Cats are often seen as aloof and uninterested in their human family members. However, recent research suggests that cats may actually be more attached to us than we think. While cats may not show their worry through facial expressions, there are behaviors that can be interpreted as concern.
Signs Cats Worry About Their Humans
Studies have shown that cats notice when their humans are absent for a longer period of time. When the human returns, the cat may initially appear indifferent or sulking, but eventually shows affection by rubbing against their legs or meowing incessantly for attention. This suggests that cats may indeed worry about their humans when they are gone.
Cats also seem to be aware of changes in their human’s well-being. They may find a place nearby to purr in sympathy when their human is not feeling well. If a cat comes running or stays by their human’s side for hours, it could be a sign of recognition that something has changed and it involves their human.
When their routine is disrupted by their human’s absence, cats can become anxious. Body language clues that indicate a cat has missed their human include running to them when they arrive home and spending more time than usual in their lap.
Body Language
Signs that a cat may be worried include staring, panting, and pacing. Other signs of concern can include loud meowing, staring at the door, eliminating outside of the litter box, and changes in appetite.
History of Cat and Human Bonds
Before being domesticated, cats lived as solitary animals in the wild. However, for thousands of years, cats have lived alongside humans and developed closer bonds with them. Cats have shown concern for their humans when they are sick or absent for a while.
The Science of Cats’ Attachment to Humans
Research into the social and cognitive skills of dogs has led to a better understanding of their connection with humans. Similar studies are now being applied to cats, and the results suggest that cats are not as aloof as commonly believed. Cats show strong attachment and trust responses to their human caregivers, and they are able to perceive and respond to their humans’ facial expressions and voices.
Training Your Cat To Worry Less
While attachment and dependence behaviors are welcome, excessive anxiety when their humans are not present or showing signs of anxiety or illness can be difficult for some cats. Desensitizing them to your absences by taking short trips outside the home and staying calm when you return can be helpful. Reacting to their anxiety with quiet confidence and gentleness can also help reduce it.
“Behind their aloof facade, cats may worry more about their humans than we realize.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Cats may show signs of worry and attachment to their humans. Despite their reputation for aloofness, cats may actually be more attached to their owners than they let on. They may show concern when their humans are absent for extended periods of time, and exhibit behaviors such as rubbing against their legs or meowing incessantly when they return.
2️⃣ Body language can indicate if a cat is worried. Cats may display certain body language clues when they are worried, such as staring, panting, and pacing. Other signs of concern can include loud meowing, staring at the door, eliminating outside of the litter box, and changes in appetite.
3️⃣ Training and responding to anxiety. To help cats worry less, desensitizing them to your absences by taking short trips outside the home can be helpful. When you return, stay calm and allow your cat to approach you when they’re ready. Reacting to their anxiety with quiet confidence and gentleness can help reduce it when you are home.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can you tell if your cat is worried about you?
– Signs that your cat may be worried include staring, panting, pacing, loud meowing, staring at the door, eliminating outside of the litter box, and changes in appetite.
2. Why do cats show concern for their humans?
– Cats have developed closer bonds with humans over thousands of years of domestication, leading to a sense of attachment and concern for their well-being.
3. What are some body language clues that indicate a cat has missed their human?
– Body language clues include running to you when you arrive home, weaving in and around your legs, staying near you constantly, and spending more time in your lap than usual.
4. Do cats notice if their humans are absent?
– Recent studies have shown that cats do notice if their humans are absent, especially for a longer period of time. They may initially appear aloof or sulking when the human returns, but eventually show signs of affection and attention.
5. How can you help a cat worry less when you’re not at home?
– Taking short trips outside the home to show the cat you’re returning can help desensitize them to your absences. Staying calm when you return and allowing the cat to approach you when they’re ready can also help reduce their anxiety.
