Cats appear to grieve death of fellow pets – even dogs, study finds

Some cats struggled to sleep, went off their food or made yowling noises, while others were more needy or went off their favourite games, owners told researchers. Photograph: ablokhin/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Cats are often considered aloof, independent and fickle in their affections. But, research suggests, they also show signs of grieving after the death of another pet in the same household – even when it is the family dog.

Some cats struggled to sleep, went off their food or made yowling noises. Others were more needy around their caregivers or went off their favourite games, owners reported.