Survivor's Guilt, can cat's have it? Options

[Tom's Dad]

I have posted about the passing of my baby Sir Thomas and the difficulties my other baby Theresa and I have gone through. I know that in humans (siblings for example) there is what is called survivor's guilt. Theresa has been acting odd of late. I'm wondering could she be going through this? If so, how can I help?

[moon_beam]

Hi, Tom's Dad, I agree with Magdalene. Survivor's Guilt is usually the result of a severe life threatening trauma which involves the death of a loved one - - like September 11, 2001, Pearl Harbor, combat, POW's, fires, bombings, automobile collisions, etc.. It also includes PTSD and flashbacks to the traumatic event(s).

Magdalene has made a good suggestion about natural scents and aromas that can be soothing and calming. Theresa just needs your devoted attention and reassurance. It can weeks, sometimes months, for Theresa to be acclimated to the "new normal." Encourage her to be close to you. You mentioned that she doesn't cuddle with you in your lap like she used to. Well, perhaps you need to take her to your lap and tell her that you miss her cuddles. It's a time of "adjustment" for the both of you, and it's just going to take time to define your "new normals" for each and the both of you.

Just one day at a time, Tom's Dad. Please know you and your precious Theresa are in my thoughts and prayers, and will look forward to knowing how things are going whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam