It’s easy to have mixed feelings about leaving your cats alone. On the one hand, they are independent creatures that seemingly are happy in their own company. On the other hand, surely, they will feel lonely if left alone for hours on end?
The answer is complicated. Cats do form emotional bonds with their owners but without craving the attention the likes of dogs need. Let’s try to decipher what goes through your cat’s mind when left alone.
The Science of Feline Attachment
Cats don’t display emotions in the same way as dogs but still form strong bonds with humans. A study showcased that the large majority of cats will develop a bond with their humans in a similar way to dogs and children.
It has long been debated whether cats are social or solitary. However, this secure attachment shows that cats not only recognize their owners but also feel stressed when separated from them.
However, it’s important to note that some cats are more affectionate than others. Added to this, they will form stronger bonds with some humans than others. This means their level of attachment will change, which can impact whether or not they will get lonely.
Do Cats Recognize Their Owners?
Yes, but exactly how they recognize us is debated. Cats don’t see the full range of colors we do, and also don’t have as good close or far vision. That being said, it has been proven cats can recognize familiar humans from photos alone.
More than visual cues, cats rely heavily on scent, sound, and routine to identify humans. Simply put, while the ways cats recognize us are multi-layered, they absolutely do recognize and find comfort in familiar humans.
This recognition is the foundation of the emotional bond they make with you. When you’re absent, your car will immediately notice the change in environment, even if it’s just through smell. For some cats, this can lead to feelings of unease or loneliness.
Cats have excellent memory as this forms a basis of their survival instincts. They know who, what, where and when is safe. When one of these proverbial safety blankets is taken away from them, they won’t be as comfortable.
Signs That Cats Miss Their Owners
The behavior of cats can change if they miss you. If you’re away for an extended period of time and leaving them in the care of others, you’ll want to check for signs that your cat is still happy and content.
One of the signs your cat does miss you is increased vocalization. If they are louder than normal once you return home, this can be them showing relief and excitement. They may also become clingy and start to follow you more than usual.
Until you get home, they can show some negative signs such as changes in their eating habits or even destructive behavior. Finally, if your normally playful cat becomes withdrawn then it’s also a sign they are missing you.
How Long Can Cats Be Left Alone?
The amount of time a cat can be left alone mostly depends on their personality and age. Kittens will need the most care and shouldn’t be left alone for more than a few hours at a time, as they’ll need socialization and supervision.
Adult cats can happily be left for long periods on their own and happily go about their day. In fact, a cat with access to their basic requirements can often be left alone for up to 48 hours without showing boredom or stress.
As we’ve mentioned, cats have good memories. They will soon know your routine and remember that their owner always comes back. While they may be glad when you get home, most adult cats will happily spend 8-12 hours by themselves.
How To Plan the Separation Period
Cats may be independent, but they are also intelligent. Due to this, their mind needs to be kept active. If you lock them in a featureless room, they are quickly going to become bored and stressed. This can lead to them acting out, such as scratching furniture.
Their minds need to be kept active to avoid boredom, they should be given plenty of entertainment options. This includes toys and cat trees, but it can also be as simple as giving them access to a window where they can perch and watch the world go by.
Comfort items and a routine can also help to reduce anxiety. If you are leaving them for periods exceeding 24 hours, then it’s best to leave your cat with a pet sitter. They’ll develop trust with this sitter, and it will reduce feelings of anxiety.
Do Cats Experience Separation Anxiety?
Cats can experience separation anxiety, especially those who have formed close relationships with their owners. Excessive meowing when you leave, urinating outside the litter box, destructive behavior, and overgrooming can all be signs of anxiety.
However, it’s important to check for other things that could make them anxious before presuming it’s the separation. It’s important to make their environment as enriched as possible to make them at ease.
Whether you should take your cat on vacation or not can be difficult to answer. Just like with children attending daycare, sometimes they just need time to adjust to a new routine. If you follow some simple tips, your cat can still be well cared for and learnt that the separation is only ever temporary.
Should You Feel Guilty About Leaving a Cat Alone?
We understand that you asking do cats miss their owners can be another way of you wondering whether you should feel guilty for leaving them alone. It depends on the circumstances, but your cat will usually be happy enough to be left your long periods.
If you are working full-time and need to leave the house every day, this is fine. Your cat may miss you slightly, but they will know you’ll be home eventually. If you are taking weekend breaks away and leaving your cat alone for more than 48 hours, then get a pet sitter.
Whether leaving a cat for 24 minutes or 24 hours, you want their environment to be clean and stimulating. As long as they have a home where everything is provided for them, these amazing creatures are usually happy to have some alone time.
