Do Pets Understand Time… and Their Own Mortality?

Ishan Banerjee | Mar 27, 2025, 13:36 IST

There’s a heartbreaking reality every pet owner eventually faces: the knowledge that their beloved companion won’t be with them forever. Whether it’s a dog who greets you every morning with the same joyful enthusiasm or a cat who curls up beside you every night, their time with us feels fleeting. But have you ever wondered—do pets somehow know their lives are shorter than ours? And if they do, how does that shape the way they love and live? This idea, often referred to as the theory of ‘Borrowed Time,’ suggests that animals have an instinctive awareness of their limited lifespan, which influences their behavior. While science hasn’t confirmed this theory outright, countless pet owners have felt that their furry friends approach life with an intensity and gratitude that humans often struggle to maintain. Perhaps, in their own way, our pets are teaching us something profound about how to live.

Do Pets Understand Time… and Their Own Mortality?

Do Pets Understand Time?

To answer the question of whether pets comprehend their shorter lifespans, we must first understand how they perceive time. Unlike humans, who measure time in minutes, hours, and years, animals experience time in a more instinctual and immediate way.

1. The Science of Pet Time Perception

The Science of Pet Time Perception

Studies suggest that animals, particularly dogs, have a biological clock influenced by circadian rhythms, rather than a conscious awareness of time passing. Dogs can recognize daily routines—like mealtime, walks, and when their humans come home—but they don’t “count” days the way we do.
Cats, being more solitary creatures, follow a pattern-based understanding of time, often centered around light cycles and body rhythms.
Smaller animals, like rodents and birds, have faster metabolic rates, meaning they experience life at what we would perceive as an accelerated pace. This could be why they appear to be more energetic or reactive than larger animals.

But does this mean animals don’t sense that their time is limited? Not necessarily. While they may not grasp the concept of aging in the way humans do, they do experience physical decline, pain, and the changing dynamics of their environment.

Signs That Pets Might ‘Know’

There are countless anecdotal stories from pet owners suggesting that animals do, in some way, understand the fragility of life.

1. The Way Older Pets Behave Differently

Many pet owners notice a shift in behavior as their pets age:

Dogs who were once playful and energetic may become more gentle and affectionate.
Cats who were independent might seek out more companionship and comfort.
Some older pets seem to have “farewell” moments, where they spend more time with their owners, almost as if they are preparing to leave.

This change in demeanor has led many to believe that animals, at some level, recognize their time is running short.

2. Stories of Pets Saying Goodbye

There are countless stories of dogs leaving their homes to pass away in solitude, a behavior observed in wolves and wild animals as well.
Some pets have been seen comforting their humans in times of distress, as if they want to ensure their owner is okay before they leave.
Many pet owners report that their beloved animals spend extra time with them in their final days, showing a level of emotional awareness that is hard to explain.

Could it be that pets don’t just sense their own mortality—but ours as well?

Do Pets Sense Their Owners’ Mortality?

There is compelling evidence suggesting that pets can detect illness, sadness, and even approaching death in humans. Dogs have been trained to sense cancer, diabetes, and seizures before symptoms become apparent. Cats have been known to curl up beside terminally ill patients in hospitals, as if providing comfort in their final moments. This uncanny ability makes the theory of Borrowed Time even more fascinating. If pets can sense the fragility of human life, is it too far-fetched to believe they understand their own?

What We Can Learn From Our Pets

Regardless of whether pets are fully aware of their shorter lifespans, they live in a way that suggests an understanding of what truly matters. There are a few key lessons we can take from them:

1. Live in the Moment

How Pets Do It: Pets do not dwell on past mistakes or worry about the future. They enjoy every second of their existence—whether it’s running in circles with excitement, rolling in the grass, or basking in the sun. They embrace joy without hesitation.
Lesson for Us: Humans tend to get caught up in regrets about the past or anxieties about the future. We spend too much time worrying about things beyond our control, missing out on the present. By living in the moment, just as pets do, we can experience more happiness, mindfulness, and peace in our daily lives.
Example: Imagine watching a dog playing fetch. The dog isn’t thinking about what happened earlier in the day or worrying about tomorrow—it’s simply fully present in the excitement of the game. If we adopted this mindset, we'd experience greater joy in everyday moments.

2. Love Without Hesitation

How Pets Do It: Pets show love unconditionally. A dog doesn’t care if you had a terrible day at work—it will still run up to greet you with excitement. Even a seemingly aloof cat will find its way to your lap when it needs comfort. Pets never hold grudges, never withhold affection out of spite, and always forgive quickly. Their love is pure and fearless.
Lesson for Us: Humans, on the other hand, often hesitate to express love due to fear of rejection, past heartbreaks, or pride. We sometimes hold grudges or let misunderstandings create distance. Pets remind us that love should be expressed freely and without fear—because we never truly know how much time we have left with the people (or animals) we care about.
Example: If a pet parent has been away for a long time, their pet still welcomes them back with the same excitement, no matter how much time has passed. This is a reminder that love should not be measured by time or circumstances—it should simply be given.

3. Find Joy in the Small Things

How Pets Do It: Pets don’t need extravagant things to be happy. A dog’s tail wags just at the sight of its owner. A cat finds comfort in a sunlit windowsill. A parrot gets excited over a simple head scratch. Their happiness is derived from the simplest moments.
Lesson for Us: Humans often tie their happiness to grand achievements—getting a promotion, buying a new car, or taking an expensive vacation. While these are wonderful, they are rare. If we always wait for these "big moments" to feel happy, we miss out on the small, everyday joys that make life beautiful. Learning to appreciate simple pleasures—like a good meal, a conversation with a friend, or watching the sunset—can bring more fulfillment.
Example: A dog can play for hours with an old toy, finding endless joy in it. If we learned to find happiness in the little things around us, we wouldn't need constant external validation to feel content.

4. Be Loyal and Kind

How Pets Do It: Pets remain devoted to their owners no matter what. They don’t judge based on appearances, financial status, or social standing. They don’t hold grudges, criticize, or abandon the ones they love. They are simply there—faithful, loving, and present.
Lesson for Us: In a world where relationships can be fragile and often transactional, pets teach us the value of unwavering loyalty and kindness. True relationships—whether with family, friends, or partners—should be built on unconditional support and presence.
Example: A dog that has been adopted from a shelter will often stay forever loyal to the person who saved it. This reminds us that kindness and loyalty create deep, meaningful bonds that stand the test of time.

Borrowed Time as a Gift

The idea of Borrowed Time isn’t just about pets—it’s about us, too. If we knew our time was limited, wouldn’t we live differently? Wouldn’t we spend more time with those we love, let go of unnecessary worries, and cherish every moment? Perhaps that’s why pets live the way they do—not because they fear time running out, but because they understand that every moment counts. So the next time your dog greets you with uncontrollable joy, or your cat purrs beside you on a quiet evening, remember this: to them, every second with you is precious. Maybe we should learn to see life the same way.

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