Cats Can Sense Human Emotions
Studies have shown that cats have the ability to recognize human facial expressions and respond to human emotional cues. Research published in the journal Animal Cognition found that cats can distinguish between positive and negative emotional expressions in humans. The cats in the study spent more time looking at photographs of smiling human faces compared to angry faces, suggesting they could sense the emotional content (Quaranta et al., 2020).
Another study from the University of Guelph revealed that cats alter their behavior based on their owner’s emotional state. When owners were smiling and optimistic, their cats were more likely to respond positively and approach them for attention. However, when owners seemed sad or upset, the cats tended to avoid them and become distant. This indicates cats are closely attuned to human emotions and moods (Merola et al., 2015).
While cats may not understand complex emotions, they do seem capable of recognizing basic human emotional states like sadness, anger or happiness through facial and behavioral cues from their owners. Their ability to perceive and respond to our moods is one reason the bond between cats and their owners can be so strong.
Sources:
Quaranta, A., Siniscalchi, M., Frate, A., Vallortigara, G. (2020). Emotion recognition in cats. Animal Cognition, 23(6), 1071–1077. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7401521/
Merola, I., Lazzaroni, M., Marshall-Pescini, S., Prato-Previde, E. (2015). Social referencing and cat-human communication. Animal Cognition, 18(3), 639-648. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-014-0832-2
Why Cats React to Crying
Cats react to human crying because it indicates distress. As highly intuitive animals, cats can sense when something is wrong through crying or other signs of sadness (Source). Cats have an instinct to provide comfort and reassurance to those in distress. This is similar to how a mother cat cares for her kittens. Since cats form close bonds and see their owners as family members, they often try to help when they hear crying.
Common Cat Reactions to Crying
Cats may exhibit a variety of behaviors when they hear or see their owner crying. Some of the most common reactions include:
- Coming over to investigate – Cats are very observant and will notice changes in their environment. When they hear crying, they may come over to see what’s causing the distress. As stated by McGowan in a piece by Daily Paws, “Your cat is most likely staring at you while crying because they’re trying to make sense of what they see and hear.”
- Meowing – Cats often meow to communicate with their owners. Your cat may meow at you while crying to get your attention or to express concern.
- Rubbing/head-butting – Cats show affection by rubbing against people or objects. Your cat may try to rub against you or head-butt you as a gesture of comfort when you’re crying.
- Purring – A cat’s purr can signify contentment but also be a self-soothing behavior. Purring while you cry may indicate your cat is trying to soothe itself or comfort you.
As stated in an article by BetterVet, “While they may not understand sadness as we do, cats can recognize the behavioral shifts that come with crying.” They react instinctively to the visual and auditory cues. Their investigative nature and affinity for their owners motivates them to respond.
Why Cats Provide Comfort
Cats provide comfort to crying humans for several reasons related to social bonding and resource protection. As social creatures, cats form close bonds with their human companions and can become distressed when their human is upset. Cats depend on their owners for food and resources, so they have an instinct to try to make their human feel better in order to protect their resource provider.
When a human companion cries, the cat may perceive the tears and sadness as signs of distress. Out of concern for the emotional state of their bonded human, cats can exhibit comforting behaviors like purring, nuzzling, licking away tears, and laying close. They want the crying behavior to stop, so they offer affection and attention.
The human-feline bond goes both ways. While cats depend on humans for food and shelter, humans depend on cats for companionship and emotional support. When a human cries, the cat springs into action to relieve their human’s distress through close physical contact and attention. Many cat owners report feeling comforted when their cat sits with them during periods of sadness or grief.
How to Interpret Your Cat’s Reaction
Cats may react to their owners crying in different ways. Some common responses include:
Meowing or physical touch to offer comfort – Some cats may meow, purr loudly, or rub against their crying owner in an attempt to provide reassurance. This is a sign your cat is trying to make you feel better.1
Agitation or avoidance due to stress – Loud crying can be alarming for some cats. They may pace, hide, or even leave the room. This doesn’t mean they don’t care, but the crying may be overly stressful for them.2
Try to observe your individual cat’s unique personality and typical behavior. Does your cat normally seek closeness when you’re upset or do they prefer space? Understanding how your cat communicates affection will help you decipher their reaction.
