'They all know there is an absence and have stepped up to comfort him': After losing his senior cat brother, grieving cat turns to the family dogs he's always kept his distance from for comfort, and they welcome him with open paws

Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor

Sep 5, 2026 3:00 PM EDT

Our pets can feel what we feel, and they know when we need them the most.

Cats and dogs have a reputation for not getting along too well. Even as pets, living in the same home under the same roof, they might not be the closest. And that's okay. They speak different languages, and although we, as their owners, of course want to see them cuddling and happy and being best friends forever… we know that it is okay if they are not. They just need to get along. It's okay if our cat prefers cuddling with us or if our cats prefer cuddling with each other. All we need is for them to be happy, whatever their terms may be.

That was the case in the household in today's story. Two cats and two dogs, and everything was great. The cats and dogs may not have been the bestest of friends, but they got along. They just weren't all over each other. The cats preferred each other's company and so did the dogs. They grew up and grew old together. And then, tragedy. The day that we all fear the most. One of the senior cats crossed the rainbow bridge, and the owner's first concern… was for the other cat. His best friend was gone, and the owner was terrified that it would destroy their other cat as well.

Except then, the most beautiful and unexpected thing happened. The same dogs that the cat had no interest in before suddenly became a source of comfort. Suddenly, he started going to them and cuddling with them. And the dogs… the dogs could sense that he needed them. Everyone in the house knew that there was an absence, and everyone was there to comfort one another.

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"My cat is grieving the loss of his brother, and has become friends with my dogs in the process."

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Fluffy dog and a ginger cat sleeping on a bed.
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A corgi and tabby cat lying on a brown blanket.
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A dog and cat sleeping on a couch.
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A dog and cat lying on a bed next to a window.
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