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Cats Have Feelings Too: Study Shows They Grieve Lost Pet Companions

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Rithani

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4 min read

10 Aug, 2024

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New research from Oakland University challenges the notion that cats are aloof, revealing they may grieve after a pet companion's death, including dogs.


The study, published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, observed over 450 cats and found they exhibit changes like reduced eating and increased attention-seeking following the loss of a fellow pet.


The study’s findings indicate that cats who shared longer lives with their deceased companions often displayed more pronounced grief-like behaviors, such as increased fearfulness and changes in daily routines.


Image Source: Pixabay


Interestingly, these behaviors were influenced more by the time spent together than by witnessing the death itself. This suggests that the bonds formed between pets are deep and significant, contrary to the common belief that cats are purely solitary creatures.


Researchers found that mourning is a well-documented phenomenon in the animal kingdom, with evidence showing similar behaviors in elephants, dolphins, and dogs.


While dogs have long been known to grieve due to their pack animal nature, this study highlights that cats also have the emotional capacity to feel and express loss, even in more subtle ways.


Image Source: Pexels


For cat owners, recognizing signs of grief in their pets can be crucial in providing the right support and care during such times.


This may include giving extra attention, maintaining their usual routines, and offering comforting spaces to help them cope with their loss.


These findings open the door for further exploration into the emotional lives of cats, suggesting they are more socially and emotionally complex than often perceived.


Image Source: Pexels


By understanding these dynamics, pet owners can foster a more compassionate environment for their feline friends, recognizing that they, too, experience deep connections and emotional bonds.


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