Cat Mourns His Dog Friend in the Sweetest Way [photo]

Life With Dogs ^ | February 7, 2015 | Melanie

[Slings and Arrows]

Losing a family member is always hard. And not just for us, but for our pets, too. They sense that something is awry, and they quickly notice the absence of that person or other pet. This cat is mourning his dog friend, and expresses his grief in such a heart-touching way.

In January, Redditor enns5320 posted a photo of his cat with the caption:

My dog recently passed and we got a statue and have its collar around it in memory. This was my cat’s reaction when he found it.

 

 

It looks like someone could use a hug. And maybe soon, a newly adopted buddy to help his heart heal.

[Slings and Arrows]

Glad you liked.

[RegulatorCountry]

We still can’t bring ourselves to get another dog as we wish him back everyday.

You love dogs, are good with them and good to them. Your Chihuahua is accustomed to a companion and will probably become lonely at some point. It's not possible to ever replace Buddy, he was a unique creature of God and has now returned to Him. So, find a place in your heart and home for another, there are so many needing a home. He or she will win a place in your heart as well, and your Chihuahua will be happy for having a companion, after the usual sniffing and pack pecking order business is sorted out.

[Georgia Girl 2]

Yes we have been talking about it. I think when the right dog comes along we will probably get it. They usually just show up in our yard. That’s how we got the Beagle and the Chihuahua. Two best dogs you could ever ask for.

[berdie]

That’s one of the sweetest pics I’ve ever seen.

But my monitor is a little blurry after clicking on this link.

[tob2]

Awwwwww. Sorry for your loss.

[Slings and Arrows]

I hear you. All my cats are ex-strays.

[Slings and Arrows]

Not my loss, but BTDT.

[Slings and Arrows]

Lot of that going around.

[Veto!]

Awwwww

[Slings and Arrows]

Seconded.

[Tomato lover]

There is more to animals then humans know...

How right you are!

[T-Bone Texan]

We recently got young 2 kittens, both very loving and socialized.

We also have 2 adult dogs, size L and XL. Kittens instinctively fear the dogs and hiss at them. Dogs want nothing more than to love the kittens and cuddle with them; their instinct is to protect.

Question: How do I make the kittens love the dogs? I already do a thing wherein I put the kittens on top of the dogs' backs and make them stand there for a minute, and they seem to be fine with that (they continue purring and even lay down on the dogs back (while dog is standing, and remaining in place obediently)).

I also put my face down low so that both species can get close to my face and thus close to one another. they like that.

However, I have hit a wall progress-wise. Do you have any advice?

[Dr. Sivana]

However, I have hit a wall progress-wise. Do you have any advice?

In our case, we got a very submissive and small dog (female) on purpose. All animals ultimately were altered. A LOT has to do with the kittens' temperament. The kitty in the picture came from a long line of farm cats. Also, I find that orange males tend to be pretty easy going and are filled with self-confidence.

My guess is that the kittens are trying to establish a pecking order, and the dogs were already there (we got the cat before the dogs) so they think they have to fight for it. Some like to pretend that cats aren't social animals. Not true. They are not social in the same way that dogs are, but they are social.

As long as you make it clear that you are running the household (more or less), this problem will probably solve itself, as your kittens are young. If either of them were more than four, I'd say peaceful co-existence is the best you can hope for.

Other than that, with both the cats and the dogs, be generous with treats for desireable behavior. Also, let the cats play fight with the dogs. Our cat Dominic would lie in wait on high surfaces for our dog. He would jump out of the blue at her ninja style, and miss, every single time. The dog loved it.

Other than the behavior with the dogs, are the kittens good with you and other family members? Are they playful, cuddly, contentious or fraidy cats? The dogs are probably okay, as long as you let them know they still have an important role in the household and that you are still quite attached to them. Protective dogs are good. Our little rat terrier did not like the aggressive way I was correcting my three year old son, and she got between us and made a bit of a growl. I then verbally reminded her in no uncertain terms who the boss was, but she did her best. She had an accident on the spot, but her heart was in the right place. She earned my respect that day.

[Dr. Sivana]

"I also put my face down low so that both species can get close to my face and thus close to one another. "

At the right time, that is a good thing. I have won over many a cat (as visitor, not owner) by doing my best to "get small".

[T-Bone Texan]

Thanks for the reply Yes, the kittens are very playful and have been handled a lot. They cry for love and attention, and love to be held. They love to sleep on my face.

The dogs do not like having a hostile animal put on their back but they fear me and obey. They are good dogs, and they fear cats already as policy: our preexisting cat has put the fear of God into them. They submit to the adult cat. She goes through the doorway first, and dogs go second!

It is funny to see - my dogs are 45 and 85 lbs, respectively

[Dr. Sivana]

Ah, you hadn’t mentioned a legacy cat. Do the kittens get along with the elder cat? (I assume they aren’t related)

[T-Bone Texan]

Legacy cat (great label!) is threatened by the new kittens, and has moved out to the garage. She never comes inside since they arrived.

That is kinda sad, but she is grumpy - I am the only one who can pick her up. No injuries or anything like that; she is just a grumpy cat.

She was feral and I grabbed her while biking along the bayou one day. She was on track to be a non-grumpy cat but when I brought home the puppies 4 years ago she "turned", kinda like the cat in Pet Cemetary.