Your cat cries when she can't find you because she feels lonely, anxious (separation anxiety), or is trying to get your attention because her needs aren't met, often expressing a strong bond and dependence on you as her caregiver for security, food, or play, sometimes indicating underlying stress or health issues needing a vet visit. It's her way of saying, "Where are you? I need you!".
Excessive vocalizing.
If your cat howls or meows loudly and persistently as you leave, they are likely feeling some anxiety. Check with a neighbor to see if they hear your cat crying while you're gone.
The 3:3:3 Rule: Help Your New Cat Adjust to Their Home The 3:3:3 rule explains some general expectations for the transition process and some tips on how to support your cat through each stage: 3 days for initial acclimatization, 3 weeks for settling in, and by 3 months, they should be comfortable and at ease in their ...
Here are five signs that you and your cat share a special bond.
To say "I love you" in cat language, use slow blinks, offer gentle head/cheek rubs (scent glands), let them initiate contact, provide interactive play, and simply share calm presence, mimicking their natural affection signals like grooming and trust-building.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often going undetected until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), which damages organs without obvious signs until blindness or seizures occur, notes Muirfield Animal Hospital, Pet Health Network, www.springwoodvets.com.au, Close Veterinary Clinic, Killarney Animal Hospital, Physicians Mutual Insurance, Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Nimbus Pet Hospital, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Covetrus North America, ASPCA Pet Insurance and PetCareRx. Other serious conditions include Hyperthyroidism, Heart Disease (like HCM), and Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis).
Research suggests that cats' short term memories last around 16 hours, which means they can remember recent events and react accordingly. If a cat has had a minor scare—such as a loud noise or being bumped by accident—it may remember and act skittishly for a short period.
Cats form deep bonds with their humans and can get attached to one or more people depending on their history, personality, and socialization.
Offer Affection and Praise
You can say the words, “I'm sorry,” but a more effective strategy when apologizing to cats is to offer them lots of love. Scratch them in their favorite spot and tell them how wonderful they are. You can also try speaking their language by giving them a nice slow blink.
While most cats likely miss their owners sometimes, they're usually still happy to entertain themselves or take a long nap while you're gone. However, occasionally a cat can miss their owner so much that they develop separation anxiety or other separated-related behaviours.
Cats are incredibly sensitive to their environment. Major changes such as switching owners and households can be dramatic and very stressful. Cats are aware of even the smallest changes in your household.
Signs of Anxiety in Cats
Black Cats and Dogs Have Lower Adoption Rates
Research verifies that black dogs and cats have a lower chance of being adopted. It's a tragic fact that they tend to stay in shelters longer and are more likely to be euthanized due to shelter overcrowding than animals of other colors.
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
Cats do remember negative experiences, but they don't dwell on resentment the way people do. Instead, they react based on learned associations and their need for safety. With patience, consistency, and care, most cats return to positive behaviors quickly.
Is your cat depressed? Here are 8 warning signs of depression in cats
So now you know, cats don't actually apologize to their owners. They alter their behavior after doing something that causes a negative reaction in their humans.
Signs Your Cat Misses You
It's all in the subtleties. A meow that echoes through an empty house or a change in dining habits can be a feline's way of saying, "Where have you been?" Cats may also snuggle up to your worn clothes, finding comfort in your scent. It's like they're saying, "I knead you back home, human!"
Sometimes, cats want to feel safe. At others, they want to protect you. It's true: sometimes cats want to give us protection by sleeping or resting next to us. They are very sensitive animals!
Your cat may be too attached if they exhibit behaviours of a clingy cat, such as constantly following you around the house, always sitting or sleeping on you, and showing distress when you are not around. A cat may also be too attached if they engage in destructive behaviours for your attention.
Cats get most annoyed by loud, sudden noises (vacuums, thunder), strong smells (citrus, vinegar), changes in routine, dirty litter boxes, and unwanted handling like being picked up or stared at, as these disrupt their sense of security and sensory balance, triggering their sensitive hearing and instincts for control and safety. Unexpected movements, unfamiliar scents, and being forced into costumes also cause significant stress and annoyance for felines.
Signs That a Cat or Dog Has Experienced Trauma
The short answer is no, cats can't hold grudges. Cats don't have or process emotions the way that humans do. If you're wondering if cats have a sense of time or a concept of time, they don't. They don't have the time or mental capacity to plot revenge, get jealous, or let a grudge fester.