“My Boyfriend Dumped Me – But How Do I Break the News to My Cat?”
When Abby Govindan, a 22-year-old comedian and writer from Houston, Texas, was dumped by her boyfriend, her immediate concern wasn’t just heartbreak—it was how to explain the situation to her beloved cat, Anjali. The feline had shared a special bond with Abby’s ex, and she was unsure how to address the sudden absence.
Taking to Twitter, Abby expressed her dilemma: “How do I explain to my cat, who loved my boyfriend more than anything in the world, that he is never coming over again ever?” To her surprise, her tweet went viral, amassing 250,000 likes and nearly 13,000 retweets, as countless people related to her predicament.
A Special Bond
Speaking to the BBC, Abby shared her astonishment at the outpouring of support. “I got broken up with and tweeted my first thoughts. People were so kind, but I didn’t expect the response,” she admitted.
Abby, who describes herself as more of a dog person, adopted Anjali, a rescue cat, just over a year ago. Anjali quickly became a source of emotional support. Over Abby’s seven-month relationship, her boyfriend not only helped her bond with Anjali but also formed his own unique connection with the cat. Anjali would eagerly wait at the door whenever she heard his car, showcasing their mutual affection.
Now, post-breakup, Abby has noticed a change in her cat’s behavior. Anjali has become more attentive and affectionate, particularly when Abby is upset. This shift, though comforting, has left Abby worried about how the breakup is affecting her feline companion.
Abby’s story resonated with many pet owners. One respondent, Amy Loyd from Tennessee, recounted her own experience: when her ex-husband left, her dog Lily became depressed. To help, Amy adopted another dog, London. Though the adjustment took time, the two dogs eventually formed a close bond, which Amy believes also helped her heal from the breakup.
Amy noted how deeply her Boston Terrier, Lily, had been affected by the loss of her ex-husband. Lily stopped eating, became withdrawn, and seemed lovesick. Amy tried to console her by speaking softly, even though she wasn’t sure how much Lily could understand. Over time, having another dog provided both companionship and distraction.
The Emotional Impact on Pets
Elaine Henley, a clinical animal behaviorist from the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), explained that pets often pick up on emotional and behavioral changes in their human companions. Like children in a household where caregivers are separating, animals sense tension and sadness, though they may not understand why.
Henley advised gradually introducing the idea that one caregiver is no longer present. However, this isn’t always feasible. She emphasized the importance of reassuring pets with consistent affection and calm interactions to mitigate feelings of loss.
“Pets pick up on subtleties in body language and even the pheromones we release,” Henley explained. “While we may no longer like the ex, the animal likely perceived them as loving and safe, so they feel that loss, too.”
Moving Forward
As for Abby and Anjali, the pair are taking time to adjust and grieve. Abby’s favorite piece of advice? A friend suggested she break the news to her cat “very, very gently.” For now, Abby is focusing on being present for Anjali, who has shown her unwavering support during this emotional time.
