Do Pets Understand "The Death of a Companion"?—Considering the Grief of the Animals Left Behind

The term "pet loss" has become widely recognized today. Whether it's a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, hamster, reptile, or fish, the sorrow of losing a long-time companion cannot be adequately expressed by the simple phrase "the pet died." There's no sound of paws in the morning. You realize you no longer need to set out the dishware. The gaze that used to greet you upon returning home is nowhere to be found. These small absences repeatedly pierce the heart in every corner of daily life.

But is it only humans who feel this loss?

This is precisely the question posed by Jacqueline Boyd, an animal scientist at Nottingham Trent University, in an article for The Conversation, republished on Phys.org. When a person loses a beloved pet, what do the other pets living in the same household feel and understand? Do they know "death"? Or are they simply reacting to changes in their environment and the emotions of their owner?

The starting point of the article is Boyd's own experience. She lost her Cocker Spaniel, Bobby, after a severe diagnosis of oral melanoma. During the period from diagnosis to farewell, she experienced what is known as "anticipatory grief," a psychological state where one repeatedly preempts the impending separation of a loved one in their mind.

Bobby himself likely did not understand the diagnosis or prognosis in the way humans do. According to the article, Bobby continued his usual behavior—running, playing, carrying sticks, and watching other dogs. This led Boyd to focus not only on Bobby but also on the emotions and behaviors of the dogs left behind.

Eventually, the day of parting came. Boyd brought Bobby's body home and laid him on the lawn in the garden, allowing the other Spaniels to see him. Most of the dogs sniffed lightly and then wandered off into the garden. However, Bobby's nephew and friend, Bertie, was different. He stayed by Bobby's side, sniffing, licking, and examining him as if to confirm his state. Boyd and Bertie spent about 30 minutes quietly by Bobby's side.

This scene is more of a personal observation than scientific proof. Yet, many pet owners may have experienced similar moments. Dogs searching for the bed of a deceased companion. Cats continuing to meow in their usual spot. Pets suddenly losing their appetite. Conversely, some may appear unchanged. These differences in reactions do not mean that animals feel nothing; rather, they suggest that their ways of feeling and expressing emotions may differ from humans.

Do Animals Have a Concept of "Death"?

Humans understand death through complex layers of meaning, such as the cessation of function, irreversibility, farewell, memory, fear, religious views, and life perspectives. However, we cannot expect animals to have the same understanding. The question is not whether animals understand death like humans, but how each species reacts to death within their cognitive abilities and sensory world.

In the field of comparative thanatology, which studies how animals react to death, animal responses to death are considered from two main perspectives. One is an evolutionarily ingrained functional response. For example, social insects sometimes exhibit behavior of carrying dead bodies out of the nest, which is considered a hygienic behavior to reduce the risk of infection or decay, rather than an expression of grief.

The other is a seemingly more emotional response observed in animals with strong social bonds. Elephants, dolphins, orcas, primates, and birds have been observed to stay near, carry, touch, or protect deceased companions or offspring for extended periods. Notably, the orca Tahlequah gained worldwide attention in 2018 for carrying her dead calf for 17 days. In 2025, the same individual was observed carrying another deceased calf, prompting renewed discussion on animal maternal bonds and grief responses.

Of course, we should be cautious about declaring such behaviors as "the same grief as humans." Animals cannot verbally express "sadness." There may be an element of humans projecting their emotions. Nonetheless, many observations and studies have shown that some animals exhibit special behaviors towards deceased companions.

How Do Dogs Change When They Lose a Companion?

Regarding dogs, a well-known study published in Scientific Reports in 2022 examined behavioral changes in dogs left behind after a companion in the same household passed away, based on reports from 426 Italian dog owners.

Reported changes included decreased food intake, reduced play, changes in sleep patterns, increased attention-seeking from owners, and decreased activity levels. Interestingly, it was not just the length of cohabitation that mattered, but the quality of the relationship between the deceased and surviving dogs. In other words, not just living in the same house, but playing, sleeping, and acting together may influence the reactions of the surviving dogs.

