Can Pets Grieve? Understanding How Animals Mourn the Loss of Companions

Anyone who has watched a dog lie by the door waiting for a companion who will never return, or a cat wandering from room to room calling out for a missing friend, knows the answer instinctively: yes, pets grieve. But how deep does that grief run? What does science tell us about animal mourning? And most importantly, how can we help our surviving pets navigate the devastating loss of their companions? The answers may surprise you -- and they reveal just how profoundly our animals are capable of love.

The Science of Animal Grief: What Research Tells Us

For centuries, the scientific establishment dismissed the idea that animals could experience emotions as complex as grief. That view has changed dramatically in recent decades. Groundbreaking research in animal cognition and ethology has revealed that grief is not uniquely human -- it is a biological response that appears across a remarkable range of species.

Dr. Barbara King, professor of anthropology at the College of William and Mary and author of How Animals Grieve, defines animal grief as a visible change in behavior or emotional state following the loss of a close companion. Her research documented grief responses in species ranging from great apes and elephants to birds, cats, dogs, and even fish.

Key Research Findings: A landmark 2016 study published in the journal Animals by researchers at the University of Milan surveyed over 400 pet owners whose animals had lost a companion. The results were striking: 86% of owners reported behavioral changes in surviving dogs, and 63% reported changes lasting more than two months. For cats, 65% showed at least four behavioral changes after a companion's death.

A separate 2022 study in Scientific Reports confirmed these findings at a neurological level, showing that dogs exhibit elevated cortisol levels -- the primary stress hormone -- for weeks after the loss of a housemate, with the intensity correlating to the strength of the bond between the two animals.

The biology behind animal grief centers on the same neurochemical pathways that underpin grief in humans. Oxytocin, the so-called "bonding hormone," floods the brains of social animals when they interact with companions. When that companion disappears, the sudden withdrawal of oxytocin -- combined with spikes in cortisol and norepinephrine -- produces a stress response that manifests as behavioral changes we recognize as mourning.

Perhaps most fascinatingly, research suggests that the depth of an animal's grief correlates not with species or breed, but with the strength of the individual relationship. Two cats who spent years grooming each other may produce a more intense grief response than two dogs who merely coexisted in the same house. The bond itself -- not the species -- is what matters.

Signs of Grief in Dogs: When Your Pack Is Broken

Dogs are pack animals whose entire social architecture depends on stable relationships. When a member of the pack dies, the surviving dogs do not simply "move on." They experience a genuine rupture in their social world, and their behavior reflects the depth of that disruption. If you are navigating the broader experience of losing a canine companion, our complete guide to dog loss covers every aspect of the journey.

Behavioral signs that your dog is grieving:

Searching and waiting: Dogs may repeatedly visit their companion's favorite spots -- a bed, a sunny window, a place in the yard. Some will sit by the door or watch the window, apparently expecting their friend to return. This searching behavior can persist for weeks or even months.
Loss of appetite: A grieving dog may refuse meals or eat significantly less than normal. In severe cases, dogs have been known to stop eating entirely for days, which can become a medical concern if it persists beyond 48 hours.
Vocalization changes: Whining, howling, or quiet whimpering -- especially at night or when passing the deceased companion's belongings -- is one of the most heart-wrenching signs of canine grief. Some dogs howl in a way they never did before, almost as if calling out.
Lethargy and withdrawal: A normally energetic dog may lose interest in walks, refuse to play fetch, or spend extended periods lying in one spot. This is not laziness; it is the canine equivalent of depression.
Clinginess: Many dogs become significantly more attached to their human family members, following them from room to room, insisting on physical contact, and showing distress when left alone.
Sleep disruption: Restlessness at night, sleeping in unusual locations (often their companion's bed), or sleeping far more than usual are all common grief responses.
Regression in training: House-trained dogs may have accidents. Dogs who knew commands may seem to forget them. This regression is not willful disobedience -- it reflects genuine emotional distress.
Changes in social behavior: Some dogs become withdrawn around other dogs at the park, while others become unusually needy for social interaction, as if trying to fill the void left by their companion.

The duration and intensity of canine grief varies widely. Some dogs show acute distress for a few weeks before gradually returning to normal. Others display subtle changes in personality that persist for months. A 2016 study in the journal Animals found that 35% of grieving dogs showed reduced appetite for more than two weeks, while 30% exhibited increased sleep duration for a similar period.

Signs of Grief in Cats: The Quiet Mourners

The myth that cats are aloof and emotionally detached has been thoroughly debunked by modern behavioral science. Cats form deep, complex social bonds -- and they grieve with a quiet intensity that is easy to overlook if you do not know what to look for. For a comprehensive understanding of feline loss, our complete guide to cat loss offers detailed support.

