Cats meowing and crying when owner leaves
Cats often meow or cry when their owner is leaving the house or leaving the room. This is one of the most common ways cats express that they will miss you when you are gone. Cats are very attached to their owners and meowing is their way of saying “don’t go!” or “I wish you didn’t have to leave”. The meows may start as soon as the cat sees you putting on your coat and shoes or packing up your keys and bag. The meowing may get more persistent and louder as you head towards the door. Some cats will follow their owner to the door crying and rubbing against their legs begging them not to go. As soon as the door is shut, some cats will scratch at the door or let out loud yowls as if calling for their owner to come back. This pining behavior is a sure sign your cat will miss you while you are gone.
Changes in behavior when owner is away
Cats often exhibit changes in their normal behavior when their owner is away for extended periods of time. This change in routine is a signal that they are missing their owner. Some of the ways a cat’s behavior may change include:
– Increased vocalization – In addition to meowing when their owner leaves, some cats will meow constantly or yowl loudly throughout the house while their owner is gone. This vocalization is a sign they are searching for their missing owner.
– Changes in sleep patterns – It is common for cats to sleep more than usual when their owner is gone, sometimes even taking over their owner’s bed. This behavior shows they are bored and sad without their favorite human around.
– Changes in eating habits – Some cats will eat less than normal when their owner is gone, likely due to stress or depression. Other cats may overeat out of boredom. Any major changes in food consumption habits could signal a cat is missing their owner.
– Increased affection when owner returns – Cats who are highly attached to their owner will show extra affection when reunited after a period of separation. Purring, rubbing, kneading, and head-butting are ways cats may communicate how much they missed their owner while they were apart.
Signs of separation anxiety
Some cats with separation anxiety have very strong reactions to being left alone. Separation anxiety occurs when a pet develops a phobia about being left alone. Signs of separation anxiety that indicate a cat really misses their owner include:
– Destructive behavior – Cats may scratch furniture, knock things off counters, chew on non-food items, or have accidents outside their litter box. This acting out shows their stress when home alone.
– Excessive vocalization – Loud meowing, crying and yowling when alone. The cat is calling out for their owner.
– Constant activity – The cat may pace, run around the house, and seem unable to settle down when their owner is gone. Their anxiety keeps them constantly on the move.
– Escaping – Trying to dart outside or hide could be a sign the cat is desperately trying to find their owner.
– Aggression – Some anxious cats will exhibit unusual aggression towards owners when reunited. This likely stems from the stress of separation.
If a cat is showing multiple signs of separation anxiety, it indicates they have a very hard time coping when their favorite human is away. Their extreme reaction is a sure sign the cat misses that person immensely.
Greeting owner enthusiastically upon return
One of the most obvious ways cats communicate they missed their owner is through their ecstatic greeting when the person returns home after a period of absence. Most cats come running to the door when they hear their owner arriving back home. They may meow excitedly, rub against their owner’s legs, raise their tail straight up, purr loudly, and head-butt or lick their owner. Some cats even do playful jumps or hops when reunited with a well-loved owner. This over-the-top show of affection is a cat’s way of saying “You’re back! I’m so happy to see you!” An enthusiastic welcome is a clear sign your cat missed you while you were separated.
Bringing gifts or presents
Some cats bring “gifts” as a way of communicating with their owners. One theory is that this gift giving is a cat’s way of showing love and trying to provide food for their owner, the same way a mother cat would for her kittens. When a cat brings dead mice, birds or other prey and present them to their owner after a period of absence, it may be their way of showing they hunted for their human while they were gone and are happy to have them return. This gruesome gift is actually meant as a thoughtful “welcome back!” present.
Becoming clingy and attentive
Many cats become extra clingy with their owner after returning home from a trip or long absence. They may follow you from room to room, sit right next to you or on your lap whenever possible, nap beside you on the couch, and demand more frequent petting and attention. This clingy behavior shows how much they depend on you and missed your presence while you were gone. Since they love being near you, they want to spend as much time together as possible upon your reunion. Think of this attention as your cat saying “I really missed you, please don’t leave again!”
Exhibiting signs of depression
In some cases, cats may become depressed when separated from a beloved owner for an extended time. Signs of depression include:
– Lethargy – Sleeping more, low energy, lack of interest in toys and activities
– Changes in grooming – Cat may stop grooming entirely or overgroom specific areas
– Appetite changes – Eating less food or treats than normal
– Hiding – Spending more time under furniture or tucked away by themselves
– Lack of responsiveness – Not responding to voices, petting, or stimuli
If a cat is extremely bonded to one person, their absence can be very distressing and lead to classic signs of depression. Once the owner returns, the cat usually reverses back to more normal behavior. But in the interim their sadness shows just how deeply they were affected by the separation from their favorite human.
Staying close to familiar smells
Cats have a very strong sense of smell, so clinging to familiar scents is a way for them to feel comforted and close to their absent owner. When left alone, cats may sleep on their owner’s bed, nuzzle clothing with the person’s scent, or perch on a favorite chair that smells like them. Surrounding themselves with the familiar person’s smell likely provides reassurance and minimizes feelings of loneliness while missing that special person.
Ways cat owners can ease separation anxiety for their cats
– Leave out worn, unwashed clothing with your scent
– Provide a comforting familiar bed, toys and scratching posts
– Leave a radio or TV on for companionship
– Use synthetic feline pheromones like Feliway to help calm stressed cats
– Provide interactive feeders and toys to keep them stimulated and entertained
– Arrange for a pet sitter or trusted friend/family member to visit
– Keep your departure low key and avoid prolonged goodbyes
– Schedule regular playtime and affection right before leaving the house
Conclusion
Cats form deep attachments to their owners and truly miss that special person when they are gone. There are many signs cats display that communicate they are longing for their absent owner, from crying at the door to presenting gifts upon their return. Understanding these behaviors provides insight into just how much your cat adores you and the joy they feel when reunited after separation. With patience and support, cats can learn to better tolerate periodic absences, but their excited greetings and extra affection make it clear just how much you were missed!