Love, Loss, and Loyalty: How Cats and Dogs Mourn Their Owners

When we talk about crying, we usually picture someone shedding tears, expressing deep emotions like sadness or joy. It's a distinctly human way of showing how we feel. But what about our pets? Can cats and dogs cry when they’re sad or grieving, especially when they lose someone they love, like their owner? The answer might surprise you—it’s both simple and complex.

Tears vs. Emotional Expressions

First, let’s break down what we mean by “crying.” In humans, tears are triggered for two reasons: either to protect the eyes from irritants or as an emotional response. We cry when we’re sad, frustrated, or even happy, with tears flowing as a physical sign of our feelings.

Cats and dogs also produce tears, but for them, it’s purely a biological function. Their eyes water to stay lubricated or flush out debris. However, these tears aren’t linked to emotions. So, while your pet’s eyes might water, it’s not because they’re crying out of sadness or grief.

But does this mean that cats and dogs don’t feel sadness or grief? Not at all. They absolutely experience emotions, and when an owner dies, their reactions can show us just how deep those emotions run.

Do Cats and Dogs Feel Grief?

Cats and dogs are capable of strong emotional bonds, especially with their human companions. When they lose an owner, their reactions can mirror the grief we humans feel. The absence of a beloved person in their life can cause emotional distress, and their behavior reflects this.

Dogs, in particular, are known for their loyalty and deep connection to their owners. When an owner passes away, a dog may exhibit signs of depression, anxiety, and confusion. They might wait by the door, expecting their owner to come back, or become withdrawn, refusing food or play. Dogs have even been known to sit by their deceased owner’s belongings or bed, unwilling to leave a space that carries the scent and memory of their person.

Cats, though often considered more independent, can also show signs of grief when their owner dies. Some cats will meow more frequently, seeking the attention and affection they’ve lost, while others may withdraw, hiding in quiet spaces or refusing to eat. Their attachment to their owner may not always be as obvious as a dog’s, but cats grieve in their own way.

How Pets React to Loss

When a pet loses their owner, their behavior often changes dramatically. These changes can include:

• Refusing to eat: Dogs and cats may lose their appetite and show little interest in food, which is one of the most common signs of distress after an owner’s death.

• Restlessness or lethargy: Some pets may become listless, lacking the energy or enthusiasm they used to have. They may sleep more or wander around the house, searching for their lost companion.

• Separation anxiety: Pets that are used to being with their owner most of the time may develop severe separation anxiety after the loss. They might whine, bark, or meow frequently, seeking comfort and security in the absence of their owner.

• Depression: Just like humans, pets can sink into depression after losing a loved one. Dogs, in particular, may show signs of sadness, such as avoiding interaction, becoming unusually quiet, or even vocalizing their pain through whining or howling.

These behaviors can persist for weeks, even months, after their owner’s death, as pets struggle to adjust to the absence of their constant companion.

Famous Stories of Grieving Pets

There are many heartwarming and heartbreaking stories of pets grieving their owners. One of the most famous examples is the story of Hachiko, a loyal Akita in Japan who waited at a train station every day for nearly ten years after his owner passed away, still expecting his return. His loyalty has been honored with a statue in Tokyo, a testament to the deep emotional connection between pets and their humans.

Another well-known example is Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier from Scotland, who stayed by his owner’s grave for 14 years, never leaving the cemetery. These stories, while exceptional, highlight the profound bond between pets and their owners and how grief can shape their behavior long after their owner is gone.

How to Help a Pet Grieve

Just like humans, pets need time and support to cope with their grief. If your pet is grieving the loss of an owner, here are some things you can do to help:

• Stick to a routine: Pets find comfort in familiar routines. Keeping their schedule as consistent as possible—feeding them at the same times, going for regular walks, and maintaining bedtime habits—can provide them with a sense of stability in an uncertain time.

• Offer comfort: Spend extra time with your pet, offering physical affection if they seek it. Dogs may appreciate more playtime or walks, while cats might prefer quiet companionship. Your presence can reassure them in the absence of their previous owner.

• Create a soothing environment: Familiar items, such as their owner’s belongings, can provide comfort. A favorite blanket or a piece of clothing with the owner's scent can help ease the transition.

• Watch for signs of depression: If your pet continues to show signs of deep depression—such as refusing to eat, hiding excessively, or showing no interest in activities they once loved—it might be time to consult a veterinarian. In some cases, medication or behavioral therapy may be necessary to help your pet cope.

Can Pets Recover From Grief?

With time, most cats and dogs do recover from the loss of their owner. Their behavior will gradually return to normal as they adjust to the new reality of their lives. However, the process can take weeks or months, depending on the pet and the depth of their bond with their owner. Some pets may always carry a certain sadness with them, much like humans who never fully recover from the loss of a loved one.

Do Cats and Dogs Cry for Us?

In the human sense of shedding emotional tears, cats and dogs don’t cry. But their ability to feel and express grief is very real. They may not have the tears to show it, but their behavior—whether it’s a dog lying in their owner’s favorite chair or a cat meowing endlessly at a door that will never open again—tells us everything we need to know about their emotions.

When we lose a pet, we feel the loss deeply, but it’s important to remember that pets feel loss too. They need time, patience, and understanding as they navigate their own grief. Through love and care, we can help them heal, just as they help us in our own moments of sadness. In the end, our pets don’t cry for us in the way we might imagine, but their loyalty, affection, and quiet grief speak volumes about the bond we share with them.