cats reactions to death of Alpha cat

Question
I have 4 cats ages 21, 13, 4, and 1.  The eldest died this afternoon and it seems like the others were a little freaked out.  Each had the chance to discover her before we burried her.  Each stayed nearby all afternoon and there was none of the usual skirmishes.  How affected are they by her death?

Answer
Melanie,

First off, let me express my sympathies on the loss of your cat.  It's sad when one of them leaves us, and it always leaves a little void.  So sorry to hear about the loss.  

Of course it would freak out your other kitties to discover her, but to say how affected they are by her death is quite difficult to say because I'm not there.  Just be sure to give them lots of loving and cuddles.  I'd be quite cautious about burying your cat in the backyard - some counties, cities, etc. have very strict rules about burying deceased pets in the backyard.  

Check this out with your town before too much time has passed.

So sorry for your loss.