A grieving cat’s tender response to his late sister’s ashes has moved millions of viewers to tears, proving once again just how deeply cats bond with those they love.
A Viral Moment of Feline Grief
The clip, shared by TikTok user @layla_kelsey on August 17, has already drawn 4.1 million views and thousands of heartfelt comments.
In the video, a black-and-white cat approaches a cardboard box on the carpet—the container holding his late sister’s ashes. He sniffs it cautiously before lying down beside it, almost as if guarding or comforting her presence.
The final frame shows a photo of the two cats lying side by side on a bed, with the caption: “We miss you gabzyyy.”
Viewers flooded the comments, many convinced the surviving cat knew exactly what was in the box. One user wrote: “I smell you, but why can’t I see you?” Another shared: “My cat kept licking the box his brother was in. I feel like she knew.”
Do Cats Grieve?
While it’s tempting to think of grief as uniquely human, veterinarians confirm that cats can and do mourn the loss of companions.
According to an article from VCA Tierkliniken, when a cat loses a companion—whether feline or human—they may show signs of grief, including:
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeping more than usual, or insomnia
- Changes in preferred sleeping spots
- Differences in vocalization (some meowing more, others going silent)
A 1996 ASPCA study found that 46% of cats ate less after losing a feline companion, and many exhibited other behavioral changes.
Veterinarians note that cats may not fully understand death as permanent. Some appear to wait patiently, as if expecting their friend to return. Others may simply mirror the sadness expressed by grieving humans in the home.
The Internet Responds With Compassion
The viral video struck a deep chord with animal lovers, many of whom shared their own experiences of cats grieving:
- “My cat kept licking the box his brother was in.”
- “She never left. She’ll always be his sister and your baby.”
- “It’s not fair, poor baby.”
Others simply urged comfort for the surviving cat: “Omg take that kitty and cuddle it, please.”
Takeaway for Pet Parents
Cats may not shed tears, but they show their grief in quiet, powerful ways. If your cat has lost a companion:
- Maintain routines to provide stability.
- Offer comfort through play, touch, and extra attention.
- Monitor health—a grieving cat that stops eating or becomes withdrawn may need veterinary support.
For both people and pets, grieving together can bring healing—and reinforce the love that lasts even beyond loss.
FAQ
Q: How can I help my cat cope with the loss of another pet?
Keep routines consistent, give them extra attention, and provide enrichment. In some cases, pheromone diffusers or calming aids may help.
Q: Should I get another cat right away after one passes?
Not necessarily. Some cats need time to adjust. Introducing a new cat too soon may cause additional stress.
Q: Do cats understand death?
Cats likely don’t understand death in the same way humans do, but they do recognize absence and change—leading to behaviors that resemble mourning.
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