Cat Never Got Along With Family Dog, Then Her Big Sister Died

A grieving cat finally accepted her dog sibling after the loss of her feline sister left her depressed.

Maddison Hughes (@frankie.winnie), 26, from Queensland, Australia, captured the touching moment in a video that has garnered 660 likes and 25,300 views on TikTok. Oreo can be seen bonding with Frankie, an English cocker spaniel, after a period of profound sadness following the sudden passing of her sister, Izy.

“Oreo and Izy were the best friends, and when Izy passed, Oreo was really depressed and distanced herself from everything,” Hughes told Newsweek. “She started to feel better over the next few weeks, but didn’t really want anything to do with Frankie, until the day I caught her going up to Frankie in the video.”

In the heartwarming footage, Oreo, a 2 1/2-year-old short-haired cat, is seen nuzzling affectionately into Frankie, her two-year-old goofy cocker spaniel companion.

The two sit together at the window, gazing out into the world, a poignant symbol of their newfound friendship.

“They sat there looking out the front door together for almost an hour, and now they have been the best of friends ever since,” Hughes told Newsweek.

Cats, much like humans, can experience grief after losing a companion. According to a study conducted in 1996 by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), known as the Companion Animal Mourning Project, the grieving process in cats is complex.

The study revealed that nearly half of the cats surveyed experienced a decreased appetite, while many others slept more or even struggled with insomnia. Changes in vocal patterns and sleeping locations were common, and 65 percent of cats exhibited at least four behavioral changes that indicated grief.

Helping a cat through grief involves patience and care. Experts suggest maintaining routines to provide a sense of stability and offering extra affection and attention.

The bond between cats and dogs is often questioned, but it’s clear that these two species can form deep and meaningful friendships.

According to Purina, cats and dogs can become friends if they are introduced properly and given time to adjust to each other’s presence. The key is understanding their different communication styles and allowing them to establish a relationship on their own terms.

Oreo and Frankie’s story is a beautiful reminder that love and friendship can blossom after loss.

Commenters on the video were moved by the emotional reunion. “That’s lovely,” one viewer wrote. Another user shared: “How beautiful. Our 3 cats are only just starting to warm up to Bailey [their dog] after 2 months of her being with us.”

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