How cats express grief:

Increased vocalization: Cats who lose a companion often meow more frequently, more loudly, and in tones that sound distinctly different from their normal vocalizations. Some emit long, wailing cries, especially at night. Researchers believe this is a calling behavior -- the cat is literally searching for their friend with their voice.
Searching and pacing: A grieving cat may systematically search the house, checking under beds, in closets, and behind furniture. This methodical searching can continue for days and is one of the most reliable indicators of feline grief.
Changes in grooming habits: Some cats stop grooming themselves, resulting in a dull, unkempt coat. Others begin over-grooming obsessively, sometimes to the point of creating bald patches, particularly on their belly or inner legs.
Appetite disruption: Cats are especially vulnerable to the medical consequences of appetite loss. A condition called hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) can develop in cats who stop eating for as little as two to three days, making appetite monitoring critical.
Litter box changes: Grieving cats may stop using the litter box, begin urinating in unusual locations, or show changes in their elimination patterns. This is not a behavioral problem -- it is a stress response.
Personality shifts: A previously independent cat may become clingy and demanding of attention. Conversely, a social cat may withdraw and hide for extended periods. Both extremes are normal grief responses.
Sleep location changes: Cats often begin sleeping in their deceased companion's favorite spots, curling up in a bed, a particular chair, or a sunny window that "belonged" to the other cat.
Altered play behavior: A cat who once played actively may lose all interest in toys and interaction, or may begin engaging in repetitive, anxious behaviors like excessive scratching or obsessive kneading.

Research by the ASPCA found that 46% of cats ate less after losing a companion, 70% showed changes in vocalization patterns, and 46% became more clingy with their owners. Perhaps most tellingly, many of these behavioral changes persisted for six months or longer, suggesting that feline grief can be a prolonged experience.

How Other Animals Grieve: Birds, Rabbits, Horses, and Beyond

Grief is not limited to dogs and cats. Across the animal kingdom, species that form strong social bonds exhibit mourning behaviors that are both profound and scientifically documented.

Birds: Grief That Can Be Fatal

Birds are among the most intensely bonded creatures on the planet. Parrots, cockatoos, and cockatiels can form lifelong pair bonds, and the loss of a mate or close companion can trigger grief responses so severe they threaten the surviving bird's life.

Feather destruction: Grieving birds may pluck out their own feathers compulsively, sometimes stripping themselves nearly bare. This self-mutilating behavior can lead to skin infections and requires veterinary intervention.
Complete appetite refusal: Some birds stop eating entirely, and because of their high metabolic rates, this can become life-threatening within 24 to 48 hours.
Persistent calling: A bird who has lost a companion may call for them continuously, producing loud, repetitive vocalizations that can last for hours. This calling can persist for weeks.
Loss of learned behaviors: Talking birds may stop speaking. Birds who knew tricks may cease performing them. Some become completely silent and still.
Aggression or fearfulness: A previously tame bird may begin biting or become fearful of interaction, as the loss has disrupted their sense of security.

In the wild, crows have been observed holding what researchers describe as "funerals" -- gathering around a dead crow, vocalizing, and remaining silent for extended periods. Magpies have been seen laying grass next to dead companions, and geese are known to refuse food and become severely depressed after losing a mate.

Rabbits: Bonded Pairs and Devastating Loss

Rabbits are highly social animals who form exceptionally close bonds with their partners. The loss of a bonded mate can be physiologically devastating.

GI stasis: Stress-induced gastrointestinal stasis is one of the most dangerous consequences of rabbit grief. When a rabbit stops eating due to grief, their gut can shut down, creating a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.
Sitting by the body: Rabbits allowed to see their deceased companion often sit beside the body quietly, sometimes grooming it or nudging it gently. Many rabbit rescue organizations recommend allowing this time, as it appears to help the surviving rabbit understand what has happened.
Thumping and restlessness: Some rabbits express grief through foot thumping, restless circling, or repeatedly rearranging their living space.
Withdrawal from interaction: A rabbit who was once curious and social may retreat to a corner, face the wall, and refuse to engage with their environment.

Important note: Because of the risk of GI stasis, a grieving rabbit who stops eating should be seen by a veterinarian within 12 hours. This is a genuine medical emergency, not simply a behavioral concern.

Horses: Grief That Runs Deep

Horses are herd animals with complex social structures and long memories. They form deep, enduring bonds with both equine and human companions, and their grief responses can be remarkably intense.

Calling and searching: A horse who has lost a companion may pace the fence line, calling out repeatedly. Some horses will refuse to leave the area where they last saw their companion.
Refusal to eat: Horses may go off their feed for days after a loss. Given their sensitive digestive systems, prolonged appetite loss can lead to colic.
Depression and lethargy: Horses may stand in one spot for extended periods, head lowered, eyes dull. They may lose interest in turnout, riding, and interaction with other horses or humans.
Herd dynamics disruption: The loss of a herd leader or close companion can destabilize the entire group, leading to increased aggression, anxiety, and jostling for social position among the remaining horses.
Physical symptoms: Stress-related colic, weight loss, and immune suppression are all documented consequences of equine grief.

