Cats, often known for their aloof and independent nature, may actually experience grief when they lose a household companion animal, including dogs, according to a recent study by Oakland University in the US. The research observed significant behavioral changes in cats after the death of another pet in the same household. Owners reported that their feline friends showed signs of distress such as difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and increased vocalizations. Some cats became more clingy with their caregivers, while others lost interest in their favorite activities.
This study challenges the common belief that cats are antisocial creatures. The house cats in the study displayed behaviors typically associated with grief, such as seeking attention from humans and other pets, hiding, and appearing to search for their lost companions. This behavior is not unique to cats, as mourning has been observed in various other animals like elephants, dolphins, and chimpanzees. Previous research has also shown that dogs mourn the loss of a fellow household dog, but this new study suggests that cats also experience grief.
The study surveyed over 450 caregivers of cats who had recently lost a pet companion, with two-thirds of the deceased pets being other cats and the rest being dogs. The data revealed that cats were more affected by the loss of a companion the longer they had lived together. Interestingly, witnessing the death of the companion or the number of pets in the household did not seem to influence the grieving behavior.
While cats are often seen as independent animals, they can form social bonds and hierarchies, especially in the wild. However, it is still uncertain whether the surviving cats are truly grieving or if their caregivers are projecting their grief onto them. The researchers found a correlation between caregivers who reported greater personal grief and more significant behavioral changes in their cats, suggesting that this alternative explanation carries weight.
The study also raises questions about how cats react to losing their owners. Anecdotal evidence from online discussions suggests that cats do grieve over their deceased owners. One Reddit user shared their experience of their cat grieving for their deceased son, while another user recounted their cat’s behavior after the death of their adopted pet. While these personal anecdotes shed some light on the topic, further research is needed to fully understand the emotional depth of cat-to-cat and cat-to-dog relationships.
In addition to cats grieving the loss of other pets, there is also evidence that pets may react in unexpected ways when their owners pass away. First responders have reported cases where dogs and cats exhibit unusual behavior when faced with the death of their owners. Some dogs have been observed guarding their owner’s body, while others may start chewing on the body once it begins to cool. Cats, on the other hand, may also exhibit similar behavior, particularly if the body has been there for a long time.
Overall, the study on feline grief provides valuable insights into the emotional lives of our feline companions. While further research is needed to deepen our understanding of how cats process loss, these findings suggest that cats may experience grief in a similar way to other animals. The study was published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, opening up new avenues for exploring the emotional bonds between cats and their companions.
