Cats can sense how people are feeling, so your cat actually can tell when you're sad. “Cats can definitely sense when you are sad because they are highly attuned to your normal behaviors and moods, and if there is a change, they sense it,” Dr. Wooten told
It appears that cats can sense human moods as well as depression. Cats are observant and intuitive, and this allows them to understand emotional cues from humans. So when you are depressed, they can sense that too. In particular, cats may come in closer proximity when their fur parents are depressed.
Cats just don't have the emotional depth to make this connection. And while they may comfort you in your time of feeling sad, it's important for you to recognize their sadness for what it is: a sign that something is habitually wrong.
Over 80% of respondents report that their cats can sense their physical and/or emotional pain. And more than 50% of respondents report that their cats sense both physical and emotional pain. Less than 20% of cat owners said that their cats neither sensed emotional pain nor physical pain.
Some cats do it to show that they trust and love their human, while others may do it to seek comfort and security. Sometimes, a cat may lay on their human chest if they're feeling stressed or anxious. If your cat lays on your chest, there are a few things you can do to encourage them to feel comfortable and secure.
Overall, these studies prove that cats can interpret human emotions, including depression and anxiety, to a certain degree. Your cat will often act in accordance with the visual and auditory cues that you are giving off, such as crying or anxious motion, and they will change their behavior correspondingly.
Your Heartbeat Is Soothing To Them
Much like human babies, one of the reasons that kittens love to sleep near their mothers is because they can hear and feel her heartbeat and this soothes them. Even as adults, cats can still find your heartbeat reminiscent of the comfort and safety of lying close to their mother.
Sleeping with you provides them with security and an extra defense if a predator should launch a nighttime attack. They sleep with you because they trust you, they know you're not a danger and you can also provide an extra layer of defense if needed.
Even cats that constantly fight can grieve the loss of a feuding partner. While no-one will ever know if a cat understands death, they certainly know that a fellow housemate is missing and that something has changed in the house.
If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.
When you make a crying sound, you are communicating in cat language & when you cry your cat wil recognize that as being hurt & he is soothing / comforting you. Some cats will stop & pull away if they think they've hurt you, some will approach to see whats wrong, some will flee away.
All in all, even the most aloof and brooding cat will be able to pick up on your warmth and devotion. Whether they choose to admit it or not, they can sense when a person loves them (and hates them). So always make sure you're emitting good, kitty-positive vibes, and your cat will be sure to indulge in the lovefest.
Signs Cats Worry About Their Humans
Recent studies have shown that cats notice if their humans are absent, especially for a longer period of time than it takes to go buy milk. When the human returns, the cat who was so affectionate before may walk away or appear to sulk.
To summarise, cats don't think about their day or how they feel. But they do think about previous situations they have encountered. For example, when your cat is chilling out, it's not thinking about anything in particular.
According to new research from Nottingham Trent University, cats also notice when we're stressed out or anxious, and can be less healthy as a result.
They will miss you when you're away because you're the source of their love and affection. Kitties love to play and interact with their owners. They will miss playing with and chasing you when you aren't at home. Cats have an amazing sense of smell and will miss your scent when you aren't around.
Despite their reputation for being aloof, most cats crave attention, especially from their favorite people. Cats get lonely when you're not around and will beg for attention when you are. One way they do this is by sitting on your lap; it's hard to ignore them when they're right on top of you!
Cats remember previous owners, regardless of whether the owner was an attentive or careless one. Cats have a great memory for the people they spend a long time with. So, they do not forget the previous owners even after being rehomed or re-sheltered.
Your cat follows you into the bathroom because they want to be a part of this daily ritual. Your cat may also follow you into the bathroom because they associate your routine with something else. For example, your kitty may have figured out you always feed them after your morning shower.
You're the favorite.
Cats, like many other pets, can bond more closely with one family member. The reasons for this are varied, but generally speaking, it is the person who cares for them each day.
Sleeping near your head may be simply a matter of a cat finding a soft place to nap. After all, your head is usually on a soft pillow when you are lying down. Your head also moves around less than the rest of your body while you sleep, so your cat is less disturbed.
Your cat may lie on your chest as a way of saying "you are mine." Your cat's scent remains on you for other animals to detect. You are seen as important, and your cat may be staking his claim on you for the other pets to see. This may happen more in multi-pet households when animals are competing for your attention.
Your Cat Stares at You to Show Affection
Cats can use staring as a nonverbal way of communicating. Even though a long, unblinking stare may not be the best way for humans to show affection, when your fur baby does this, it may mean they're showing love to their favourite owner.
One of the reasons why do cats lay on your chest healing might be because they are stressed or feeling unwell from the inside. When they climb up to the chest, make sure to wrap their arms while petting their heads gently to soothe them down.