My girlfriend thinks her cat dezi is sad that her other cat mommy died of cancer the other day. She points out that Dezi has not been outside in 3 days when he is normally an outside cats. I don't think cats are smart enough to sense death and the couple animals that can are Elephants and Monkeys. Is my argument right ? Just curious
2006-12-13 17:53:50 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Cats definitely know and feel sad when they lose another cat. Ive seen it a lot. Not just with cats, but with other pets.
2006-12-13 17:55:35 · answer #1 · answered by Amber 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
It is very well documented that cats grieve the loss of another cat they are bonded with, as well as other animals and humans, if the bond is sufficiently strong. Absolutely, yes.
They can express this in a variety of ways. When my one cat died of cancer, the younger one went to all of the dead one's favorite spots and would just sit there and howl. This went on for about a week, indoors and out. Her temperament changed for many months and she was easily startled and generally skittish when she didn't used to be. Some cats will seem to take it more in stride, but some seem to literally lose their mind with grief. I'm sure your friend is correct. She needs to give the remaining cat lots of love and attention until he settles down, and only then, consider getting another cat, introduced to him gradually, not just thrown together with him. (This process takes 1-3 weeks depending on that cats)
I'm very sorry for her loss, because I've been there. She might want to consider helping her own grief by creating a memorial or "rainbow bridge" tribute page on http://www.catster.com. Also see these two insightful articles on cat intelligence and emotions:
2006-12-13 18:16:33 · answer #2 · answered by Kaelen 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Frankly, i don't know, BUT i want to tell something happened with me...
A year ago, i had 4 cats, they were always together, but one of them ge poisoned by something it ate (a fish as i remember), the thing is, after that cat died, i felt that all other cat got sad for a long time, it was weird and wonderful how they feel for their friend.
2006-12-13 18:02:44 · answer #3 · answered by Saed 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oh yes they are smart enough! Cats get used to having a companion and when that companion is gone whether it be by getting rid of or death, they can go into a depression and refuse to eat, drink, play, etc. She needs to watch the cat closely to be sure he's not dehydrating by not not drinking and that he doesn't lose too much weight. Animals can die from depression!
2006-12-13 18:18:27 · answer #4 · answered by MasLoozinIt76 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cats are very much aware of the people and things that surround them. Everytime I go shopping, do chores, move furniture my cat checks every corner of the house to see that her stuff is stll there! She also exhibits signs of frustration or sorrow when my family is too busy to be at home for any length of time. They get lonely too. Whether it is the selfish, "where's my heated seat (lap)!?" or the "why do you look so tired?" look I get from her... no doubt she is very aware, and very much in tune with us in the house.
Is you girlfriend upset? Perhaps the Dezi is protective over her if she is sad? That may be why he's sticking close by?
2006-12-13 18:20:57 · answer #5 · answered by tkmhill 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats do have feelings of sadness and mourning. It may take the kitty a while to get over it, or maybe she won't get over it at all.
2006-12-13 19:46:18 · answer #6 · answered by Suga 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you're wrong on that one. Cats are a lot smarter than you give them credit for being. His behavior alone should prove to you that he is feeling sorrow. When my older cats died the younger ones looked all over for them.
2006-12-13 17:57:14 · answer #7 · answered by Lola 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
She is totally right.
My cat also was put to sleep a few days ago from cancer..
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Augv29LZ5_5Ng6iSB5Jo.CHsy6IX?qid=20061211005409AALxENn
And let me tell you.. I have another cat, And a dog.. And they both know she is missing..
My dog will go look for her in her secert hiding spots..
And my cat, when she goes to eat her food, goes to take a bite.. and stops.. and looks for cuddles to come and chase her away.. when she doesn't see her.. she looks around and meows. Almost as to call her.
2006-12-13 18:02:19 · answer #8 · answered by emanon 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you are wrong.
I have had many pets show behavioral changes when a "companion" goes missing for whatever reason.
Why does a dog whimper, whine and howl when it's owner leaves then go banana nut bread when its owner comes home? Because it MISSED them!
What other explanation is there?
2006-12-13 18:02:35 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cats know, believe me. I had two cats that grew up together (we got them when they were kittens) and they were inseparable. But, one of them got cancer and she had to be put to sleep, and my other cat has never been the same. She would wander the house from room to room crying SO loudly, looking for Butter. It was heartbreaking. She finally stopped after a couple of months, but it really affected her.
2006-12-13 19:51:36 · answer #10 · answered by ewrudaji 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