Will a cat miss its owner if the owner is not at home? If you have a cat. You may wonder if they miss you when you’re away from home. Whether for a short period of time or for an extended period of time. The answer is yes, cats can miss their owners, especially if they have a close bond with you. Signs that your cat misses you include waiting at the สมัครสมาชิก UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีทุกวัน door for you meowing, and even displaying aggressive behavior.
Cats bond with their owners more than you might think
Jennifer Van de Kieft, a cat behavior and feeding trainer and owner of Cat Advocate, explains that, contrary to popular belief. Cats can bond with you when you groom them and keep them happy. That’s why your cat may feel sad or lonely when you’re away from home.
Read on to find out how to tell if your cat misses you and how to help them feel safe. While you’re away. We’ll also cover separation anxiety in cats and when to seek help.
5 Signs Your Cat Misses Its Owner
“Cats are very repetitive creatures. So they’re used to you going to work and coming home each day,” says Jennifer Van de Kieft. However, she says if you’re away from home for long periods of time, your cat may struggle because they need something to do and a way to stay active.
Although there isn’t much research on signs that your cat misses you, many cat parents report behavioral issues when they’re separated.
Jennifer Van de Kieft says the following signs could mean your cat is missing you:
- Increased vocalization: Your cat may become more vocal, such as meowing and purring, to communicate with you and get your attention.
- Waiting at the door: Some cats will sit by the door or run to the door when they hear you come home to show that they are happy you are back.
- Feeling depressed: If your cat is sleeping more or eating less while you’re away, they may be depressed or experiencing separation anxiety.
- Destroy your things: When cats are lonely, they may drop things, scratch furniture, or chew on non-food items.
- Aggressive: Your cat may display aggressive behavior toward its caregiver by growling, pawing, or biting. Van de Keeft says this could be a sign that they’re upset because you’re not there.
How to Help Your Cat Feel Safe While You’re Away
If your cat misses you when you’re away, you can help them feel safe and happy, which can help stop some unwanted behaviors.
Create a good bond
Van de Kieft says it’s a good idea to give your cat some attention and independence when you’re home. This can help them feel better when you’re not there.
“Have positive, consistent, and predictable human-cat interactions,” adds Dr. Jennifer Feeney, a veterinarian and pet behaviorist at Better Bond Behavior. For example, give your cat a little attention regularly while you’re home.
Cats like some attention, but not too much. Too little can make them feel stressed or anxious.
Create a safe space
Dr. Feeney says cats need a safe hiding place, such as a cat condo, a window ledge or even a cardboard box with holes in it. The space should be about the size of your cat and high up so they can see around.
If you have more than one cat, Dr. Feeney says each cat should have its own food, water, litter box, toys, and bed. Cats like to have their own space and belongings because they are territorial.
Be careful about the smell
Dr. Feeney explains that safe scents can calm your cat. Avoid strong scents, such as scented cleaning products or cat litter, when you’re not home.
You can also use a pheromone spray or diffuser, which emits calming signals without any scent.
Give your cat the chance to play and hunt.
Cats are natural hunters, and Dr Feeney says indoor cats can become bored if they can’t chase things, which can make them feel anxious or display bad behaviors.
When you’re at home, spend time every day playing with your cat. Use toys like a magic wand that your cat can chase or large toys that they can kick and fight with. You can also use food puzzles that have your cat “hunting” for their food.
Providing entertainment
Entertainment can keep your cat busy and happy while you’re away, Dr. Feeney suggests:
- Quiet sounds: such as videos of birds or squirrels, or soft sounds.
- Cat Toys: Beat boredom with fun toys, including electronic toys that turn on and off.
- Automatic Feeder: Provides a standalone activity by delivering treats or food to your cat when you are away from home.
Hire a pet sitter
If you’re going to be away for a few days, Dr. Feeney recommends having a pet sitter stop by at least once a day to make sure your cat has food, water, and attention.
Let your cat meet the caregiver before you leave to help them feel comfortable.