However, there are points to be cautious about in this study. Since the survey is based on owner reports, the owners' own grief may have influenced their observations. Owners who have just lost a beloved dog may become sensitive to small changes in the surviving dog. Therefore, while researchers view the behavioral changes in dogs as "grief-related responses," they remain cautious about equating them entirely with human grief.

Nevertheless, the fact that dogs react to the absence of a companion aligns with the experiences of many owners. The walking partner is gone. Meal times, sleeping places, playmates, and household hierarchy change. For dogs, the death of a cohabiting dog is not just the absence of one dog but a change in the structure of daily life itself.

Bertie's behavior, as described in Boyd's article, can also be considered in this context. It is unclear to what extent his sniffing, licking, and staying by Bobby's body signifies "understanding death." But at the very least, he was confirming Bobby's different state and showing some reaction to it.

Do Cats Grieve Too?

Compared to dogs, cats are often seen as "preferring solitude," "cool," and "indifferent to companions." However, recent studies have also examined cats' reactions to the death of cohabiting animals.

A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science in 2024 analyzed owner reports on the behavior of cats after losing a cohabiting dog or cat. It was reported that cats with a good relationship with the deceased animal tended to experience reduced sleep, eating, and play. Additionally, cats that spent a long time together showed increased attention-seeking behavior and fearfulness.

These results challenge the simplistic view that "cats do not need companions." Of course, not all cats react the same way. Rather, cats are sensitive to changes in their environment, and they may be reacting to changes in the house's smell, sounds, movement patterns, and the owner's behavior. However, this too can be considered part of the "impact of loss."

When humans lose someone, the sadness is not only because that person is gone. It's also because the rhythm and habits associated with that person disappear. For cats and dogs, the death of a companion may be both a loss of relationship and an event that changes the arrangement of their world.

Voices of "My Pet Was Like That Too" Stand Out on Social Media

This theme easily gathers reactions on social media because the content of the research and articles touches on the personal memories of many pet owners.

As far as can be confirmed through public searches, Boyd herself posted on Instagram and Facebook about the publication of this article on The Conversation, with notes on pet loss and grief. She indicated that it was her 50th article, but it held a "bittersweet" meaning because it dealt with Bobby's death. Although it was a professionally written piece, it also reflected her personal loss as a pet owner.

Additionally, around The Conversation UK's Facebook post and social media posts dealing with dog and cat cognition and behavior, there are anecdotes such as "My cat changed after losing a sibling," "The surviving dog was looking for the deceased one's bed," and "Conversely, my cat didn't change at all." The reactions are not one-sided. While there are voices of emotional empathy, there are also cautious views like "Humans might be projecting emotions" and "We need to look at differences among animals."

This variability is crucial. On social media, there is a tendency to quickly turn animal grief into heartwarming stories. Dogs staying by deceased companions, cats refusing to eat, animals not leaving graves—such stories evoke strong empathy. However, not all pets show visible reactions. A lack of response does not mean they are cold or had a shallow relationship.

Social media anecdotes cannot replace scientific research. However, they can provide clues to the subtle changes within households that research may not capture. It's important to read both the narratives of owners and scientific investigations, being aware of their respective limitations.

Should You Let Surviving Pets See the Deceased?

Many pet owners who read Boyd's article may wonder whether they should let surviving pets see their deceased companions.

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, if the situation allows and a safe and calm environment can be arranged, it may be meaningful to give surviving animals time to confirm the scent and state of the deceased companion. At least Boyd reflects positively on having given Bertie that time.

Animals do not understand the world solely through sight. For dogs and cats in particular, scent is extremely important information. It might be different to accept absence if they can confirm the scent and physical changes rather than having a companion suddenly disappear.

However, there are cases where it may be difficult. If the pet died in a hospital, it might not be possible to bring the body home. In cases of infectious disease or accidental death, it may not be appropriate to show the body. There may also be cases where the surviving pet becomes extremely agitated or aggressive. There is no need to force a meeting, and owners should not feel guilty if they don't facilitate one.

