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How to Help a Grieving Cat

December 02, 20244 min read

Supporting Mister's Grief

When Tanner and Taylor brought home Mister, a tiny kitten, and Luna, a rambunctious puppy, they couldn’t have imagined the deep bond that would form between the two. Raised together in a loving home, Mister and Luna were inseparable, often cuddling, playing, and exploring their world as a team. But when Luna passed away and crossed the Rainbow Bridge, Mister was left heartbroken. His once bright and curious personality faded, replaced by isolation and nightly howling.

For Tanner and Taylor, watching Mister grieve was heart-wrenching, especially as they dealt with their own sorrow over Luna’s loss. After months of waiting for him to return to his usual self, they turned to Calm Animal Solutions’ Resilient Cat blend. The results were transformative—not just for Mister, but for the entire household.

Do Cats Grieve?

Many people assume that only humans experience grief, but animals, especially those who form strong bonds with others, can feel profound sadness when a companion is lost. Cats may not cry tears as humans do, but their grief can manifest in several ways:

  • Withdrawal: Cats may hide, avoid interaction, or seem less interested in daily activities.

  • Vocalization: Some cats may meow, howl, or yowl, especially at night, expressing their confusion or distress.

  • Loss of Appetite: Grieving cats may eat less or even stop eating altogether.

  • Changes in Sleep Patterns: A grieving cat might sleep more than usual or rest in unusual places.

  • Behavioral Changes: Cats might become clingy or aggressive, depending on how they process their emotions.

Just like humans, each cat grieves differently, and the length and intensity of their mourning period can vary.

Mister's Signs of Grief

After Luna’s passing, Mister retreated to the spare bedroom, often hiding under the guest bed for hours or even days. At night, his mournful howls echoed through the house, a heartbreaking reminder of his loss. Tanner and Taylor, still processing their grief, gave Mister space, hoping time would heal his broken heart. But after six months, his behavior remained unchanged.

Tanner and Taylor took Mister to the vet to ensure there were no underlying health issues contributing to his distress. When the vet confirmed that Mister was physically healthy but emotionally grieving, the couple decided it was time to try a new approach. That’s when they discovered Calm Animal Solutions' Resilient Cat, a flower essence blend customized to support cats through periods of emotional stress and loss.

How Resilient Cat Helped Mister Heal

Flower essences work on an energetic level, helping animals process and release emotions like sadness, confusion, or fear. Made with a blend of all-natural flower essences, Resilient Cat is crafted uniquely for each individual cat to gently guide them towards emotional balance.

After the first week of adding Resilient Cat to Mister’s drinking water and misting his space (especially under the guest bed), Tanner and Taylor noticed a subtle but significant change: Mister’s nightly howling stopped. By the 10th day, he ventured out of his hiding spot and began napping in the sunniest areas of the house—a habit he hadn’t indulged in since Luna’s passing.

As the second week passed, Mister started showing interest in his toys, batting at his favorite plush mouse and chasing a dangling feather wand. To Tanner and Taylor’s delight, he even began rubbing against their legs, seeking the affection he had shied away from since Luna's passing.

Mister’s transformation wasn’t just about rediscovering his old habits—it was about finding a new normal without Luna. With the help of Resilient Cat, he could process his grief and reconnect with his human companions.

Helping Your Cat Through Grief

If your cat is grieving the loss of a companion, here are some steps you can take to support them:

Acknowledge Their Grief

Understand that your cat’s behavior is a natural response to their loss. Be patient and give them time to adjust.

Maintain Routine

Consistency can provide a sense of security for a grieving cat. Stick to regular feeding, playtime, and sleep schedules.

Create a Comforting Environment

Offer cozy, quiet spaces where your cat can retreat. Add soft blankets, familiar scents, and gentle background music to create a soothing atmosphere.

Engage in Gentle Interaction

While giving your cat space is important, gently encourage interaction. Use toys to engage them in play or offer affection if they seek it.

Consider Natural Remedies

Flower essences, like Resilient Cat, can help ease emotional distress and support your cat through the grieving process.

Monitor Their Health

If your cat’s grief seems prolonged or leads to significant health changes (like refusing to eat or losing weight), consult a veterinarian for guidance.

Why Flower Essences Work for Grieving Cats

Flower essences are safe, non-invasive, and effective for helping animals process emotional challenges. Unlike medications, which can mask symptoms, flower essences address the underlying energy imbalance, helping pets heal from within.

