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Minx · Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 2:05 pm Post subject: Do pets mourn?

That was an interesting topic today. Maybe it's just my sense of humour, but the cat in the old people's home that nestles up to people and then they die next day, brought to mind visions of old people leaping out of bed and legging it whenever the cat walks in the room. Very Happy

Also the woman who said that after her dog died, the cat (who had been very fond of the dog) jumped on her chest one day and nipped the woman's nose gently before wandering outside and under the wheels of a lorry, in her mind, committing suicide. Jeremy's comment? "If the cat bit my nose it wouldn't have to commit suicide" Laughing

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Minx

To err is human, to forgive - canine.

SantaFefan · Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 2:37 pm Post subject:

I didn't hear much of the discussion but I tend to get annoyed at subjects like this because it usually belittles the contributors as it did recently when the tables were turned and we heard people mourning their pets demise.
What exactly does "mourn" mean anyway? if all it means is one entity missing the other upon death then of course they would. I can only really apply that to dogs however.. I have a cat but cats seem very distant companions compared to dogs.
My Newf act's differently when Mrs SF is away for a weekend.. so I'm sure her temperament would change for a while at least if that was the last she saw of her.
( she sleeps on her pillow when she's away! )
I'm not convinced that an animal would commit suicide.. unless Radio 2 was on between 7 and 9am...
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Briant · Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 2:44 pm Post subject:

'Old Shep' has gone where the good doggies go! Don't forget 'Ol' Tige' either, who came back to guide Jim Reeves to safety after he had been dead for three years. Ol' Tige, not Jim! Laughing

RockitRon · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 7646

Well, there is anecdotal evidence of pets who seem to be able to sense impending danger, illness or death, and certainly dogs' behaviour changes if their pack leader (owner) goes away or dies. I suppose they could pine so much that they refuse food and starve to death, but I think instinct is stronger - Greyfriars Bobby kept vigil at his owner's grave for 14 years, but sneaked off for his dinner at the local restaurant when he got peckish.
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Ron