They worry like humans: Scientists tell how cats react to the death of other pets

Research into the minds of cats continues to evolve, revealing complex emotional abilities that scientists had previously overlooked. Recent discoveries suggest that cats can convey a range of subtle emotions, including embarrassment, affection, and even grief, by displaying certain facial expressions to their owners, Hall writes.

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A study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science explored the depth of these emotions and suggested that cats can also experience grief when they lose a loved one. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Auckland’s Department of Psychology, surveyed 412 cat owners to understand how their animals behave after losing another pet.

The study found that these cats often displayed grief-like behaviors, such as increased attention to themselves and decreased interest in activities such as eating and playing. However, the authors noted that these observations were complicated by the fact that owners who self-reported their grief were more likely to attribute similar emotions to their cats, raising concerns about possible bias or humanization of the animals’ behavior. Given the limited research on cat grief (this is only the second study on the subject), they concluded that more scientific work is needed to understand whether these behaviors are truly a sign of grief or simply a reflection of their owners’ emotional state.

Study co-author Jennifer Vonk, a professor of psychology at the University of Auckland, noted that the relationship between the surviving cat and the deceased companion played a critical role in how the cat responded to the loss. She found that cats who had a close bond with the deceased showed greater changes in behavior, consistent with the concept of grief, but may also have been responding to changes in their owners’ emotions. Vonk also stressed the need to understand and observe cats’ emotions more nuanced, noting that her personal experience with pets showed subtle changes in behavior after the loss of a companion, while other owners reported more pronounced signs of grief.

This variability highlights the importance of continued research in this area to distinguish genuine cat emotions from those reflected by their human caregivers. A better understanding of these dynamics could improve the care and emotional support provided to cats during these difficult transitions. Another study analyzed the facial expressions of cats and found that they can display more than 276 different expressions depending on their interactions with humans and other cats. These findings reinforce the idea that cats are more emotionally complex than previously thought, and adapt to their environments in ways that are not yet fully understood.

Previously Focus wrote the alarm signals that cats give when they howl. If an animal gives such a signal, you need to pay attention to it urgently.

Moreover Focus wrote about the reasons why cats show their belly to people and whether it is possible to stroke it. Cats love to be petted in different places, but with a cat’s belly it is not so simple.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your pet’s health. If he has any problems, consult a professional.