Do Cats Miss Their Owners?

Source: © Shutterstock

Some people believe cats own us. It might be true because these feline pets are difficult to decipher. One minute they are all over you, demanding attention. The next minute, they want nothing to do with you, and all they wish is to stay away from you. These interesting behaviors might make you wonder, do cats miss their owners? Here are some interesting tell-tale signs that your cat misses you while you’re away.

1. They get overly affectionate

According to PetKeen, even the least affectionate of cats can get overly affectionate all of a sudden, the minute you get home. You notice how clingy they get as soon as you open the door. They will stand there until you slip right in. Some even know the sound of your car and won’t hesitate to wait for you downstairs to welcome you back. Try this experiment; call your cat by their names while outside the door. Do they meow back as a sign of approval? If so, you will know your feline friend missed you big time. Other ways cats display affection include:

• Curling up next to your lap
• Frequent meowing and purring
• Trying to lick/groom you
• Headbutting or rubbing against your face
• Staying in the same room as you

Also, try staring at your cat for five minutes. Do they blink slowly while maintaining eye contact? If the answer is affirmative, you’ll know your cat loves you and can’t wait to be by your side when you come home.

2. Seeking attention

Like dogs, cats like seeking attention, mainly if you’ve been out of their sight for minutes, hours, or days. They might do so by obsessively rubbing their bodies against your legs or howling. Some cats might put anything distracting you from them away. For example, if you’re working on a project via your laptop, they might stand on the keyboard or sit beside it to get your attention. While you might not have 24 hours to give your cat undivided attention, the little things they do make them adorable. According to Pets Radar, cats display shadowing behavior when they’ve missed you. They follow you everywhere you go because they imagine you will leave them again. Also, they won’t leave your side even for a second if they suspect you’re about to leave the house.

3. They can become destructive

Have you noticed your cat scratching anywhere else besides their scratching posts? Perhaps, they were once well-behaved and have resorted to doing something to get on your nerves. Again, it’s a cry for attention, indicating that they are bored or lonely. Other cats might pee anywhere besides their litter boxes. Unless you’re a dog person, you won’t understand the reason behind their destructive behavior. It could be that they are sick or not happy with a new pet you brought home. Sometimes, it could signify that they don’t like it when you’re away from home. This is a perfect opportunity to take them for clinical assessments with a vet or cat behaviorist.

4. Throwing tantrums due to separation anxiety

Human children cry when away from their caregivers but will stop after some time. Cats also suffer separation anxiety, but they have different ways of expressing it. Some may engage in destructive behavior or seek excess attention. Other ways to know your cat suffers separation anxiety include:

• Peeing or pooping outside their litter boxes.
• Meowing excessively
• Going overboard with grooming
• Persistently seeking their parent’s attention

5. They show signs of depression

Do you remember the first time your parent took you to school and left you with total strangers? It might have been devastation not knowing if they’ll come back to pick you up. But as you grew, you felt at ease, and the crying stopped. The same happens to cats left at home alone. You will know your cat is depressed when:

• They suddenly lose or gain weight
• They cry excessively
• They lose their appetite
• They become inactive and antisocial
• They stop grooming themselves
• Another sign of depression is curling their tails inwards or positioning their ears at the back of their heads.

How to keep your cat from acting out due to separation anxiety

It’s impossible to be around your cat every time, regardless of your connection with them. However, there are many ways to help them cope with being alone when you’re away.

1. Engage them mentally through toys

Cats can get bored when in an environment that spells uptight. If your cat acts out and has destructive behavior, it’s time to get them toys. Since cats are different, it’s essential to know which toys they find entertaining. Some cats love a ball of yarn or artificial insects. Either way, toys are excellent mental stimulation objects that can keep them engaged until you return from work.

2. Find someone to look after then when you’re away

If you’re going to be away for weeks, the best solution to keep your cats from acting out is by asking someone to pop in and spend time with them. Start by asking your friend to come earlier before you leave so that your cat can warm up to them.

3. Make your house cozy

One of the reasons cats act out is because there might not be enough food until you come back. Your cat might want to look for food when its supplies run out. This can be dangerous as they can get attacked by other animals. They might also engage in risky behavior like stealing food from neighbors. You can prevent all these from happening by putting enough food and water. Another way to make your house cozy is by getting them a cat bed. You can spread your scarf on their beds to ensure they feel your scent. A cat in a relaxed environment will know that you’re close by regardless of the distance between you two.

Conclusion

Unless your cat is uptight, you have no reason to doubt they miss you. Every cat has a different way of expressing how it missed you. So, when you notice a behavior change, try the tips mentioned above to help them cope with being alone.