Do cats get lonely? It's a common misconception that cats don't experience loneliness, but they do, especially when left alone for long periods of time. Learning how to tell if your cat is lonely puts you on the path to helping them feel more content while they're home alone. The good news is that there are many ways to keep your furry friend's spirits up while you're away from home.
How to Tell If Your Cat Is Lonely
Most cats are notorious for hiding their feelings, as many cat parents are aware. But, if you spend time closely observing your kitty, you'll notice that they express a wide range of emotions in their own unique way. Vocalizing, kneading, headbutting and staring are just a few ways that cats express themselves.
Loneliness often presents itself as depression or separation anxiety, explains the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, signs of which include the following:
- Excessive grooming
- Excessive vocalization (howling, crying)
- Excessive clinginess
- Not eating or drinking
- Hiding
- Trembling or shaking
Your cat may exhibit this behavior as you're getting ready to leave the house or when you return. If your cat exhibits extreme physical or behavioral changes, contact your veterinarian right away to rule out any underlying medical issues.
Leaving Your Cat Alone
Cats are independent, but they're also very social creatures, explains Psychology Today, and they thrive on interaction with humans. Even cats with pet siblings can feel lonely when separated from their pet parents.
So, how long can a cat be home alone without their favorite people? It really depends on the cat. Most adult cats do well by themselves for the length of a typical workday, eight to 10 hours, but cats can still experience loneliness during this time frame. Mischievous kittens, senior cats that need extra attention, cats with behavioral concerns or medical issues and any cat with special circumstances, for example, require more attention throughout the day and will benefit from at least one check-in per day. It's never a good idea to leave your cat home for days or weeks at a time, even if you leave out food, water and toys. Not only will this separation increase loneliness and boredom, but it can also lead to an increase in physical and behavioral problems.
Tasty Tips
Enrichment Activities
Safely leaving a cat alone for any period of time includes not only meeting their physical needs but giving them mental stimulation as well. Cats can get lonely while you're away from home, but they can also get bored. What do bored cats do when they're home alone? Lots of crazy things, including shredding toilet paper rolls, scratching furniture and knocking things off tables and counters. Although these behaviors can be destructive, it's important to remember that your cat isn't being spiteful — what they're doing is communicating their feelings to you.
To curb loneliness and the cat crazies (while also protecting your household goods), provide your kitty with plenty of enrichment opportunities. Good puzzles, toys they can hunt and even electronic cat apps for your tablet, phone or TV are great ways to provide the mental stimulation and physical activity, which Best Friends Animal Society emphasizes are good for your cat's overall well-being. A cat-designated spot in front of an open window also does wonders for lonely cats who'll find company among the creatures in the outside world.
Hire a Pet Sitter
If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, or if your cat needs attention while you're away for the day, consider hiring a trusted pet sitter who'll come to your house to give your cat food, water or medicine, clean the litter box, and play. Ask close friends and family for a referral, and interview potential sitters carefully. Another option is cat day care, a boarding facility strictly for cats where your feline friend can hang out with other cats (or not) and stay on their routine schedule.
Do cats get lonely while their pet parents are home? If they aren't getting enough attention from their humans, it's possible. Cats are always happiest when their pet parents are at home. Spend at least ten minutes a day really engaging with your feline friend by playing with them, grooming them and showering them with affection.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Vegetable & Chicken and Liver & Chicken
Feline Adult Perfect Weight Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced seafood
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Salmon & Yellow Peas Recipe cat food
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Duck & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley Cat Food
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Medley cat food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Related articles
Cataracts in Cats: What You Need to Know
Learn helpful info about cataracts in cats, including what causes them, typical signs of a feline cataract, how they are diagnosed and treatment options.
Real Life Stories of Caring for Cats with Disabilities
Read about the journey of three cats with disabilities and how, despite their handicaps, they're just as lovable and capable as any other cat.
Cat Metabolism: How it Affects Your Feline Friend
Learn from a Veterinarian: Discover how your cat's metabolism can affect her health, including weight fluctuations, and how metabolic cat food can help.
Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
While upper respiratory infections in cats are common, they can still be concerning. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis & treatment options for URIs.
Liver Disease in Your Cat: Causes, Signs & Symptoms
Spotting the warning signs of liver disease in cats is critical. Learn more about the symptoms and what you can do to help prevent liver issues.
Ringworm in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Learn helpful information about ringworm in cats, including how cats become infected, symptoms to watch for, treatment options & prevention.
Can Cats Eat Cheese?
Get information on whether cheese is safe for your cat, if there are any kinds that are better than others, or if they should avoid this snack altogether.
Why is Fiber Important in Cat Food?
Learn about the role of fiber in cat food, including how it can benefit cats with a variety of health conditions like diarrhea, constipation and diabetes.
Keeping Your Cat's Mouth Healthy
Learn how to brush your cat's teeth vs. having a professional cleaning done, as well as common signs that she might have an oral health problem.
How to Make Your Own DIY Cat Scratching Post
Learn how to build an easy, homemade DIY cat scratching post using items around your house! She'll get exercise and you won't get a ruined staircase.
Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: Which Is Best?
Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: Which Is Best?
All About Cancer in Cats
Learn about the different types of cancer in cats, how to spot the signs of cancers in your kitty, and treatment options for improving her quality of life.
Glaucoma in Cats: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn helpful information about glaucoma in cats, including types of the condition, clinical signs, other associated conditions, and treatment options.
Hill's Kitten Foods: A Healthy Choice for Your Kitten
Discover the benefits of Hill's line of kitten foods and how they provide complete and balance nutrition for growing kittens.
Cat Language: How Cats Communicate
Learn how your cat communicates with you as well as other cats in the house, and what their cat language might be telling you about them.
Cats & Ingrown Nails: Spotting Them & What You Should Do
Cats & Ingrown Nails: What You Should Look For
All About Feline Bartonella
Explore the signs of feline bartonella and learn if it can be transmitted to other pets or humans. If your cat is showing symptoms, learn how you can help.
Caring for a Senior Cat: The Basic Essentials
Senior cats certainly have unique needs compared to when they were younger but how do you know when your cat is senior and their needs have changed?
Why Do Cats Bite While Playing?
Learn what's behind your cat's playful biting, whether it's a cause for concern, and how to curtail it if they get a little too rough.
Tips for Giving Your Cat Pills & Medications
Learn effective tips for giving your cat various medications, including getting her to take pills and best ways to handle injections, eye & ear drops.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.