Cats are often perceived as independent, aloof, and fickle creatures. However, a study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science has found that cats may not be as antisocial as we think. They may experience grief when another pet in the household dies—even if it’s a dog. Researchers say this suggests that the experience of loss is universal. Mourning is a widely recognized phenomenon in the animal kingdom, with elephants, dolphins, and chimpanzees exhibiting complex behaviors such as guarding the bodies of deceased companions. Dogs have also been observed to change their behavior after the death of another dog in the household.
