In households with multiple pets, the passing of one animal can evoke grief not only in the owner but also among the surviving pets. They too can experience sorrow and loss.
A poignant TikTok video (@drisaaa7) features a gray cat sitting beside a concrete slab that has a cat statue and a heart on it. The caption reads: “My previous cat passed away.Now my new cat visits her grave every day. I believe she senses her presence.” This touching moment has attracted over 566,000 views and 74,600 likes as its upload on May 26.
According to Liz Clifton, an animal behaviorist, cats—similar to humans—can undergo various emotions influenced by thier experiences, habitat, health status, and relationships with others. She explained to Newsweek,”By simply being present with your grieving feline companion,you provide them with unconditional love and support as they navigate their own grief at their own pace.” She added that cats can also offer solace to owners who are mourning.
“Cats frequently enough have heightened awareness of our emotions compared to our self-awareness,” she noted. “Thus, it’s crucial for you to be mindful of your feelings before interacting with them as they will instinctively sense and respond to those emotions.”
A recent study conducted in 2024 by researchers at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan revealed that pet owners who were more emotionally affected by their loss were likely to observe grief-related behaviors in their cats as well. This suggests that these behaviors may reflect the owner’s own sorrow being projected onto their pets.
The study surveyed 412 cat owners; many reported noticeable changes in behavior among surviving cats—especially when there was a close bond or important time spent together prior to the loss.
Reported behavioral shifts included decreased appetite and playfulness along with increased anxiety levels such as hiding or seeking attention from humans.Notably,these behaviors intensified based on how long the animals had cohabited together.
“Cats serve as our link to spiritual realms! They undoubtedly perceive things we cannot,” one user commented.
Another remarked: “I once read that cats have an ability to detect remains; perhaps your kitty is guarding what’s left of her friend.”
Cats possess an remarkable sense of smell—approximately 40 times more acute than humans’. Some studies even suggest this olfactory capability might surpass that of dogs (according to Purina). Cats rely heavily on scent rather than sight for navigation within their surroundings; this keen sense aids them in bonding activities like hunting or mating while exploring new environments.
Many users shared personal anecdotes related to pet loss; one wrote: “When my first cat died his twin brother would visit him daily.” Another shared: “my kitty does something similar; she constantly rubs against the tree we planted over [our other] kitty’s grave two weeks ago.”
Newsweek attempted outreach via TikTok for further insights from @drisaaa7 but did not recieve any additional data regarding this case.
If you have amusing or heartwarming videos or photos featuring your pet you’d like us to showcase? Send them over at lifestyles@newsweek.com along with some details about your furry friend for inclusion in our Pet of the Week feature!