Cats are often seen as detached and indifferent, but a new study suggests they might feel more than they let on. Research by psychologists Brittany Greene and Jennifer Vonk from Oakland University in the US has found that cats exhibit grief-like behaviours similar to dogs after the loss of a fellow household pet.
The study was based on an online survey of 412 pet owners who had lost a dog or a cat while still caring for a surviving cat. The results revealed that after the loss of a companion, cats showed significant changes in behaviour. These changes included increased vocalizations, searching for the deceased pet and decreased willingness to eat, sleep, or play.
EVIDENCE OF GRIEF IN CATS
“The more time the surviving cat spent with the deceased pet, the more likely they were to show immediate and long-term behavioural changes in the direction that would be expected if cats were capable of grief-like responses,” the researchers wrote.
Interestingly, the grieving behaviours were observed regardless of whether the lost pet was another cat or a dog. This finding suggests that cats may form strong bonds with their fellow pets, challenging the common perception of them as asocial and aloof.
SIMILARITIES WITH PREVIOUS STUDIES
These findings align with a 2016 study that found both cats and dogs increased their attention-seeking behaviours and ate less in the six months following the death of a fellow pet. The study adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests pets may experience complex emotions like grief.
GRIEF OR PROJECTION?
However, the study raises an important question: are these behaviours genuine signs of grief, or are pet owners projecting their own emotions onto their cats? The study’s results are based on pet owners’ perceptions, and those who reported greater personal grief were more likely to notice these changes in their surviving cats.
THE NEED FOR OBJECTIVE RESEARCH
Further research is needed to objectively assess these behavioural changes in cats. Scientists are still trying to understand how cats communicate with humans, and their subtle vocalizations, gestures, and expressions can often be misinterpreted.
“Despite some limitations, the current study adds to the very limited data on social cognition of cats,” conclude Greene and Vonk. Their findings suggest that cats may be more emotionally complex than previously thought, and that their behaviour after the loss of a pet could be an expression of grief.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PET OWNERS
For cat owners, these findings could change the way they perceive their pets. Understanding that cats might grieve could lead to more compassionate care during difficult times. It also highlights the need for further studies to explore the emotional lives of cats, helping us better understand our feline companions.
The study has been published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science. It adds a new dimension to our understanding of cats, suggesting they might not be as aloof as their reputation suggests.
