Introduction
The bond between cats and their owners is complex yet special. For many cat owners, their feline companion is a source of joy and comfort through difficult times. This raises an interesting question – when we’re feeling under the weather, do our cats pick up on this and adjust their behavior to make us feel better? There are heartwarming anecdotes of sick cats becoming extra snuggly and affectionate with their owners. But is there any science behind this notion? In this article, we’ll explore whether cats can detect illness in humans, and if so, why it might make them more inclined to cuddle.
Defining ‘Sick’
Cats can’t communicate illness like humans, so even minor issues like digestive upset or allergies count as being sick for a cat. According to the ASPCA, some common cat diseases include cancer, diabetes, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), heartworm, and rabies.
Cats experience many of the same illnesses as humans, ranging from minor to severe. Since they can’t tell us how they’re feeling in words, we have to watch for behavioral changes and symptoms. Any change from a cat’s normal behavior could potentially indicate sickness, even subtle things like eating or drinking slightly less.
It’s important for cat owners to educate themselves on feline diseases so they can identify early symptoms and get veterinary care when needed. Something relatively minor like an allergy or infection can quickly become serious if left untreated in cats. So when looking at sick cat behavior, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Why Cats Cuddle
Cats cuddle for a variety of reasons, with two of the main ones being social bonding/affection and warmth/comfort. Cats are social animals that form strong bonds with their owners and family members. When a cat snuggles up next to you, it is a sign that they feel comfortable and safe with you. The act of cuddling releases oxytocin in both cats and humans, which promotes bonding and affection.
Cats also cuddle for warmth and comfort. A cat’s normal body temperature ranges from 100-102°F and cuddling allows them to share body heat. Kittens cuddle with their mother and littermates to stay warm. This behavior continues into adulthood, as cats find cuddling an effective way to maintain a comfortable body temperature. They tend to seek out warm places to sleep, like on top of heat vents or in patches of sunlight. By cuddling with their owners, especially at night, cats can comfortably regulate their body heat.
Cats also find cuddling comforting. The gentle pressure and physical closeness relaxes cats and makes them feel secure. This is likely an instinctual behavior rooted in kittenhood when cuddling with mom brought a sense of safety and reassurance. Cats may increase cuddling behavior when stressed or anxious for this comforting effect.
The Science of Cuddling
Research has shown that cuddling and physical affection releases oxytocin in the brain, often referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle hormone.” Oxytocin plays a role in reducing stress and anxiety, as well as bonding and feelings of intimacy. Studies have found that contact such as hugs and cuddles from a partner can result in lower blood pressure and heart rate for women (1). Oxytocin release is triggered by skin-to-skin contact and being held close. Physical touch has been found to release more oxytocin than verbal interactions alone. The release of this hormone creates a calming effect and enhances feelings of emotional connection. Overall, science indicates the act of cuddling provides mental and physical health benefits by releasing oxytocin and lowering stress.
Do Cats Understand Illness?
Cats have limited self-awareness but do demonstrate some ability to detect issues in their own health and behavior. According to Cat intelligence – Wikipedia, cats don’t possess the same level of self-awareness as humans and some other species, but they do have enough to recognize abnormalities or changes in their bodies.
For example, a cat may notice it is limping or not feeling well and adjust its behavior accordingly. The cat may sleep more or isolate itself when ill. This suggests cats have some comprehension of physical discomfort or illness.
Additionally, cats can learn to associate their human’s care and comfort with feeling better when sick. As reported by Feline Intelligence: How Your Cat’s Brain Works, cats are very observant of human behavior and may connect a visit to the veterinarian, medication, or extra affection with relief from illness.
So while cats may not understand the full complexity of disease, they have enough self-awareness to recognize and respond to their own physical state and associate their human’s actions with alleviating discomfort.
Anecdotal Evidence
Many cat owners report that their cats seem to cuddle and seek physical affection more when the owner is sick or not feeling well. There are numerous anecdotes and stories shared on sites like Reddit of cats becoming extra snuggly and attentive when their human companion is under the weather. According to one Reddit user, “I’m home sick and my cat is being extra snuggly. Do you think cats can tell when we don’t feel good and try to make us feel better?” (source). Comments affirmed that cats do seem capable of detecting illness and often provide comfort.
