Cats who are anxious, angry, or upset may make sounds that are similar to a human whine or whimper. These noises are indications of a cat's emotions—and so, in that sense, the animal is crying. But according to researchers, human beings are the only animals that cry tears when experiencing strong emotions or pain.
He's telling you that he's scared, anxious, or something you just touched hurts." Excessively watery eyes aren't a sign that your cat is crying from sadness or pain. Usually, a cat crying tears points to a medical concern like conjunctivitis, a blocked tear duct, or another common eye infection.
The Science Behind Cat Tears
Cats like other animals, do not produce tears for emotional reasons. Instead, felines shed tears as a direct physical response to dust, dried eyes, or other eye-related complications.
Can cats cry tears? The short answer is yes, cats' tear ducts function the same way humans' tear ducts do, but they don't cry emotional tears from sadness or pain. While cats do “cry out in the sense that they may vocalize (meow, yowl, etc.)
If something has happened that startled your cat, they may begin crying to express their fear. If you notice that your kitty's cry has low growls or whimpers mixed in, there's a good chance they are scared and could use some comfort.
Some cats will want to come to you for comfort when they are afraid, while others will want to hide or be left alone. It's always best to respect your cat's choice and don't force them to come to you if they're scared - this could actually make them feel more afraid.
What are the signs of fear? When frightened, some cats may hide, try to appear smaller, pull their ears back and be immobile. Other cats may show signs of agitation or aggression, such as dilated pupils, arched back, pilo-erection (hair standing on end), and hissing.
Low-pitched yowling.
Your cat may be literally crying for help. Mournful howls can be a sign that your cat is feeling sad or depressed, or that they're experiencing pain.
Cats have a reputation for being uncaring and aloof, but according to an animal behavior expert, that couldn't be further from the truth. Anna Chaney—an associate curator at Memphis Zoo who specializes in felines—told Newsweek that cats do have emotions—and just like humans, their feelings are capable of being hurt.
Either way, there's evidence that cats comfort humans when sad. "When pet parents are depressed, cats rub against them more often. It's likely your cat is responding to your emotional state by trying to comfort you or draw your attention," McGowan says.
No, your cat cannot technically laugh, but they have other signs to show that they are happy. Purring is your cat's main way of expressing that they are happy. Some people even consider purring as equivalent to cat laughter. That's fine, but it's not technically the same.
Can cats sense emotions? 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 The Dodo.
Cats alter their behavior when they mourn much like people do: They may become depressed and listless. They may have a decreased appetite and decline to play. They may sleep more than usual and move more slowly, sulking around.
While cats certainly do have emotions, such as grieving or depression, they will never shed tears to show those feelings. If you are concerned about your pet's emotions, look for other signs such as lethargy, withdrawal, or disinterest in food. These issues can also be a sign of illness.
Resist the urge to shout at her or give her any form of attention, even angry attention. Instead, be patient and wait for a brief moment of silence. Immediately give her the attention she craves. If she starts to meow again, walk away, and only return to her when she's quiet.
While we may never know what's truly in the mind of an animal, we know how our cats act towards us, how they behave when we need them, and when they're happy and content. We're pretty sure the case is closed: cats really do feel love.
“Cats don't forgive, and once they realize a person is causing them anxiety or hurt, they keep away.” So says John Bradshaw, an anthrozoologist at Bristol University and author of “Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet.”
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.
What do the noble scholars say regarding this matter: Where we live, the crying of a cat is considered an omen of misfortune, portending a calamity or death.
Think food puzzles to engage minds and bodies, vertical space for climbing and surveying their domain, scratching posts, safe outdoor access (like a catio), window perches and interactive play. “Play is an important part of relieving stress,” Delgado says. “It helps cats release those feel-good hormones.”
Symptoms Your Cat Is Stressed
Scratching up the wall or carpet can be a sign of stress. Spraying and urinating outside the litter box are traditional stress symptoms for cats, even after they've been neutered or spayed. A howling cat that meows excessively may be a sign of stress, as can eating less or sleeping more.
If your cat is healthy, but hiding, leave her alone. She'll come out when she's ready. To force her out of her hiding spot will only make her more fearful. Make sure she has easy access to food, water and her litter box from her hiding place.
When you take on a cat or kitten it may be quiet and wary for the first few days or even the first few weeks until it gets used to you and its new environment. However, some cats remain very fearful despite a gentle welcome and time to settle in.