Cats may seem independent, but they vary in how they feel about being alone. While they are usually content with their own company, in some cases they miss their human companions.

Will my cat miss me?

While we can't directly compare cats' emotions to ours, studies have shown that cats form strong attachments to humans. A 2019 study suggests that cats show signs of stress when separated from their owners.

“Cats are capable of forming deep emotional bonds,” says Stephanie Merlin, a feline behaviorist and owner of The Fulfilled Feline.

For cats accustomed to being alone during the day, brief absences like day trips aren't usually a problem. However, cats accustomed to constant companionship may feel different when left alone for extended periods of time, such as during a vacation.

“Cats are very attuned to daily activities and patterns,” notes Marci Koski, founder of Feline Behavior Solutions. Deviations from the norm, such as extended absences, are more likely to have an impact on their mood.

Recognizing Loneliness in Cats

Cats express themselves with their behavior and body language. While they can't verbalize loneliness, there are signs that attentive owners can spot.

According to Merlin, common behaviors that may indicate loneliness include:

Persistent meowing or excessive clinginess
Scratching furniture
Knocking objects off surfaces
Refusing to use the litter box
Chewing on forbidden objects
Excessive grooming

However, these behaviors may also indicate a medical problem. If such behaviors persist, a visit to the veterinarian is recommended to rule out a health issue.

Supporting Your Cat While You're Away

If you're going to be away for a while, there are ways to make sure your cat stays comfortable and safe while you're gone:

Keep them in their home environment
Cats are creatures of habit and their familiar surroundings provide comfort. Moving them to a friend's house or boarding facility may cause unnecessary stress. “Unless boarding is absolutely necessary, it's best to leave your cat at home,” Merlin says.

Hire a pet sitter
A reliable pet sitter can maintain your cat's routine while you're away. They can feed the cat, change the cat's water, clean the litter box, and provide interaction to minimize loneliness.

Use a Pet Camera
A pet cam allows you to monitor your cat remotely and even interact with them through two-way audio or a snack dispenser. While it's not a replacement for human interaction, it can give you peace of mind and ensure your cat is doing well.

Provide fun activities
Cats need stimulation to avoid boredom. Consider leaving it behind:

Scratching posts
Cat climbers or shelves for climbing
Window sills for bird watching
Motion-activated or educational toys

While toys don't completely alleviate loneliness, they can help keep your cat entertained until you return.

Final Thoughts

Cats may not feel as lonely as humans, but they can sense the absence of their favorite people. Understanding their needs and taking steps to provide enrichment and companionship can help your feline friend feel safe and happy, even when you're not home.