Family Cat Refuses to Leave 20-Year-Old Dachshund's Side After He Enters Hospice Care
Dogs and cats often become besties when they're under the same roof. Differences seem to go to the wayside as time passes and they find more common ground. Before you know it, they have a lifelong bond.
This feline fur baby is obviously attached to her Dachshund brother, Beowulf, and seems to know he needs extra support.
@auua.lisa It's amazing how cats just know, she never did this until recently #catsoftiktok#olddachshund#hospice#catlover#dachshund
original sound - solo.mp3 - solo.mp3
In the TikTok from @auua.lisa, the sweet orange and white cat stared lovingly at her Doxie brother and has recently been sticking close by.
"Ever since my 20-year-old dog started hospice, my cat hasn't left his side," the onscreen text explained, with the caption adding, "It's amazing how cats just know, she never did this until recently."
Clips of the cat staying near Beowulf revealed her concern. Followers were moved by the cat's compassion and the love between the two siblings.
"Argh my heart - I swear cats sense these things, they are so in tune with those they love," one shared.
"Incredibly intuitive animals. They grieve and understand just like we do," another remarked.
"Perfection and unconditional love," a follower noted.
"More healing and more love - they're both beautiful," someone commented.
How Bonded Pets Sense Illness
Whenever someone in my family is sick or feeling sad, both of my dogs go into caretaker mode. Dogs seem to have a natural capacity for empathy, and cats have it as well.
Animals possess a powerful sense of smell. Cats have approximately 200 million odor-sensitive cells in their noses, allowing them to sniff out chemical changes in body odor that occur when someone is sick. Illnesses such as infections, diabetes, and various cancers can change the body's scent, prompting more protective behavior in your fur babies.
When your cat senses that their loved one is ill or feeling down, they may show their concern through some of these behaviors:
Related: 20-Year-Old Rescue Dachshund Brings His Own Blanket Everywhere and It's Adorable
- Clinginess or increased attention, such as following you around or cuddling more than usual.
- Gentle vocalizations, like soft meows or purring near afflicted areas.
- Sleeping closer to you than they used to and spending their downtime near you.
- Exhibiting a more protective nature toward you.
- Change in appetite or grooming habits, reflecting stress or empathy.
This caring kitty is a wonderful example of the compassion cats exude, and will most likely stay on watch over Beowulf for as long as he needs her.
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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 4:10 PM.