Animals Grieve: Understanding and Supporting Our Animal Companions

Grief is often thought of as a human experience

But the truth is that many animals have shared with me their experience with this profound and complex emotion. Understanding how animals grieve can deepen our bond with them and help us support them through times of loss.

Prior to our cat Morris’ passing, Hockey Puck (Morris’ brother) uncommonly hovered around him.

We knew Morris wasn’t feeling well, but what we didn’t realize was that Hockey Puck was sitting in homage, watching over Morris as he was declining. It was his way of supporting Morris in hospice.

If we believe that animals have souls (which I do!) then the emotional aspect of the soul is part of our animals as well. They love their babies and families, they care for them and keep them safe (and us!) They have friends, (animal playdates!) and long term memories of those they love.

Recent studies are revealing what we already know as communicators, that animals have a complex emotional intelligence and long term memories. So grief is real, loss is real, and healing takes time for them as well. One difference that animals have shared with me is their acceptance of loss and the healing process they go through that we humans may have a harder time with.

Emotional Aspects of Animal Grief
Our animal family members form deep emotional connections, not only with their humans but also with their animal sisters and brothers. When a companion is lost, they experience emotions similar to human grief, such as sadness, confusion, and loneliness. They are also very aware of how WE are feeling as well.

Recognizing Emotional Grief

Observe Changes in Behavior: Notice if your animal seems withdrawn, less playful, or unusually quiet.

Look for Physical Signs: Loss of appetite, lethargy, or a change in sleeping patterns can indicate emotional turmoil.

Prior to our cat Morris’ passing, Hockey Puck (Morris’ cat brother) uncommonly hovered around him for a few weeks. We knew Morris wasn’t feeling well, but what e didn’t realize what that Hockey Puck was sitting in homage, watching over Morris as he was declining. It was his way of supporting Morris in hospice. Since then, many animals have shared with me this part of the experience and given their humans a deeper understanding of their awareness and support.

When Morris passed, Hockey Puck, became very vocal and also more clingy. He started spending a lot time in places where Morris used to sleep. When I asked him what was happening and how I could help (through a communicator friend) he shared that he was overwhelmed with trying to fill the role that Morris once held and he wanted to know what his job was now. He also knew how heartbroken we were and wanted to help us as well.

Being Present with our Grieving Animals

Be transparent. Talk to them and share. Believe me, they understand you, especially when our words align with our emotions. Our animals want to know how we are feeling, because they are masters at sensing our energy! They want us to be present with our emotions which means we are in a place of acceptance. If we share that we are struggling then they can help bring us comfort. They don’t want us to hide our feelings... because they feel the energy of them and know when we are covering up! And we help them in return by being present and sharing.

We can help them by:

Maintaining a Routine: Keep feeding times, walks, and play sessions consistent to provide a sense of normalcy and create connection.

Offering Extra Comfort: Spend additional time cuddling, playing, or simply being present with your grieving animal.

Supporting our Grieving Animals and Ourselves

Be gentle with yourself and your animal who is grieving. Grief is a rollercoaster of emotions and uses a great deal of energy. First, know there is no “right way” to grieve. When I lost Hockey Puck, 7 years after Morris passed, I was broken. Literally broken. I cried daily for 6 months and truly had moments of not being able to fully breath. Not everyone in your world will understand the depth of this loss so it’s important to seek out people and groups who DO understand.

Seek Professional Support: By this I mean whatever works for you!
This may include: Animal Communicators (like me) who work with your grieving animals, the animal in spirit, and support you in your grief; Wholistic Veterinarians; Animal Behaviorists; Animal Chaplains.

Engage in Community Support: Local and online pet bereavement support groups and group animal memorial events can offer shared experiences and coping strategies.

Prioritize Self-Care: Take time off for bereavement, hold an intimate memorial service, engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, and consider talking to a pet loss counselor if needed.

Animals grieve in ways that are both similar to and different from humans, but the emotional impact is undeniably real. Understanding this allows us to offer the empathy and support our animals need during this difficult time. By recognizing emotional and behavioral changes, maintaining routines, and seeking community support, we can help our animal companions heal—and heal ourselves in the process.

Supporting our animal family through their grief underscores the importance of empathy and community. By fostering these connections, we can ensure that neither we nor our pets will face grief alone. Let’s continue to cherish and support each other, human and animal alike, as we navigate the complexities of life and loss.

And if you are grieving right now, please know I am sending you an energetic hug, and so is your animal in spirit.

🧡🐾 Karen