Cats also experience loss and are able to grieve: scientists have named signs that your pet is unwell

A new study shows that cats feel the death of their friends who lived with them in the same territory. They show signs of grief, which can be seen in poorer sleep, attention, and a desire to spend more time alone.

In the new study, researchers recruited 412 cat owners who were interviewed about the immediate and long-term changes observed in the animal after the death of another pet. The results showed that behavior varied depending on the cat's relationship with the deceased animal, MailOnline reports.

"The longer the cat lived with the deceased animal, the more it was noticeable that they were grieving," the researchers explained. Not only that, but the owner's relationship with the deceased cat also influenced the reaction of the living cat.

"This suggests that our feline friends can mirror the grief of their guardians," the scientists added.

The team hopes that the results will help challenge the stereotype of cats as aloof and antisocial.

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