Many cat owners worry about leaving their feline companions at home alone while they are at work or on vacation. It’s natural to wonder if your cat will get lonely or depressed without you there to give them attention and affection. Here is an in-depth look at how cats handle time alone and whether they truly get sad when their owners leave.
Do cats form strong bonds with their owners?
Unlike dogs who are often overtly excited to see their owners return home, cats are known for being more subtle in showing affection. Does this mean they don’t form deep bonds with their human companions? Research indicates that isn’t the case. Studies have found that cats form secure and stable attachments to their caregivers that are similar to human attachment styles. Cats often greet their owners when they come home, vocalize more with their owners than with strangers, and show preference for their owners over unknown people.
Additionally, the majority of cats show signs of separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Common symptoms of feline separation anxiety include excessive vocalization, inappropriate urination/defecation, destruction of property, pacing, aggression, and changes in appetite. This suggests that most cats do form strong bonds with their owners and can experience distress when that person is no longer around.
Why do some cats seem more aloof than dogs?
The perception that cats are more aloof and independent than dogs likely stems from some key differences between the species:
- Cats are prey animals by nature. This makes them more easily startled and cautious around new people or environments.
- Cats communicate in more subtle ways than dogs such as through eye dilation, ear positioning, and tail movements.
- Cats typically show affection on their own terms whereas dogs constantly seek out human interaction.
- Dogs have been selectively bred for thousands of years to be companions to humans whereas cats have only been domesticated more recently.
So while cats may seem more aloof on the surface, research indicates they do form close bonds with their human families. Their innate cautiousness as prey animals likely causes them to express affection in subtler ways that owners must learn to interpret.
Do cats grieve when their owner is gone?
Many cat owners report that their cats seem to grieve when they are away from home for long periods. Common signs of feline grief include:
- Changes in appetite – Some cats eat less or even refuse food entirely.
- Excessive vocalization – Mournful meowing, crying, and yowling.
- Searching behavior – Looking for the lost family member, standing by windows or doors expecting them to return.
- Changes in activity level – Sleeping more or appearing restless and anxious.
- Aggression – Acting out with aggressive behavior due to stress.
- Apathetic behavior – Withdrawing from life and seeming depressed.
These behaviors suggest that cats do grieve the absence of their owners at least for some period of time. How long it takes for a cat to adjust varies based on the individual animal. Some cats may bounce back within a few days while more sensitive cats can take weeks to return to normal behavior.
Do some cats handle alone time better than others?
Just as some people are more extroverted and people-oriented than others, the same applies to cats. Factors that influence how well a cat handles time alone include:
- Age – Kittens under 6 months may struggle more with separation than adult cats.
- Health – Cats with medical issues like hyperthyroidism or cognitive decline are prone to separation distress.
- Breed – Breeds like Siamese are known to be more “talkative” and may vocalize excessively when alone.
- Personality – Shy, anxious cats have a harder time than bold, confident felines.
- History – Cats who experienced previous trauma or abandonment are more prone to separation anxiety.
No two cats are exactly alike when it comes to handling alone time. Pay attention to your individual cat’s body language, vocalizations, and litter box habits when you return home to determine if they struggled in your absence.
Tips for easing your cat’s separation anxiety
If your cat seems to have a hard time when you leave them home alone, there are steps you can take to help ease their separation anxiety:
- Leave out familiar worn clothing with your scent.
- Establish a predictable routine so they know when you will return.
- Provide interactive toys like food puzzles to keep them occupied.
- Plug in synthetic feline pheromones to help them feel calm.
- Leave out multiple water/food bowls in case they don’t want to move.
- Give them access to a window perch so they can watch birds.
- Consider adopting a second cat so they have companionship.
- Ask someone to periodically check on them if you’ll be gone over 24 hours.
With time and treatment, most cats will adjust to being left alone for reasonable periods. It’s important not to scold or punish cats exhibiting separation anxiety as that will only worsen the problem. Be patient, consistent, and loving and your cat’s confidence will gradually build when you are away.
How long can cats be left alone?
There is no set rule for exactly how many hours cats can comfortably be left unattended. Factors to consider include:
- Your cat’s age, health status, and individual personality.
- If your cat will be left with another pet companion.
- Steps taken ahead of time to occupy/enrich the cat while alone.
- Safety measures like keeping toilet lids down and restricting access to balconies.
- Climate conditions – Extremes of hot or cold require shorter time alone.
- How often the cat has been left alone before.
Here are some general guidelines most experts recommend for leaving a cat home alone:
| Cat’s Age | Maximum Recommended Time Alone |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks – 6 months | 4 hours |
| 6 months – 1 year | 6-8 hours |
| 1-7 years | 10-12 hours |
| 8-15 years | 8-10 hours (with another pet) |
| 15+ years | 4-6 hours (with another pet) |
Kittens and senior cats do best with shorter intervals alone, while healthy adult cats can generally manage up to 12 hours on their own. Extending those durations risks triggering separation anxiety, inactivity, urinary issues, and problem behaviors.
Providing for your cat’s enrichment while you’re away
To keep your cat happy, healthy, and not sad when you’re gone, be sure to provide plenty of enrichment activities including:
- Food puzzles – Hide small portions of their food so they have to “hunt” for it.
- Water fountains – Cats prefer running water so a fountain keeps them hydrated.
- Cat trees/perches – Offer areas to climb and survey their territory from up high.
- Toys – Rotate new and old solo toys to pique their curiosity.
- Scratching posts – Helps them stretch their legs and mark their space.
- Treat balls – Dispenses treats/kibble as they bat the ball around.
- Pheromone diffusers – Release calming synthetic feline pheromones.
- Window perches – Let’s them watch the world outside.
Make sure all these enrichment activities are set up in advance before you head out. Cats tend to sleep 70% of the time you’re gone anyway, but providing entertainment ensures they can productively occupy themselves when awake.
Signs your cat may need more help adjusting
While it’s normal for cats to need an adjustment period to being left alone, ongoing or extreme anxiety warrants intervention. Contact your vet if your cat shows these signs of struggle when you’re gone:
- Refusing food and losing significant weight
- Eliminating outside the litter box continuously
- Self-harming behaviors like excessive grooming
- Destroying furniture, carpet, or drapes
- Nonstop crying, whining, or yowling
- Aggression towards you when you return
- Hiding and seeming depressed/lethargic
- Pacing and restlessness throughout the home
Medication, synthetic pheromones, training, or even cognitive behavioral therapy with a cat behaviorist can help ease separation anxiety. Getting a second cat as a companion also works wonders for some cats struggling with being alone. If your cat stops eating or demonstrates unsafe behaviors, it’s essential to intervene before the issues escalate further.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, most evidence indicates the majority of cats do form meaningful bonds with their owners and feel distress when separated long term. However, cats are naturally more independent than dogs and most adapt well to being left alone for reasonable periods with proper preparation and enrichment. Pay attention to your individual cat’s tolerance thresholds, provide plenty of stimulation when you’re away, and seek help from your vet if extreme anxiety persists. With time and patience, your beloved cat can be perfectly content staying home alone while you’re out living your life.