A cat owner recently laid to rest her younger cat and while the heartbreak is still fresh, emotions again poured out after she spotted how her other feline is still processing the family’s loss. Watch video below!
The family placed Boo’s grave in the backyard with a small dirt pile and a cross to mark the spot. TikTok user @taliarycroft noticed Bear wouldn’t leave his sibling’s grave, instantly bringing her more tears. But the cat started to do something more than sit at the grave, clearly missing his cat sibling.
In a June 12 TikTok video, Bear was caught digging in the grave dirt. The owner originally thought he might’ve had to go to the bathroom and, unfortunately, picked that spot, but she realized Bear was instead digging for his bestie.
The caption reads: “My heart can’t take this pain anymore.”
Missing his partner in crime, Bear tried getting Boo out of the ground. Her emotions poured out when she saw what was happening since she cannot explain to Bear that his sibling crossed the rainbow bridge.
The heartbreaking TikTok video amassed over 2.3 million views, 246,300 likes, and 1,042 comments as of Tuesday.
“He is playing with him. One last play I guess like the other cat is saying its final goodbyes,” commented a viewer.
Another added: “Grieving a pet is hard enough but watching your pets grieve is like a powerbomb to the soul.”
A third person wrote: “A love like that never dies, he’s just playing with Boo, cause they see the spirits we don’t.”
Help Pets Cope With Loss
Grieving the loss of a pet often mimics a similar process when a friend or family member passes—denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. And believe it or not, pets can also grieve, although, it is sometimes harder to help a pet through this difficult time as they cannot express their feelings.
@taliarycroft Someone give me thr WHOLE box of tissues im so sad 🤍🖤 #fypシ゚viral #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #cat #sad #viral #viraltiktok
Owners might also overlook their pets’ behavioral changes as they deal with the same sense of loss. However, it’s important to recognize their needs especially since pets might start acting differently when their sibling starts declining or becomes sick. They might appear withdrawn or depressed and their personalities can change. For example, a shy cat might demand more attention.
The best option to help your pet is simply being there for them with as much extra one-on-one time as possible, Spruce Pets suggested. Try to be positive when around them because they can pick up on emotions, but also avoid babying them as they might see it as a reward for acting depressed.
Uplifting music can also help soothe or lift their depression. If you feel your cat isn’t improving, consult with your veterinarian for advice. They might want to prescribe an antidepressant.