10 Animals That Grieve Their Loved Ones

8. Cats

While domestic cats are often perceived as solitary and independent, they too exhibit signs of mourning when they lose a companion. Cats may search for the deceased, meowing plaintively or refusing to eat. They might spend more time in areas where the deceased cat frequented, as if waiting for their return. Changes in behavior, such as increased aggression or withdrawal, can also indicate grief. These subtle mourning rituals reflect the deep bonds cats form with their companions—whether human or feline—and their capacity for emotional depth despite their independent nature.