Will my other pets grieve?
 
Just as you react to the loss of a family member, your other pets may notice the absence of their companion. Pets recognize every change in the household. They often form strong attachments to one another, so you may find that the survivor of the bonded pair grieves for her companion. Cats grieve for missing dogs and dogs grieve for missing cats. Affection and grief are not species specific.

You may need to give the surviving pets a great deal of extra attention and love to help her through this period. You may also find this helps you through your own sorrow more quickly than you expected.

However, don't be surprised or disappointed if the surviving pet moves into a more dominant role in the household, or appears not to miss the other animal at all. This, too, is normal animal behaviour.
 


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