Cats can experience grief and mourning when another cat or human companion dies, but their understanding and acceptance of death is still somewhat of a mystery. Cats may search for a missing companion or vocalize their distress. They may stop eating or seem depressed. With time and care, most cats will resume normal activities. However, the ways cats perceive death continue to intrigue cat owners and researchers.
Do cats understand the permanence of death?
Unlike humans who can comprehend that death is forever, cats likely do not have an understanding of the permanence of death. When a companion cat or human who cared for them dies, cats may search the house looking for them and meow expecting them to respond. This suggests cats do not fully grasp that a deceased companion will not return.
Do cats grieve when another cat dies?
Yes, cats can absolutely grieve the loss of another cat or human in their life. When a feline housemate dies, the remaining cat may vocalize more, hide, stop eating, or seem depressed. They may search for the deceased cat. Providing extra love and maintaining routines can help grieving cats adjust.
How can I help my cat grieve a lost companion?
Helping a cat grieve when a fellow feline housemate passes away involves providing extra love and attention during this transition. Keep to regular feeding schedules, playtimes, and interactions. Make sure litter boxes are clean. Give the cat a new cozy spot or bed that’s just theirs. And be patient – with time and care, most cats will return to their normal selves.
Do cats understand human grief?
Cats may not grasp the full depths of human grief and mourning. However, cats can certainly perceive human emotional states and behaviors. When families grieve the loss of a loved one, cats may pick up on the changed routines, voices, and activities in the home. The cat may seem concerned or aloof. Providing the cat reassurance and maintaining its care routines can help the cat feel secure.
Will a cat stop eating when grieving?
A grieving cat may temporarily stop eating or eat less when mourning the loss of a companion cat or human. This lack of appetite is a sign of emotional distress. Make sure fresh water is always available. Try tempting the cat with favorite wet foods or treats. As the cat processes its grief, its appetite should return to normal within a couple weeks. Consult a vet if appetite loss persists.
How long do cats grieve?
There is no set timeframe for a cat grieving the loss of a friend. Cats may start acting normally within a few days or weeks after a companion dies. However, some cats can take months to fully adjust to the absence of a close friend. Have patience, stick to routines, give them extra love, and provide reassuring consistency.
Do cats mourn other animals?
Cats may mourn the loss of other companion animals too, not just fellow felines. For example, if a cat loses a canine housemate it lived amiably with, it may seem stressed or anxious while it adjusts to the dog’s absence. It takes time for remaining pets to adapt when a companion animal passes away.
Do cats understand euthanasia?
When a beloved feline companion is euthanized at the end of a terminal illness, cats do not comprehend the permanence of death and euthanasia. They will not understand why their friend “went to the vet and didn’t come home.” The remaining cat may seem confused and search for them. With time and supported grieving, the cat will adapt.
Do cats react when someone dies?
Cats may react to the death of a human family member, especially if it is the primary caretaker. The cat may vocalize more, have changes in appetite, seem depressed, search the house for the missing person, or changes in litter box habits. Sticking to routines, providing affection and ensuring the cat feels safe can help them adjust.
Do cats need to see their deceased companion?
It is not necessary or advisable to show a cat its deceased feline housemate. Cats do not have a human-like understanding of death. Seeing the body will likely not bring closure. It may cause additional stress and confusion for the remaining cat during an already difficult transition.
Can cats sense their own death?
It’s unclear whether cats can sense the exact moment of their own impending death. However, cats can often sense when they are unwell or injured. If a cat has an acute health crisis or is very old and frail, it may withdraw and hide because it feels vulnerable. Whether they comprehend the permanence of death is unknown.
Do cats come back to die at home?
There are many anecdotal reports of cats leaving home to hide when they are very ill and close to death. This may be an instinctual behavior to withdraw and be alone when vulnerable. Cats also may return home when they are ill or injured to seek comfort and care from familiar humans. However, this likely does not indicate they understand death is near.
Do cats bury or move other dead cats?
Feral and outdoor cats may display some burial behaviors toward deceased cats, such as moving or uncovering the body. Indoor cats are unlikely to show these behaviors. The motivations are not fully understood but may be to remove the smell or due to confusion. It does not necessarily reflect an understanding of death.
Conclusion
The ways cats perceive death continue to puzzle and intrigue cat lovers. While cats clearly mourn the loss of feline and human friends, their understanding of the permanence of death is limited. With time and care, most cats will resume normal routines after a close companion dies. Ensuring safety, routine and affection can help grieving cats adjust when they experience loss.