How do cats sense their owner's death? - briefly
Cats may detect subtle changes in their owner's behavior, scent, or energy, often reacting to the physiological and emotional shifts associated with illness or impending death. Their heightened senses and intuitive nature allow them to perceive these alterations before they become apparent to others.
How do cats sense their owner's death? - in detail
Cats possess highly developed senses and an acute awareness of their environment, which may allow them to detect subtle changes associated with their owner’s health or impending death. Their keen sense of smell enables them to detect chemical changes in the body, such as the release of specific hormones or pheromones that occur during illness or stress. Cats are also sensitive to changes in their owner’s behavior, such as reduced movement, altered routines, or shifts in energy levels, which they may interpret as signs of distress or decline. Additionally, cats are attuned to emotional cues, and they can sense shifts in their owner’s mood or emotional state, often responding with increased attention or comforting behavior. Some anecdotal accounts suggest that cats may exhibit unusual behavior, such as staying close to their owner, vocalizing more frequently, or displaying restlessness, in the days or hours leading up to a significant event like death. While scientific evidence on this topic remains limited, the combination of their sensory abilities and emotional intelligence may explain why cats appear to have an intuitive understanding of significant changes in their owner’s condition.