How can you tell if your cat is lonely?
Do cats get lonely? Cats can experience loneliness. This is a common misconception. You can help your cat feel happier when home alone by learning how to recognize loneliness. There are many ways you can keep your cat’s spirits up when you’re not home.
How to tell if your cat is lonely?
Many cat parents know that cats can be notoriously shy about their emotions. If you take the time to observe your cat, you will see that they can express many emotions in their way. Vocalizing is just one-way cats express their self.
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine explains that loneliness often manifests itself in depression or separation anxiety. Signs of loneliness include:
- Excessive grooming
- Excessive vocalization (howling or crying)
- Excessive clinginess
- Avoid eating and drinking
- Hiding
- Trembling, shaking
This behaviour could occur when your cat is ready to leave or return home. Your veterinarian should be contacted immediately if your cat displays extreme behavioural or physical changes.
You Can’t Leave Your Cat Alone
Psychology Today explains that cats are not only independent but also social animals. They thrive on interactions with people. Even cats with pet siblings can feel lonely if they are separated from their owners.
How long can a cat stay home by itself without its family? It all depends on the cat. While most adult cats can live alone for eight to ten hours a day, cats can experience loneliness. Senior cats, mischievous kittens and cats with medical or behavioural issues and special needs cats will benefit from at least one daily check-in. Even if food, water, and toys are provided, it is not a good idea for your cat to be left alone. This separation can lead to loneliness and boredom and increased behavioural and physical problems.
Enrichment Activities
You can leave your cat alone for any length of time. This will allow you to meet their physical needs and provide mental stimulation. While cats can be lonely when you are away, they can also become bored. What can bored cats do when left alone at home? Many crazy things can be done, such as shredding toilet paper rolls and scratching furniture. These behaviours can be very destructive, but it is important to remember that your cat’s not being spiteful. They are simply communicating their feelings to the owner.
You can provide enrichment opportunities for your cat to help curb loneliness and crazies and protect your house goods. You can provide your cat with mental stimulation and exercise by giving them toys to hunt, puzzles and electronic cat apps that you can download for your phone, tablet or TV. This is what Best Friends Animal Society emphasizes is important for your cat’s overall health and well-being. A cat-designated area in front of an opening window can be a great place for lonely cats to find companionship with other animals.
Find a pet sitter
You may consider hiring a pet sitter if you will be away for a long time or your cat requires attention. Ask your family and friends for recommendations, and interview potential sitters. Another option is cat care. This is a boarding facility that caters to cats only. Your feline friend can socialize with other cats or not and keep their regular schedule.
Are cats lonely if their pet parents are not home? Cats can become lonely if they don’t get enough attention from their owners. Cats love to be with their pet parents. Spend at least ten hours a day playing, grooming and giving affection to your feline friend.
