Cats are known for being independent and aloof, but a recent study suggests that they also show signs of grieving when they lose a fellow pet in the household, even if it’s a family dog. Some cats experienced changes in behavior such as difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, or making yowling noises. Others became more needy towards their caregivers or lost interest in their favorite activities, according to reports from owners.
The researchers from Oakland University in the US found that cats engaged less in typical behaviors like sleeping, eating, and playing, but sought more attention from humans and other pets, spent time alone, and seemed to be searching for their lost companions. This challenges the common belief that cats are antisocial and suggests that the experience of loss may be universal among animals.
While mourning is a well-known phenomenon in the animal kingdom, with elephants, dolphins, and chimpanzees displaying behaviors like guarding the body of a deceased companion, it was less obvious whether cats would show signs of grief. Dogs, who are descended from pack animals, have been observed displaying changes in behavior when a fellow dog dies, but cats, who live among conspecifics under human care, have not been extensively studied in this context.
The study involved over 450 cat owners who reported on their cats’ behavior after the recent death of another pet, either a cat or a dog. The findings suggested that cats were more profoundly affected by the loss the longer they lived with their companion, but factors like witnessing the death or the number of pets in the household did not have a significant impact.
Although the results indicate that cats may experience grief, it is also possible that owners are projecting their own emotions onto their pets. Caregivers who reported experiencing more grief themselves were more likely to notice changes in their surviving cats’ behavior, such as increased sleeping, spending time alone, or hiding after the death of a companion.
Overall, the study highlights the complex emotional lives of cats and challenges the stereotype of them being aloof and unsocial animals. Cats may form strong bonds with their fellow pets and experience a sense of loss when they pass away, demonstrating a more nuanced understanding of feline behavior and emotions.
