Do cats and dogs grieve when their owner dies? Study reveals "grief reactions are similar to those of young children", bereavement may last for months

Do pets really grieve the loss of a family member?

A dog named "Pudding" lost nine of his beloved family members in a plane crash on South Korea's Jeju Air late last year. After the incident, Pudding stood guard in front of his house every day, looking into the distance with sad eyes, as if waiting for his master who would never return. This heartbreaking scene makes us think: Do pets really grieve over the loss of a family member?

Although pets cannot fully understand the concept of "farewell", they do feel sad when they lose their family members or companions. In 1996, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) conducted a survey on cat owners and found that the most obvious reaction of cats after losing their companions was a change in their meowing, loss of appetite, changes in sleeping habits, shifts in activity areas, and behavior towards their owners such as becoming more attached. In 2016, New Zealand researchers further discovered that the reactions of cats and dogs after losing their companions are very similar to those of young children who have lost a family member, indicating that pets do have deep emotional connections.

How long does a pet's grief last?

Many experts point out that it can take weeks to months for a pet to recover from the loss of a family member or companion; in close-knit groups of wild animals, grief can even last for years. When faced with these pets who have experienced bereavement, we can provide assistance in the following ways:

• Maintain daily routine, including consistent feeding times and continued outdoor activities such as walking;
• Give more care and companionship;
• Use music therapy or calming aids;
• Provide nutritional supplements;
• Add new toys, cat jumping platform and other entertainment facilities.

Furry kids will eventually come out of their painful and sad mood. If your pet continues to exhibit abnormal excretion, destruction of items, frequent whining and other behaviors, do not scold them, otherwise it will only make them more anxious. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian or behavioral expert as soon as possible.

A dog named "Pudding" lost nine of his beloved family members in a plane crash on Jeju Air in South Korea late last year. Picture taken from North Korea News

Related Post:

• Jeju Air crash: A family of nine died and only it was left... The loyal dog "Pudding" couldn't wait for his owner and his whereabouts were exposed
• Nine people from one family died in Jeju Air crash! The loyal dog Pudding sent his owner on his last journey and bowed to the memorial tablet to say goodbye. Everyone burst into tears.