Cats are often considered to be uncaring or disinterested toward their human family members, but this isn't true. Although cats don't need as much constant attention as most dogs, they do connect and bond with their humans, and they feel unhappy when separated for too long.
A: Cats can get lonely, depressed and anxious on their own. Each cat is different and will respond according to their personality and habits. If you have to leave your cat alone regularly for longer periods of time, watch out for signs of depression and cat separation anxiety.
It's true that cats are solitary beings: they know how to take good care of themselves. This also means that (unlike dogs) they don't necessarily depend on people when it comes to attachment and security. Research has shown that cats don't show signs of separation anxiety when their owner is away.
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.
“One study showed that some cats show signs of separation anxiety when left; these cats were most likely to urinate outside their litter boxes or be destructive. Another study showed that cats don't attach to their owners in these ways, and respond to strangers in the home the same way they respond to owners.”
Vacations are meant to be fun for people, but due to the change in routine, they can, unfortunately, be a cause of stress for cats and result in behavior problems and separation anxiety. Cat behavior problems can occur during the owner's absence, while being transported, or when the owner returns.
Cats feel separation anxiety when their owners leave for extended periods of time, or when changes to the schedule are made abruptly. An emotional response to sudden shifts occurring at home, separation anxiety can be subtle enough that signs of distress are entirely missed or misunderstood.
Cats form attachments to their owners that are similar to those that dogs and babies form with their caregivers. You really are more than just a source of food to your cat: A study published Monday finds that cats see their owners as a source of comfort and security, too.
Anyone simply "present" in their life is someone they may remember, but not associate with any emotion. But as long as you and your cat have shared a pet or two, and as long as you fed them a few of their favorite meals, your cat will remember you as well no matter how long you are gone.
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.
Conclusion. Most cats don't understand that kisses from humans are a sign of affection. A cat will surely let you know if they enjoy being kissed or not. The best ways to show your cat that you love them are to give them toys, treats, and plenty of one-on-one time.
They can remember a person's face for up to 10 years! And kitties become seriously attached to their humans, so in case you were wondering, yes, your cat remembers and misses you when you're gone for a few weeks, and they absolutely mourn when a trusted companion drops out of their life.
How long can cats safely be left alone? Most adult cats are fine being left home alone for up to 24 hours, under the right conditions (more on that below). If you need to leave for two or three days, a full week, or longer, you should make sure someone is coming over to care for your cat daily.
Here are a few tips from a Woodland vet to help you get over that guilt and keep kitty happy and content when you're not around. Keep Your Feline Companion Busy – If you provide plenty of activities and toys to play with, your cat will be so busy playing that they may forget you're even gone!
They get up close. Cats are very protective of their personal space and don't like unwelcome guests to invade it. If a cat allows you to get close to them, that suggests a close bond, particularly where the contact is frequent or long lasting. Curling up on your lap for a nap is a sign of deep trust.
The good news is, despite their reputations for being antisocial, cats love bonding and they do forgive and forget. So, if you're at a loss as to how you're going to rebuild trust and affection with your cat, don't fret.
Even if you've been separated for a while, it's likely that they will still recognise your smell and voice, although it's difficult to say exactly how long they will remember you for. They will be more likely to recognise you if you are reunited in the context of their familiar home environment.
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.
They're trying to bond with you.
Most cats simply cuddle with you for the sake of bonding. And let's face it, this is such a precious thing that we may often crave even more than our kitty does! It's important to provide your pet with lots of attention and love, and cuddling is a purrfect way to ensure they get it.
Lying next to you, but not on you, doesn't mean your cat is not bonded to you. In fact, sleeping next to you means your cat trusts you enough to be in a vulnerable position while sleeping. Some cats are not comfortable sleeping on their cat parent because they prefer the security of a small buffer zone.
Though they may seem antisocial at times, the fact of the matter is that your cat LOVES you, and really hates it when you're gone. Leaving your kitty alone for an extended period of time will likely cause serious anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior.
As any pet parent will tell you, cats don't like it when their humans leave the house. Whether cats destroy your belongings or their own, they're good at getting their point across! Cats are very exact in their actions, so make no mistake: she'll let you know she's unhappy that you're gone.
Keep your cat entertained with toys
Classic toys like plush catnip mice, bell toys and even cardboard boxes can entertain some cats for hours. But if you really want to bring some excitement while you're gone, interactive electronic toys are the best toys for bored cats.