Do cats have feelings? Can they grieve?

Question

I know there is no real answer but my mom died a month ago and my cat has been extremely clingy this past week, always sleeping in my bed with me and hardly ever leaving my side. She always used to be like this with my mom, but never with me. I know it could be argued that she's trying to make nice with me so I would feed her, but my dad always feeds her and i never do, and she's not acting clingy with him at all.
Is it possible that my cat is feeling lonely or can sense that my mom has died? Or perhaps she can sense my sadness and wants to comfort me? I know most philosophers maintain that animals are like machines and do not have emotions, but I believe this can prove otherwise.

Answer 1

I am sure they grieve.

I lost a dog 4 years ago. My elderly cat was very close to her. She cried for her for several weeks after we had to help the dog to the Rainbow Bridge. She would keep pacing by her bad and howling. It was very upsetting. She was 18 at the time and we thought we may lose her too. She's still with us at 22. It will break my heart when she goes, but I know she will be back with her best friend so that will help a little.

Answer 2

Lack of appetite
Lethargy
Loss of interest in normal activities
"Clinginess" with remaining human companions
Excessive vocalization or unusual quietness

These are all signs of mourning in cats. They surely know that the person they loved is no longer with them. They are experiencing an adjusting period. My cats have been going crazy for me ever since my husband moved to the new place while I have to wait a few weeks to take me and the kitties out there to meet him. They may not know your mother has died, but they are feeling the loss. Give them an hour of attention a day for the next few weeks and they will continue to adjust and maybe settle into a new routine with you and your father.

Answer 3

Cats have a very keen sense and they can tell when owners are unhappy. You must have a scent similar to your mom so that is why the cat is
sticking close to you. Yes cats do feel sad and they even mourn the loss of a love one. Your kitty will forget about your mom in a few more months.
Just give the kitty a lot of love and attention.

Answer 4

I believe that cats can sense when people are gone!! My cat knows when people are coming home and she acts differently around us if we are planning a vacation!

It may all be in my imagination, but I really think that she knows and has feelings about people leaving the house!

Your cat may be sensing your sadness as well as the loss. But its always nice to have someone to comfort you in the time of loss!

Answer 5

If the cat's alive, it has feelings. Instinct operates through emotions. Any scientist who says otherwise isn't thinking with their head, but with their fear instinct. You instinctively fear the movement out of the corner of your eye. It could be a mouse, or an attacking tiger. I have a comfort kitty. My old tomcat knows when I'm sad and has also grieved the loss of his companion that died when he was 5 years old. This cat has chosen you to be her human. Love her and grieve with her. You will both be better for the sharing.

Answer 6

Of course cats have feelings. If they're capable of independant thought and make their own choices about where to go, what food to eat etc. then they do.

Even things like a cat feeling pain is indicative of having feelings. Otherwise they would not be able to feel affection for their owners, or kittens.

I gave back a kitten I was given when I was younger because its brother died and the mother was lonely, stopped eating and generally didn't do anything. When the kitten was given back the mother was happy to have her son back.

Answer 7

They have feelings. When I was in a depression a few years back a cat adopted me until my meds took hold and I felt better. Then he went away for a few months until I got depressed again and he came back. I've kept him ever since then and I'm feeling much better. Your cat sounds like it misses your mom and knows you are sad to so will cling to you from now on. You may as well call it your cat for sure. I'm really sorry for your loss.

Answer 8

Yes, of coarse they do. She misses your mom and senses you do too. She is comforting you. I think they grieve, but in a different way than people do. It is more of sense that their "person" isn't around anymore and they will move onto someone else, in this case, you.

You can take comfort in each other. I am very sorry for your loss.

Answer 9

Of course they do.

Other than seeing it every day with my three, when I was younger and lived with my dad, we had just one cat. His name was Pierre. My dad would get really bad kidney stone attacks (he would have to have surgery to get them taken care of), and it's like Pierre just knew that he needed some comforting when he came home. He wouldn't leave my dad's side for the week it would take him to recover.

I think they are very smart and intellectual creatures, and do indeed have feelings and thoughts. (they sure as heck have different personalities!!!)

Answer 10

First, my condolences on the passing of your mother....that must be really hard- I can't imagine life without my mother. Secondly, it makes sense that she would pick one of you to be close to after your mothers death. Your cat is probably grieving like you are. I believe our cats are capable of loving us as much as we love them and to lose one of us is like losing a member of their family. So, I think she is aware that you are grieving and since she is grieving also she has found comfort in you and in giving you comfort. Who knows, maybe as time passes she'll grow away from you but I doubt it.