Washington, D.C. – Cats often seen as independent and aloof, might actually experience grief when a fellow pet dies, according to new research published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
The study, conducted by researchers from Oakland University, surveyed 412 pet owners who had recently lost a dog or cat while still having another cat at home. The results showed that many cats displayed signs of mourning. These included increased meowing, loss of appetite, and changes in sleep patterns. Interestingly, these behaviors were observed even when the deceased pet was a dog.
What the Experts Say
“Our findings suggest that cats may feel the loss of a companion animal in ways similar to dogs, despite their more solitary ancestry,” said psychologists Brittany Greene and Jennifer Vonk, who led the study. They also pointed out that cats might form deeper bonds with other animals than previously thought.
While these findings provide insight into the emotional lives of cats, researchers caution that more studies are needed. Some of the behaviors could be a result of pet owners projecting their grief onto their surviving cats.
This research offers a new perspective on cats, showing them as more emotionally complex and socially interactive than they are often given credit for.
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