A video of a cat mourning the passing of his sibling cat four months later has shattered viewers and brought them to tears.
Owner Rainn shared on her TikTok account, @rainn.without, that her black cat Grimm passed in February. Grieving a pet is never easy and it takes time. But nearly four months later, she noticed her other cat Boo was still heartbroken without his sidekick.
Boo meowed and stood next to Grimm’s collar in the June 13 clip. He wouldn’t let the collar out of his sight, carrying it throughout the house. The cat’s collar is his piece of Grimm that will never be taken.
Heartbroken that her cat is “still grieving,” Rainn is convinced the timing meant something. In the caption, she explained that they were bringing home a new kitten friend for Boo in a few days. She believes the fact Boo is crying at the collar is symbolic. “It’s like she’s telling me it’s ok?” the caption reads.
With over 3.2 million views, 763,100 likes and nearly 7,000 comments, TikTok viewers flooded the video with condolences. Like Rainn, plenty believe this is Boo’s sign to tell her enough time has passed and he is now ready to welcome home a new pet.
“He lost his shadow. I am so sorry for both of you…” commented a viewer, while a second said: “The price we pay for love, I am sorry for you both.”
@rainn.without We lost our little Grimm in February. Tonight, he keeps bringing me her collar 😭 such weird timing as we’re bringing home a new little brother for him in a few days. It’s like she’s telling me it’s ok? 💔
Since the video, Rainn and Boo have welcomed home a new kitty who no doubt is keeping Boo busy.
“Boo is super happy now, having the time of his life with his new little brother Drax,” Rainn told Newsweek via TikTok. “He has settled in so well, we’re almost certain that Grimm sent him.”
Helping Animals Grieve
While it is uncertain if dogs and cats understand the passing of another pet, there are numerous examples that they do and can grieve like humans.
Hill’s Pets recommends doing the following to provide comfort and support to your pets during this difficult time:
- Stay positive and talk with your pets in a calm and upbeat voice as often as possible.
- Give your pets new activities that will help distract them from the loss.
- Continue doing what your pet already loves to do.
- Talk to your veterinarian if they are showing signs of separation anxiety or depression that does not improve on its own.