What Does It Mean When a Cat Cries?
Cats vocalize for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons cats cry or meow include:
- Hunger – Kittens will cry to let their mother know they are hungry. Adult cats may meow persistently around meal times to let you know they want food.
- Fear or anxiety – Cats may cry when they are fearful or anxious. Loud noises, strangers, or unfamiliar environments can trigger fearful meowing.
- Boredom – A cat that is bored and looking for attention or playtime may meow repeatedly to get your attention.
- Separation anxiety – Cats that are very bonded to their owners may cry loudly when left alone. This excessive vocalization when alone is a sign of separation anxiety.
- Pain or illness – Cats in pain or with a medical issue may vocalize excessively to let you know something is wrong.
- Heat cycles – Female cats in heat will yowl and cry persistently to attract potential mates.
- Cognitive decline – Elderly cats with cognitive decline may meow excessively, especially at night. This is known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
Understanding why your cat is vocalizing is key to addressing excessive crying or meowing. Cats use vocal cues to communicate physical and emotional needs.
Should I Respond to the Crying?
When your cat cries loudly and persistently, it can be heartbreaking to ignore. However, responding to crying may inadvertently reinforce the behavior.
The ASPCA advises resisting the urge to respond with any attention, even negative attention like shouting. Some cat behaviorists recommend completely ignoring crying caused by separation anxiety. Any response tends to encourage more crying in the future. Instead, it’s better to remain patient and wait for moments of quiet before giving your cat attention.
That said, responding occasionally with affection and play may help relieve anxiety and discourage crying long-term. Just be judicious. You want to reinforce calm behavior, not crying. Short play sessions and scheduled feedings before leaving can be helpful.
According to shelter volunteers, completely ignoring crying can be difficult but effective. With time and consistency, most cats will learn that crying does not produce the desired response. However, chronic crying that escalates or continues for months may warrant a visit to the vet to address potential underlying issues.
Understanding Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety in cats is a condition where cats become anxious or distressed when separated from their owners. Some common symptoms of feline separation anxiety include excessive vocalization like meowing or crying, urinating or defecating outside of the litter box, destructive behaviors, and loss of appetite (PetMD).
Separation anxiety usually develops because of an insecure attachment between an owner and their cat. Cats with separation anxiety often show signs of distress even when the owner just leaves the room. The anxiety continues to build the longer the cat is left alone (WebMD).
Kittens separated from their mothers too early and adult cats rehomed multiple times are more prone to separation anxiety. Sudden changes in schedule or routine can also trigger the condition. The most severe cases often involve cats who were abandoned or neglected earlier in life (MetroVetChicago).
When to Be Concerned About Crying
While some crying and meowing is normal for cats, excessive crying or changes in vocalizations can be a sign of distress or illness. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
Excessive crying that persists over several days or weeks, especially if the crying occurs at odd hours or for no apparent reason. This can be a sign of physical or mental distress. (Source)
Crying paired with changes in appetite, activity levels, or unusual hiding. If your normally energetic and social cat starts crying excessively and hiding, it could indicate illness or pain. (Source)
High-pitched howling or whining, which can signal distress or discomfort. Cats sometimes howl when experiencing cognitive decline or disorientation. (Source)
Crying when urinating or defecating, which may indicate a urinary tract infection or other health issue causing pain. (Source)
Any significant change from your cat’s normal vocalizations or behavior warrants a trip to the vet to rule out medical causes. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your cat’s health and wellbeing.
Training Your Cat to Be Alone
One of the best ways to reduce separation anxiety in cats is through gradual training to get them used to being alone. The key is to start with very short departures and slowly increase the amount of time you are gone. Here are some tips for training your cat:
Begin by simply stepping outside your home for a minute or two while your cat is in a comfortable room with access to food, water, and litter. Slowly increase the duration of your absences from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, try leaving for an hour while providing interactive toys or puzzles with treats to keep your cat occupied.
Make sure to ignore your cat for 15-30 minutes before leaving and when returning home – this prevents reinforcing clingy behavior. Act calm and avoid creating too much fanfare around your departures and arrivals.
Consider setting up a camera to monitor your cat’s response. Seeing that they are relaxed can provide confidence that training is working. If your cat continues vocalizing, you may need to slow the training and increase more gradually.
It can take days or weeks for a cat to adjust to being alone. Be patient, consistent, and reward calm behavior when you return. With time and positive reinforcement, separation anxiety can be overcome through dedicated training.
Sources: https://www.comfortzone.com/behavior-blog/cat-stress-anxiety/will-my-cat-be-ok-at-home-alone, https://www.petbarn.com.au/petspot/kitten/behaviour-and-training-kitten/leaving-your-kitten-home-alone/
Providing Enrichment
Mental and physical stimulation are important for keeping cats happy and reducing anxiety or destructive behaviors. Enrichment provides cats with outlets for their natural instincts to hunt, explore, and play. There are many simple, inexpensive ways to enrich your cat’s environment at home.