Guinea Pigs, Ferrets, and Other Small Companions

Small mammals are often underestimated in their emotional capacity, but their grief responses are well documented.

Guinea pigs are social animals who can become severely depressed when a cage mate dies. In Switzerland, it is actually illegal to own just one guinea pig because of how deeply they depend on social companionship.
Ferrets form strong bonds and may search frantically for a lost companion, refuse food, and become uncharacteristically lethargic. Some ferret owners report their surviving ferret sleeping in the exact spot where their companion used to rest.
Rats have been shown in laboratory studies to exhibit grief-like behaviors, including reduced food consumption, increased stress hormones, and a reluctance to engage in previously enjoyable activities after losing a cage mate.

Should You Let Your Pet See the Body?

This is one of the most frequently asked and deeply personal questions surrounding pet grief. The answer is nuanced, and there is no single right approach -- but the evidence leans toward allowing it when circumstances permit.

The Case for Allowing Contact: Multiple animal behaviorists, including Dr. Marty Becker and Dr. Barbara King, suggest that allowing surviving pets to see, sniff, and spend time with the body of their deceased companion can provide a form of closure. In the wild, animals routinely encounter the bodies of deceased group members, and this exposure appears to help them adjust to the loss.

Research on elephants, dogs, and rabbits has shown that animals who are allowed to investigate a deceased companion's body tend to show less searching behavior afterward. They seem to understand, on some level, that their companion is gone -- rather than simply missing.

Practical guidance: If you choose to allow this, keep the interaction brief and supervised. Place the body in a neutral, comfortable location. Allow the surviving pet to approach on their own terms -- never force the interaction. Some pets will sniff briefly and walk away. Others will lie beside the body for a time. Both responses are normal.

When it may not be appropriate: If the deceased pet was euthanized due to a contagious illness, if the body has been significantly altered by trauma or advanced illness, or if the surviving pet shows extreme fear or aggression toward the body, it may be better to skip this step. Additionally, if the death occurs at a veterinary clinic and the body cannot be brought home, do not feel guilty -- many pets adjust perfectly well without this experience.

Whether or not your surviving pet sees the body, they will still process the loss. The absence of their companion is itself a powerful signal. What matters most is how you support them through the adjustment period that follows.

Helping Your Grieving Pet: A Comprehensive Guide

Supporting a grieving pet requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to adjust your own routines. Your surviving pet is looking to you for stability and reassurance during what is, for them, a profoundly disorienting experience. For families with multiple remaining pets, our guide on managing grief in multi-pet households provides additional strategies.

Maintain Routine and Structure

Consistency is one of the most powerful tools you have. Animals derive enormous comfort from predictable routines, and when their social world has been upended by loss, routine becomes an anchor.

Keep feeding times consistent: Even if your pet's appetite has decreased, offer meals at the same times each day
Maintain exercise schedules: Continue walks, play sessions, and outdoor time at their usual times
Preserve bedtime rituals: If your pet has a nightly routine -- a treat, a specific sleeping spot, a period of quiet time together -- keep it intact
Avoid major environmental changes: This is not the time to rearrange furniture, change food brands, or introduce new people or animals into the home

Provide Extra Comfort Without Reinforcing Distress

This is one of the trickiest aspects of supporting a grieving pet. You want to comfort them, but you also want to avoid inadvertently reinforcing anxious or depressive behaviors. The key is to reward and encourage normal behavior rather than responding primarily to distress signals.

Do This

Praise and reward any interest in food, play, or exploration
Offer calm, gentle physical contact
Introduce new enrichment activities gradually
Spend extra quality time in quiet companionship
Maintain a calm, stable emotional tone in the home

Avoid This

Excessive coddling every time the pet whines or acts distressed
Dramatically changing your own behavior or routine
Forcing interaction or play when the pet wants space
Punishing regression behaviors like accidents or destructiveness
Projecting your own grief in ways that increase the pet's anxiety

Environmental Enrichment and Distraction

Gentle increases in mental and physical stimulation can help redirect your pet's focus and encourage engagement with their environment:

Puzzle feeders and food toys: Encourage eating while providing mental stimulation
New walking routes: Novel environments can spark curiosity in dogs
Interactive play: Laser pointers for cats, tug toys for dogs, foraging activities for birds
Calming aids: Pheromone diffusers (Adaptil for dogs, Feliway for cats), calming music, or anxiety wraps can help take the edge off acute distress
Social exposure: If your pet is social and willing, supervised playdates with familiar animals can help fill the social void

Natural Supplements and Veterinary Support

For pets experiencing severe or prolonged grief, several interventions may help. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement or medication.

