The title is a bit misleading. In multi-cat households some cats will grieve, in their own way, the passing of one of the cats in the house. They might search for the departed cat or cry out more often that usual. They may behave in a depressed way and become quiet.
But other cats or perhaps a single cat might react in the opposite way, not because of nastiness but because there may have been a longstanding dispute between them over territory or some other aspect of shared living space that had stressed the remaining cat.
The once stressed or dominated cat no longer has to suffer that difficulty and therefore feels more content as the cause of the stress is eliminated. He becomes calmer, friendlier and happier.
Not quite jumping for joy as described in the title but more content, nonetheless.
Siamese and cats in the Siamese family of cats (e.g. Oriental Shorthairs and Balinese) are the sociable breeds and therefore the most likely to benefit from the introduction of a new cat. However, that is probably an oversimplification as it is dependent upon the personalities of individual cats.
Has anyone experienced this or am I exaggerating and falsely assessing what might happen?
Dee, a very experienced cat guardian and carer says:
In a multi-cat household, it is the caretakers job to make sure that peace prevails. There may be “cliques”, but they must all be integrated and demonstrate tolerance for one another, if not caring. If done correctly, there is no celebration for the loss of a fellow member.
There, now you know….Thanks Dee.
Michele has this experience to share:
Many years ago I adopted sibling kittens from a local rescue. The male was sociable and confident, whereas his sister was timid, but very affectionate with those she trusted. As they grew up, they had as little to do with each other as possible. There was never any hissing, staring matches or signs of hostility, they simply ignored each other. When he died, she became a much more confident and outgoing cat and my vet at the time told me it was fairly common for a timid cat’s personality to blossom when a more dominant individual was no longer around.
The important aspect of this is the personality if individual cats. Timid cats are more likely to be stressed than confident cats and therefore more likely to benefit from the passing of a confident cat in a group. That is my thought about this.
I completely agree I have experienced this as well in the past and now in the present I know for a fact that Alfie will ‘jump for joy’ when Mr Jinks leaves
I agree they certainly do Ruth. Cats really do have feelings you can see it really in multi Families or even if its 2-3. They can certainly sense it.
Thanks Dee It helps knowing someone else has similar situations. Yes even when we Buried her out at Mums, even the Horses knew something was seriously wrong. Yea Cassy was always a timid and sweet Cat. I still miss her so much. She was so different to the others. I mean I love all of them equally but Cassy really was a special girl that I could never replace. I have this Photo in my Lounge of her looking at me. As I don’t want to forget her. Which I know a lot of people here will understand especially ones that have passed a wee while ago and a long time ago the hurt never goes.
Sophie is always the aggressor and her behaviour is to me, unpredictable at times. Sometimes she will walk past Charley without a second glance, although she will give him a wide berth when she does so.
Other times she will hiss and walk past. Or she may simply spot him somewhere (it can be any room in the home)and will chase after him. She’s definitely lashing out with claws, because although he has no visible injuries, I have on several occasions found her dead claw sheaths in his fur 🙁 He never ever retaliates.
Sophie is okay with other cats provided they keep their distance. Charley is fairly laid back and quite sociable with other cats. As far as I can see, his only “crime” was to try to befriend her in the early days.
I know little of Sophie’s origins other than she was rescued as a young kitten living on the streets. As much as she can be feisty (and I’ve been on the receiving end of those claws more than I’d like)I appreciate that this seems to stem from fear/nervousness more than a truly aggressive nature.
I’ve tried using Feliway diffusers and have even tried rubbing Vine flower essences into her fur as I’ve read a few behaviourist recommend this for aggression. Sadly nothing has helped, so I’d welcome any advice or suggestions.
For now I’ve worked out time-share arrangements over certain rooms and they have separate living areas to minimise them coming into contact. Both cats do seem to prefer this arrangement.
I;m so happy that you told about Ozzie, Kylee. I had an experience with my very sweet and timid Portia when my sweet grey baby boy was having seizure after seizure and, subsequently, died.
I was on the floor with him, speaking soothingly and guiding his violent movements, when Portia suddenly attacked me. I, truly, believe that she thought that I was harming him and causing the distress.
Please describe…
If you mean that Sophie and Charley can’t stand to be in the same room together without hissing, spitting, and rolling on the floor, that is a dilemma.
If they steer clear of each other and stay on their own turfs, that’s acceptable.
Please elaborate.