide reassurance, and allow them to process in their own way.
Losing Dexter has been one of the hardest things I’ve faced. While Chester didn’t seem to be affected by his passing, I’ve seen firsthand how some pets grieve deeply when they lose a companion. Every pet grieves differently, and our job as pet parents is to guide them through it with love, patience, and understanding.
If you’ve experienced pet grief in your home, I’d love to hear your story. What helped your pets adjust? Let’s support each other through this journey.
I love you to the moon and back.
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