Summary
A pet owner shared a touching story online about their black cat snuggling with a stuffed animal modeled after their deceased dog. The story, shared on Reddit, highlighted how the cat missed its canine friend, sparking a discussion on whether cats can feel grief. Research indicates that cats may show behaviors similar to grief when a companion animal dies.
Key Facts
- The cat owner shared images on Reddit of their cat lying with a stuffed animal that resembled their deceased dog.
- The post received significant online attention, with over 18,000 upvotes and numerous comments.
- The owner expressed that the cat and dog were close friends, spending much time together when the dog was alive.
- Research published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that surviving cats often show behavioral changes after a companion animal dies.
- These changes include more vocalization, clinginess, withdrawal, and altered eating and sleeping habits.
- The study suggests that cats, like people, might need support when grieving a companion animal.
- People online shared personal stories of pets grieving other animals, echoing the emotional connection discussed in the post.
- The pet owner expressed hesitation about getting another dog, considering possible effects on the cat.
