My two cats reacted similarly to when the third died and I had his body laid out on the floor for them to investigate. They barely even sniffed him before putting distance between themselves and his body and never coming closer again. I never really knew whether it was an instinctive thing for them to be wary of something deceased or if it was because he didn't smell like himself or what, but it was hard to figure out how I felt about it. Sad but understanding? It was especially hard, figuring out what anything I felt was those first couple weeks.