Resilient Cat works by promoting a sense of calm, comfort, and acceptance. It doesn’t erase grief but supports the natural process, helping cats move forward while honoring their bond with the companion they’ve lost.

Healing Together

Mister’s story is a powerful reminder that grief affects every member of the family, humans and animals alike. By using Resilient Cat, Tanner and Taylor found a way to help Mister heal—and in doing so, they began to heal as well.

Grieving is never easy, but with patience, love, and the right support, it’s possible to navigate the journey together.

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Catherine Winfree

Catherine Winfree is a nationally certified health and wellness coach, medical massage therapist, animal communicator, and flower essence practitioner. Supporting people and their pets to live in harmony with customized flower essence blends is the basis of her Calm Animal Solutions and Be Calm Solutions businesses.

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TESTIMONIALS

TESTIMONIALS

TESTIMONIALS

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New Kitten Tolerated by Older cats

Mother cat kinder to grown daughter cat

cats playing again after loss of main caretaker

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GOAL:

Harmony Amongst the Cats

two cats resting together

GOAL:

Kinder Cat Interactions

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GOAL:

Enjoy Life Again

I had to put my kitten in a separate room when I left the house because the older cats hiss and bat at her.

Two days later:

I felt comfortable leaving the kitten with the older cats when I ran an errand. When I returned they were all sitting peacefully on the same bed!

— SN

Louisa was a great mom to Florence when she was a kitten, but became hostile towards her as she grew older.

One week later:

I noticed Louisa allowing Florence to sit closer to her on the window ledge, as they watched the birds.

Two weeks later:

Louisa and Florence are taking turns grooming each other!

— FP

After my partner passed from an illness, our cats became skittish and hid under different beds.

Three days later:

The cats are rambunctious and playing with each other again. They seem so happy to be around each other.

— HT

new kitten tolerated by older cats

woman with two cats

GOAL:

Harmony Amongst the Cats

I have to put my kitten in a separate room when I leave the house because the older cats hiss and bat at her.

Two days later:

I felt comfortable leaving the kitten with the older cats when I ran an errand. When I returned they were all sitting peacefully on the same bed!

— SN

Mother cat kinder to grown daughter cat

two cats resting together

GOAL:

Kinder Cat Interactions

Louisa was a great mom to Florence when she was a kitten, but became hostile towards her as she grew older.

One week later:

I noticed Louisa allowing Florence to sit closer to her on the window ledge, as they watched the birds.

Two weeks later:

Louisa and Florence are taking turns grooming each other!

— FP

cats playing again after loss of main caretaker

two cats rubbing noses

GOAL:

Enjoy Life Again

After my partner passed from an illness, our cats became skittish and hid under different beds.

Three days later:

The cats are rambunctious and playing with each other again. They seem so happy to be around each other.

— HT

A Trained Animal Communicator Connects with Your Pet

With every order, a trained animal communicator connects with your pet to choose the right blend of flower essences

(e.g. Bach Flower Essences) for calming their anxiety. Custom blended flower essences are natural pet calming products.

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Calm Animal Solutions offers customized, natural remedies for dog anxiety, and are calming for cats. Plus, we create blends for horses, small animal pets, birds, poultry, reptiles, and fish.

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©2025, Catherine Winfree. All rights reserved.

Mandatory FDA Notice: The statements made regarding Calm Animal Solutions have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any animal disease. Although the ingredients in Calm Animal Solutions are generally regarded as safe, you are encouraged to consult your veterinary before using any essence product (such as Bach Flower Essences, for example).

A Trained Animal Communicator Connects with Your Pet

With every order, a trained animal communicator connects with your pet to choose the right blend of flower essences (e.g. Bach Flower Essences) for calming their anxiety. Custom blended flower essences are natural pet calming products.

all-natural vegan and organic ingredients icon
unscented, oil-free, non-herbal, CBD-free and fragrance-free icon
icon showing molecular representation of water against a blue water drop
flower essences icon with blue flowers in the middle
icon showing molecular representation of vegetable glycerin against a blue carrot background

Mandatory FDA Notice: The statements made regarding Calm Animal Solutions have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any animal disease. Although the ingredients in Calm Animal Solutions are generally regarded as safe, you are encouraged to consult your veterinary before using any essence product.

logo with artistic drawing of a cat, a dog and a horse

©2025, Catherine Winfree. All rights reserved.