The Emotional Bonds Between Cats
People often assume that cats are solitary animals who prefer to be alone. However, cats that have lived together for several years develop deep emotional bonds through their daily interactions. They play together, groom each other, and cuddle up to sleep.
Consequently, when one cat in a shared household passes away, the surviving cat may experience feelings of loss and sadness.
Study Finds Behavioral Changes in Pets After Losing Companions
A study conducted in New Zealand observed that both dogs and cats exhibit noticeable behavioral changes after the loss of a companion. While cats are generally considered less "emotional" by nature, domestic cats differ from their wild counterparts in significant ways. They rely more on humans and are more prone to experiencing separation anxiety.
When a familiar companion suddenly disappears, cats may genuinely feel loneliness and a sense of loss. This research highlights the emotional complexity and sensitivity that pets can have towards their social bonds, underscoring the importance of understanding and supporting animals through such difficult transitions.
4 Common Behaviors When Cats Miss Their Companions
1. The Changing Love of Cats for Their Owners
Some cats become especially clingy after the loss of a companion, frequently seeking affection from their owners as if looking for comfort. This sudden change shows how deeply they are affected by the absence of their friend.
On the other hand, there are cats that react quite the opposite—they become distant and may even exhibit aggressive behaviors. This indicates that their emotions are in a state of unease and confusion, unsure of how to cope with the reality of losing a friend.
2. The Familiar Shadow: How Cats React to the Sudden Absence of a Companion
Cats are creatures deeply attached to their habits and routines. When a companion suddenly disappears, a cat will instinctively search for the familiar presence, scent, and silhouette of that missing partner. This behavior reveals how much cats value familiarity and routine in their lives.
In response to the unexpected absence of a companion, cats may roam to places their partner frequented—such as the usual sleeping spot, a sunny window ledge, or a hidden corner. There, they sniff the air and pace, seemingly asking, "Where have you gone?" This searching is not only physical but also emotional, expressing their confusion and distress over the disappearance.
Such behaviors reflect the cat's strong reliance on predictability and familiarity to feel secure. Abrupt changes, like the disappearance of a close companion, disrupt their sense of safety, causing significant confusion and anxiety.
Understanding this natural inclination helps caregivers provide the appropriate comfort and support a cat needs during such unsettling times, such as maintaining routines and offering extra attention.
3. Changes in Cat Meowing Frequency and Sound
Some cats begin to meow more frequently, and their voices may even become louder than usual. This change could be a reaction to anxiety or an attempt to call out to a companion who is no longer present.
4. Loss of Appetite in Cats
Some cats may experience a reduced appetite or even stop eating altogether. Cats are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, and the disappearance of a companion can disrupt their daily routine. They might be confused, wondering, "Hey, why is no one eating with me anymore?"
If the loss of appetite persists for several days, it is best to take the cat to the veterinarian for a check-up to prevent potential health problems.
The Grief of Losing a Loved One in Cats
The pain of losing a loved one is not just a human emotional projection; it truly exists within the inner world of cats. Although each cat reacts differently, their behavioral changes often express the sentiment, "I don't quite understand, why is they gone?"
When facing such a cat, what owners can do is simply to accompany them, helping the cat to slowly accept this new phase of life.
