Researchers from the University of Auckland have found that domestic cats can experience grief when a fellow pet in the household dies. The study indicates this feeling affects both feline companions and dogs living with a cat. The findings were published in Applied Animal Behavior Science (AABS) journal.
Grief is a recognized behavior in many animal species. Elephants, dolphins, and primates display intricate responses after the loss of a group member, including guarding the deceased and showing social and emotional reactions. It has only recently become clear whether felines show similar responses when a nearby pet dies.
In the study, more than 450 cat owners were surveyed about the emotional changes observed in their cats following the death of another pet. Approximately two-thirds of the cases involved the death of another cat, while the remaining cases involved a dog.
Findings indicate that cats can grieve the loss of a four-legged companion. Common changes included heightened anxiety, disrupted sleep, reduced appetite, less interest in play, and altered interactions with humans and other animals.
Owners reported that cats tended to sleep more or less than usual, eat and play less, seek extra attention from people and other pets, hide more often, spend extended periods alone, and wander in search of the companion that was lost.
Experts emphasize that grief appears to be a universal emotion across the animal kingdom, though they caution that owners may sometimes project their own sorrow onto their pets. Recognizing these signs can help caregivers provide comfort and stability during difficult times.
Earlier research linked pet companionship with lower stress levels for humans and highlighted how animals respond to changes in the household routine, underlining the interconnected nature of family pets and their people. In light of these insights, families might consider routine adjustments and enrichment strategies to ease a cat’s transition after a loss, such as maintaining familiar routines, offering quiet spaces, and encouraging gentle social interaction with trusted household members. [citation attribution]