Rotate different types of toys to keep your cat interested. Good options include toy mice, balls, tunnels, scratching posts, and interactive feeders or puzzles that make getting treats a challenge. Be sure to offer both independent toys and those that provide bonding time with you through interactive play (ASPCA).
You can make homemade enrichment toys like hiding treats or catnip inside toilet paper tubes, boxes, or paper bags for your cat to find. Peek holes in cardboard boxes so your cat can pop in and out while playing hide and seek. Set up obstacle courses using tunnels, platforms, and poles (Preventive Vet).
In addition to play, enrich your cat’s environment by providing elevated perches or cat trees near windows so they can watch outdoor activity. Cats also enjoy having access to multiple resting areas and hiding spots. Rotate toys frequently to provide novelty.
Outdoor enrichment like supervised time on a leash or catio, or planting cat-safe plants for them to nibble on can also provide important stimulation. The key is providing a variety of enriching activities to engage your cat’s natural behaviors and prevent boredom.
Should I Use Anti-Anxiety Medications?
Medication can sometimes be appropriate for cats with severe anxiety that is negatively impacting their quality of life. According to PetMD, the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications for cats include fluoxetine, clomipramine, buspirone, and benzodiazepines like alprazolam or lorazepam. These medications can help relieve anxiety, panic, and phobias in cats.
According to the Humane Society, medication may be warranted if your cat is experiencing severe stress that is leading to destructive behaviors or a poor quality of life. Medication should be used in conjunction with behavior modification training and environmental changes to help your cat cope. Work closely with your veterinarian to determine if medication could be beneficial for your individual cat’s situation.
It’s important to weigh the risks and benefits of medication for your cat. Medication can help in the short-term but should not be used as the only solution. Your vet can advise you on appropriate medications, dosages, and potential side effects. Used properly under veterinary supervision, medication may provide temporary relief while you address the root causes of your cat’s anxiety.
Alternatives to Medication
There are some natural options that can help relieve anxiety in cats without the use of medication. Some popular alternatives include:
Pheromones – Products like Feliway contain synthetic pheromones that mimic cats’ natural facial pheromones. These pheromones have a calming effect and help relieve anxiety. Pheromone diffusers or sprays can be used in the home. [1]
CBD Oil – CBD derived from hemp may have calming properties for cats. Check with your vet before using CBD oil for your cat. Only purchase pet-formulated products from reputable brands. Start with small doses to assess your cat’s reaction. [2]
Herbal Remedies – Some calming herbs for cats include catnip, chamomile, valerian root, and lemon balm. These can be given in treats, sprays, or supplements. Always follow package directions. [3]
It’s best to consult your vet before using any natural anxiety aids for your cat, as they can advise on safety and effectiveness.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your cat’s crying and signs of separation anxiety persist despite your efforts, it’s a good idea to seek professional help from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. Some signs that you may need to get professional support include:
- Your cat engages in destructive behaviors like urinating outside the litter box, ripping up furniture, or self-mutilation when left alone
- Your cat seems depressed or lethargic when you return after an absence
- Your cat’s cries are excessive, frequent, and very loud
- Your cat stops eating or has a loss of appetite when alone
Your veterinarian can rule out any underlying medical issues that may be causing your cat’s distress. They may also prescribe anti-anxiety medication in severe cases of separation anxiety. According to Helping Your Cat with Being Left Alone & Separation Anxiety, medication can be helpful alongside behavior modification training.
Consulting an animal behaviorist or certified cat trainer can also be beneficial. They will assess your cat’s specific triggers and design a customized training plan to help your cat learn to be comfortable alone. This may involve techniques like supervised isolation training, desensitization to departure cues, and teaching alternative calm behaviors when alone.
With professional guidance, medication if necessary, behavior modification training, and your loving patience, it is possible to help an anxious cat become more secure and relaxed when you have to be away.
Coping Tips for Cat Parents
Managing stress and guilt about crying can be challenging for cat parents. It’s normal to feel worried about your cat’s wellbeing when they vocalize or act out. However, there are some strategies to help manage these difficult emotions:
- Remind yourself that some crying is normal cat behavior, not necessarily a sign of distress. Cats naturally vocalize more when alone.
- Take care of your own needs – get enough sleep, eat well, and make time for self-care. It’s hard to think clearly when stressed or exhausted.
- Focus on the positive – your cat has food, water, toys and a clean litter box while you’re gone. You’re being a responsible pet parent.
- Limit reassurance-seeking from others. Talking excessively about worries often makes them worse. Share updates, but avoid constant vetting.
- Praise yourself for working on solutions, like providing enrichment. Improvement takes time and effort.
- Consider counseling or support groups if guilt severely impacts your life. Your cat needs you at your best.
With patience and compassion for yourself and your cat, you can move through this challenging time. Stay consistent implementing healthy coping strategies.