What is important is to carefully observe the behavior of the surviving pets for a while. Appetite, sleep, elimination, activity level, vocalization, approach to the owner, time spent hiding, willingness to go for walks. If significant changes continue, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian, considering the possibility of physical illness or stress response, rather than simply attributing it to grief.

The Owner's Grief Also Affects the Surviving Pets

When considering pet loss, we must not forget the possibility that surviving animals are reacting not only to the deceased companion but also to changes in the owner.

The owner is crying. The tone of voice is different. Walk times are disrupted. The house becomes quiet. Unusual events like visitors, cremation, and cleaning continue. These changes are significant environmental changes for dogs and cats. Dogs are known to react sensitively to human emotions, and cats are also affected by changes in the owner's behavior patterns.

In other words, the anxiety and behavioral changes of surviving pets may be a combination of "reaction to the companion's death" and "reaction to the owner's grief." This does not deny the grief of animals. Rather, it indicates that loss is occurring at the family level.

When humans are grieving, surviving pets are also losing a support structure in their lives. Therefore, maintaining daily routines as much as possible can be helpful. Meals, walks, play, talking, sleeping places. It's not necessary to do everything perfectly, but regaining a predictable rhythm can provide reassurance to both animals and humans.

Avoid Imposing "Human-Likeness" and Do Not Underestimate Emotions

When considering animal grief, we tend to fall into two extremes.

One is to completely humanize animals. Assuming that because a dog stayed close, it "understands death and is crying like a human." Interpreting that because a cat stopped eating, it is "in deep despair." Such views, while full of empathy, risk overlooking the sensory world of the animals themselves.

The other is to underestimate animal emotions. Dismissing it as "just instinct," "they don't understand," or "it's just a change in food and environment." This also underestimates the fact that animals build social relationships, learn from experiences, and respond to changes.

What is needed is a stance that stands in the middle. Animals are not humans. However, they are not emotionless machines either. They may not understand death in the same words or concepts as humans, but they can react to the absence of a companion, changes in scent, disruptions in routines, and changes in social relationships. And among those reactions, there may be what we want to call "grief."

The charm of Boyd's article lies in the coexistence of scientific caution and the realization of a pet owner. Observing Bertie's behavior, she did not scientifically conclude, but still felt, "He knew Bobby was gone." That feeling exists in a place separate from the conclusions of research papers. However, for those who live with animals, it is a very poignant truth.

Pet Loss Is Not "A Solitary Grief"

When a pet dies, people are overwhelmed by their own grief. However, there may be others in the household who also feel the change. We cannot fully know what or how much the surviving dogs or cats understand. Still, paying attention to their behavior can lead to a collective re-evaluation of the relationship with the deceased pet as a family.

When to put away the deceased pet's dishes. Whether to keep the bed. Whether to change the walking route. Whether to welcome a new companion for the surviving pet. There is no single correct answer to these decisions. What is important is to gradually reorganize life without rushing based solely on human convenience, while also observing the remaining animals.

One dog may sit by a deceased companion for 30 minutes. One cat may seem unaffected. One pet may stop eating, while another may become more affectionate with the owner. Each of these is their own reaction to change.

Pet loss is not just a human story. It is an event where all the relationships, smells, habits, and silences shared in the home change. Therefore, we should approach the remaining pets with observation rather than assumptions, and with consideration rather than projection.

The time Bertie spent quietly by Bobby's side in the garden was not a scientific conclusion. However, it is enough to leave a question for those who live with animals.

They do not grieve in the same words as we do.
Yet, in their world, might there also be a space left by "someone who is no longer there"?

Source URL

Published on Phys.org: "Pet loss is difficult for people—what about for other pets?" A repost of an article from The Conversation, referencing Jacqueline Boyd's experiences and an overview of responses to death by dogs, cats, dolphins, elephants, primates, and insects.
https://phys.org/news/2026-05-pet-loss-difficult-people-pets.html

University page for verifying the original article on The Conversation. The list of contributions to The Conversation by Nottingham Trent University confirms the article was published on May 8, 2026.
https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/the-conversation-expert-opinions

Scientific Reports study on behavioral