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 Kitten Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced beef in precisely balanced nutrition. Provides a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice cat food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Fewer calories for less active cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
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 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 Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Indoor Chicken Recipe
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
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 Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetables Stew
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
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 Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Ocean Fish & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Related articles
What's a Normal Cat Temperature? Tips for Checking Your Cat's Vitals
Learn tips for checking your cat's vital signs, including things like proper body temperature, and why it's a good way to monitor their health.
Cat Napping: Why Your Cat Likes to Sleep
Learn about your cat's natural sleep cycle and why it doesn't always match your own, as well as why she likes to nap at certain times of the day.
How to Get Your Cat to Take a Pill
Wondering how to get your cat to take a pill? This guide provides you with tactics for how to give a cat a pill!
Debunking Myths: Is Wet Food Bad for Cats' Teeth?
Is wet food bad for cats' teeth? Furthermore, does wet food cause dental problems in cats? Get your facts straight here.
Cat Aggression: How to Calm Them Down
Learn how to identify causes of aggression in your cat, how you can help calm them down or diffuse an aggressive situation, and when a vet visit is needed.
Understanding the Basics of How to Build a Catio | Hill's Pet
Want to learn how to build a catio? Get started with DIY cat enclosure basics, including what to consider and how a catio can benefit your cat.
Your Cat's First Month At Home: Tips & Suggestions
Learn more about the basics of cat care in the first month, including choosing the right cat bedding, cat toys, cat carriers, pet id tags and litter boxes.
Helpful Tips for Traveling with Your Cat
Get helpful tips and advice for traveling with your cat including by car, train, or air. Learn the safest ways for your cat to travel.
Why Is My Cat Shaking and Shivering?
Why Is My Cat Shaking and Shivering?
Choosing the Right Cat Grooming Brushes & Supplies
Choose the perfect cat grooming tools, such as the right brushes and combs, and learn the best way to groom both long & short haired cats.
Helping a Cat with Sensitive Skin
Discover how to identify cat sensitive skin and what you can do to help your cat thrive from head to paw.
How to Tell If Your Cat Is Lonely
Do cats get lonely? What can you do to help? Learn some common signs to tell if your cat is lonely and steps you can take to try and cheer them up.
Cat Ear Emotions: How Cat Ears Move With Their Mood
Learn how your cat's ear language and movements can show you their underlying emotions, including what a variety of different positions mean.
Preparing Your Nervous Cat for Large Gatherings at Home
Having a large group over? Learn some helpful ways to prepare your nervous cat and keep her from feeling overwhelmed by the amount of people and noise.
Five Common Cat Digestive Problems
Discover some vet-recommended advice about some common cat digestive problems, including how to deal with upset stomachs, worms, hairballs, and more.
Are Laser Pointers Safe for Cats?
Learn if laser pointers are truly safe to use with your cat, if there are any recommended types, and when to recognize your cat's playtime frustrations.
Setting the Facts Straight: Common Myths About Your Cat
Discover the truths behind some common cat myths you may have heard. With all the misinformation available online about cat, it's time you got the facts.
What Is Cat Chirping and Why Do Cats Do It?
Discover what cat chirping sounds like, why cats make that sound and what their body language when they chirp might mean.
Can You Use Dog Shampoo on Cats?
Learn what you need to know about using shampoo on your cat, including whether you can use dog or human shampoo.
Top 5 Tips For You After Adopting a New Cat
Adopting a cat feels like an easy choice, but ensuring their comfort takes preparation. Follow these tips for a lifetime of love with your new cat.
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.