L-theanine: An amino acid found in tea that promotes calm without sedation
CBD products: Some pet owners report benefits, though research is still emerging
Prescription medications: In cases of severe anxiety or depression, veterinarians may prescribe anti-anxiety medications for a limited period
Bach Rescue Remedy: A flower essence blend used by many pet owners for stress relief
Veterinary behaviorist consultation: For complex or prolonged grief responses, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist can create a tailored treatment plan

Behavioral Changes to Watch For: Normal Grief vs. Medical Emergency

While grief is a normal and expected response to loss, certain behavioral changes can signal a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention. Understanding the difference between normal mourning and a health crisis could save your surviving pet's life.

Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet:

Refuses all food and water for more than 24 hours (12 hours for rabbits or birds)
Shows signs of self-harm: excessive licking creating open wounds, head pressing against walls, or feather plucking that exposes skin
Develops physical symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, or trembling that are not part of their normal stress response
Becomes severely aggressive toward family members or other pets without provocation
Shows sudden neurological changes: circling, disorientation, seizures, or inability to walk normally
Displays extreme lethargy to the point of being unresponsive to stimuli that would normally provoke a reaction

Normal grief behaviors that will resolve with time:

Reduced appetite (eating less but still eating some food)
Sleeping more or in different locations
Increased clinginess or temporary withdrawal
Mild vocalization changes (whining, meowing more than usual)
Temporary loss of interest in play or exercise
Searching behaviors that gradually diminish over weeks
Occasional accidents in previously house-trained pets

Most healthy pets begin showing signs of adjustment within two to six weeks, with full recovery typically occurring within two to six months. However, some pets -- particularly those who lost a deeply bonded companion -- may show subtle personality changes that persist indefinitely.

If you are experiencing your own form of lingering grief responses, such as sensing your departed pet's presence in the home, our article on phantom pet syndrome explores why these experiences are normal and how to navigate them.

When to Get a New Companion for Your Surviving Pet

The question of when -- or whether -- to bring a new animal into a home where a pet has died is one that weighs heavily on many families. There is no universal timeline, and the right answer depends on your surviving pet's temperament, your family's readiness, and practical considerations. We explore this topic in depth in our dedicated guide on when to get a new pet after loss.

Signs Your Pet May Be Ready for a New Companion

Return to baseline behavior: Eating, sleeping, and playing at or near normal levels
Social seeking: Showing interest in other animals during walks, at windows, or during visits
Boredom signals: Destructive behavior, excessive attention-seeking, or restlessness that suggests a need for companionship rather than grief
Stable emotional state: No longer displaying acute distress signals like searching, excessive vocalization, or severe clinginess
Positive previous social history: Animals who have always enjoyed the company of other pets are more likely to welcome a new companion

Signs It Is Too Soon

Ongoing acute grief: Still refusing food, searching compulsively, or showing severe anxiety
Less than one month has passed: Most behaviorists recommend waiting at least four to eight weeks minimum
Your own grief is unresolved: A new pet adopted to "replace" a lost companion rarely fills the void and may create unfair expectations
Medical issues: If your surviving pet has developed health problems related to stress, address those first
Negative social history: Some pets genuinely prefer being the only animal and may have been stressed, not comforted, by their previous companion

Making the Introduction Successful

If you do decide the time is right, remember that a new companion is not a replacement -- they are a new relationship entirely. Introduce animals slowly, in neutral territory when possible, and give your surviving pet plenty of space to adjust at their own pace. Many shelters and rescue organizations offer trial adoption periods, which can be invaluable in determining whether the match is right for everyone.

What Animal Grief Teaches Us About Love

Perhaps the most profound lesson of animal grief is what it reveals about the nature of love itself. When a dog lies on their deceased companion's bed, or a cat calls out for a friend who will never answer, or a horse stands at the fence line staring at an empty pasture, they are demonstrating something that needs no scientific study to understand: love is not a human invention. It is a force of nature, woven into the biology of every creature capable of forming bonds.

Your pet's grief is not a problem to be solved. It is evidence of love -- love that existed between two beings who shared a home, a life, and an unspoken understanding. Honoring that grief, rather than rushing past it, is one of the most compassionate things you can do for your surviving pet.

Be patient. Be present. Maintain the routines that anchor your pet's world. Offer comfort without hovering. Watch for warning signs without becoming anxious yourself. And know that, in time, your pet will find their footing again -- changed by the loss, but not broken by it.

The bond your pets shared was real, meaningful, and worthy of remembrance. Just as we create memorials for our human loved ones, honoring the relationship between your pets -- the play, the grooming, the shared naps, the quiet companionship -- is a beautiful way to acknowledge that love transcends species, and loss is the price we pay for having loved at all.

Honor the Bond Between Your Pets

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