How Cats Mourn the Loss of Pets
When faced with the death of a household pet, cats can show signs of sadness and mourning. A study has found that cats who are typically indifferent and not very social may exhibit unusual behaviors upon learning about the passing of another pet. These behaviors include difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, or howling, indicating that they are likely experiencing a period of mourning.
However, experts warn that owners might sometimes project their own emotions onto their cats, making it appear as if the cats are going through grief.
Abnormal Behavior During Mourning in Cats
Cats are often perceived as aloof, independent, and unpredictable pets. However, a study reveals that after the death of a dog or another pet in the household, cats tend to display abnormal behaviors more frequently due to grief. These behaviors include difficulty falling asleep, loss of appetite, or emitting howling sounds, indicating that they are likely mourning.
In fact, mourning is very common in the animal kingdom. Dolphins, chimpanzees, and elephants all exhibit complex behaviors and may even guard the bodies of their deceased companions. Similarly, dogs in the household show comparable behavioral changes. However, the signs displayed by cats are often less obvious.
Researchers from Oakland University in the United States point out that when faced with the loss of a household pet, cats tend to seek more attention from humans and other pets. In their daily lives, they may show signs of hiding, solitude, and searching for the missing companion.
The researchers believe that grief is commonly present in cats' psychology. They not only require more companionship from their owners but may also exhibit changes in some antisocial traits, becoming emotionally more dependent.
Owner's Emotional Projection on Cats
Although research supports that cats can experience sadness, it is also possible that people project their own emotions onto their pets. Owners who are deeply grieving are more likely to notice unusual behavior in their cats, but in reality, cats may not actually feel anything about death.
Professor Feng Ke, a psychology professor at the University of Auckland, stated that the study also found cats might constantly try to comfort their owners. Those owners caught in grief often believe that their cats become more sorrowful as well.
Feng, who also owns cats, believes that cats might experience pain-like emotions in ways unknown to us. Even though the survey did not find significant changes, the expression of sadness in cats showed a more noticeable trend.