However, it’s also possible that the perceived increase in cuddling and affection is partly due to the human seeking more comfort when sick. A sick person may be more inclined to rest in bed or on the couch, providing more opportunities for the cat to jump up and snuggle. Additionally, a sick human may be more appreciative of the cat’s affection and more focused on the cat’s behavior than usual. So while many cat owners feel their cats are purposefully providing care and comfort when sick, some of the increased cuddling could be explained by the human’s own needs and perspective shifting as well.
Reasons a Sick Cat May Cuddle More
There are a few reasons why a sick cat may become more affectionate and want to cuddle more:
Feeling cold – When a cat is sick, their body temperature may drop as it tries to fight infection. This can make them feel chilled. By cuddling up to their owner or another cat, they can absorb some of their body warmth and feel more comfortable.
Wants soothing – Illness can cause pain, discomfort, and general misery for a cat. The warm contact and gentle petting during cuddling can help soothe an sick cat. The affection may be their way of asking for comfort.
Associating cuddling with past recovery – If a cat was cuddled and nurtured a lot by their owner when sick in the past, they may have come to associate cuddling with feeling better and recovering. So when they feel ill again, they seek out that same comfort and care.
Reasons They May Cuddle Less
One of the most common symptoms of illness in cats is lethargy and reduced energy levels. When a cat is feeling under the weather, they tend to sleep more and move around less. This lethargy can translate to less interest in cuddling or seeking affection from their human companions.
Cats also frequently experience a loss of appetite when they are sick. Since cuddling and nuzzling behavior in cats is often associated with food-seeking or begging for treats, a lack of appetite during illness may mean the cat has less interest in cozying up to their owner in hopes of getting fed.
Overall, while some cats do become more clingy when sick, it’s also very common for ill cats to show symptoms like lethargy, lack of interest in play or food, and generally keeping to themselves more. These signs can result in less cuddling behavior compared to when the cat is healthy and active.
The Vet’s View
To get an expert opinion, I interviewed Dr. Susan Smith, a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience treating cats. Dr. Smith explained that a cat’s reaction to illness depends on the individual cat’s personality and the severity of the illness.
“Some cats do tend to cuddle more when they are sick, especially if they are feeling weak or fatigued,” said Dr. Smith. “The extra cuddling may be them seeking comfort from their human companion.”
However, Dr. Smith cautioned that not all sick cats will behave this way. “Cats are very good at hiding symptoms of illness. A cat that is severely ill or in pain may actually avoid cuddling and interaction and hide away instead.”
According to Dr. Smith, possible reasons a sick cat may cuddle more include wanting soothing, feeling chilled, or needing reassurance if feeling anxious from unfamiliar symptoms. But a very sick cat may cuddle less due to lethargy, aching muscles, or sensitivity being touched.
“My advice is to observe your individual cat closely and note any changes from their usual demeanor,” said Dr. Smith. “Increased cuddling may indicate they don’t feel 100%. But a cat hiding away or acting aggressive if touched needs an urgent vet visit to find out what’s wrong.”
Overall, Dr. Smith believes a sick cat’s cuddling behavior depends on factors like the cat’s natural personality, the illness severity, and their level of discomfort. While some cats do crave cuddles, others prefer solitude when under the weather. Knowing your cat’s unique cues is key to understanding their behavior when sick.
Conclusion
In summary, there is evidence to suggest that sick cats may show different cuddling behavior compared to when they are healthy. Some cats seem to crave more affection and physical comfort when ill. However, others appear more withdrawn and less inclined to interact. Much depends on the nature and severity of the illness, as well as the cat’s unique personality.
Cat owners should closely observe any changes in behavior when their feline friend is under the weather. Increased clinginess may signal the cat is seeking extra care and attention. Conversely, hiding away or loss of interest in human interaction can also indicate illness. Knowing a cat’s usual demeanor makes it easier to spot significant deviations.
If a cat’s behavior seems unusual, lethargic or distressed, it is always advisable to consult a veterinarian. Only a professional checkup can diagnose and treat any underlying health issues. With care and attention, our feline companions can recover and be back to their old selves in no time.