Shy Cat Refuses to Leave Woman's Side Since Her Husband Passed Away

Cats are often misunderstood because of their independence, but one feline called Harry has been caught on camera, comforting his grieving owner.

The heartwarming moment was captured by Barbara Costanzo, 44, whose stepdad recently passed away from a stroke. His sudden death has shattered the heart of Costanzo's mom, Theresa Rodgers, 73.

Costanzo, who lives in Los Angeles, recently went to visit her grieving mother and was delighted to see Harry had stepped in to help her through this upsetting time.

Costanzo told Newsweek: "I am so happy she has Harry to be there with her when we cannot be."

Costanzo, a graphic designer, has recently shared a video of Harry placing his paw on Rodgers' chest and looking into her eyes. The tear-jerking clip shared to @beeheartsyou___ has more than 586,000 views on TikTok. Costanzo said: "They comfort each other every day."

Before Mark, 74, passed away, Harry would avoid contact with anyone but his owners. Costanzo was shocked to see how his fear of people had disappeared now that his priorities have changed.

"Harry used to be very skittish. He was sweet but a little nervous whenever anyone new came in or if I came to visit. Since my stepdad's death, he's seen my mom crying a lot," Costanzo said. "She's been grieving and having trouble eating.

"So, when I came to visit, I was amazed at how much his behavior had changed. He was no longer nervous or ran away when I came in. His main concern was not leaving my mom's side. She holds him like a baby and gives him so much love, but whenever she is doing something else like reading or watching a program, he keeps putting his paw on her as if to make sure she is OK," Costanzo added.

The sweet video shared on November 10 has amassed over 145,000 likes and 835 comments.

One user wrote: "They just know when we need them, just amazing creatures."

"I'm crying my eyes out, animals just know," posted another user.

There's no denying animals can grieve, too. Newsweek has shared a number of articles about pets who miss humans or furry companions.

VCA animal hospitals has provided the following signs that suggest your pet is grieving:

• Change in appetite.
• Changes in vocalization.
• Changes in grooming or bathroom habits.
• Seeking behavior.

Owners are advised to give their grieving pets time to adjust and to spend plenty of quality time together.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.