Consider Your Cat’s Personality
Cats, like humans, have various personalities that affect how they react to situations. When considering your cat’s reaction to your crying, it helps to reflect on your cat’s unique traits.
Some cats are naturally more nurturing than others. For instance, Ragdoll cats are known as one of the most affectionate and comforting breeds. Other breeds like Siamese and Burmese tend to form strong bonds with their owners and often respond to crying with nuzzling and purring.
Kittens are often more nurturing than adult cats, as they rely on their owners for security. So a kitten may be more likely to snuggle up to you when crying compared to an older, more independent cat.
Extroverted, outgoing cats that crave human interaction will frequently react to crying by comforting you. Shy, timid cats may back away when you cry since it signals distress. But regardless of age and personality, most cats can sense human emotions and do their best to console you.
Getting to know your cat’s unique personality over time can help you better interpret their reaction when you’re upset. And your cat’s compassion during difficult times can strengthen the bond between you.
Provide Reassurance to Your Cat
When your cat appears stressed or concerned about your crying, it’s important to provide them some reassurance that you are okay. Gently petting or stroking your cat can help relieve their anxiety. Offering a favorite treat or toy can also shift their focus to something positive.
However, you’ll also want to avoid prolonged intense crying in front of your cat. While they may initially try to comfort you, excessive crying can heighten their stress. Take breaks from interacting with your cat if you are very upset and can’t control your emotions.
If your cat follows you and seems insistent on comforting you, try directing them to a favorite sleeping spot with treats so you can have some private space if needed. But in general, reassure your cat through calming petting and treats that the situation is under control.
When to Seek Help for Excessive Crying
While occasional crying is normal, excessive or uncontrollable crying may be a sign of an underlying mental health issue like depression or anxiety. If you find yourself crying frequently and unable to control your crying, it’s important to seek professional help.
According to the Healthline article “I Can’t Stop Crying: Why We Cry and When to Seek Help,” excessive crying is more likely with milder depression. People with severe depression often have trouble expressing emotions at all [1].
As the Choosing Therapy article “Uncontrollable Crying: Potential Causes & How to Stop” explains, crying spells that disrupt your daily activities or make it difficult to function normally may indicate depression or other issues. In these cases, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor [2].
If crying persists day after day, it’s a red flag. VeryWell Health advises that treatments are available for depression and other causes of excessive crying. Speaking to a professional can help identify the root cause and appropriate treatment options [3].
The Human-Feline Bond
Research has shown that cats and humans can form close emotional bonds, similar to the bonds dogs form with people. According to a 2019 study published in Current Biology, cats display social and caretaking behaviors that indicate deep attachment to their human companions.
This human-feline bond elicits caretaking behavior in cats. When a human companion cries or exhibits signs of distress, a cat who has bonded with that person will often react with comforting actions. Cats who are closely bonded to their humans see them as attachment figures and will respond to crying as part of that caregiving relationship.
In essence, when you cry, it triggers your cat’s natural caregiving instincts honed by the bond you share. Your cat wants to help you feel better when you’re sad or upset. The strength of your bond is evident in how empathetically your cat responds to your emotional needs.
Crying Can Strengthen Bond
Crying in front of your cat can deepen your connection and strengthen the human-feline bond. When humans cry, cats often react with concern and attentiveness. This shared emotional experience allows for opportunities of comfort and caretaking between pet and owner. According to a study from Quora, if you have a close relationship with your cat, she is likely to try to soothe and reassure you when you feel sad. Your cat’s empathetic reaction shows she cares, which can foster an even deeper bond.
Cats are remarkably perceptive and can pick up on subtle cues indicating their human is in distress. When you cry around your cat, it sends a signal you need care and affection. As social creatures, cats often respond to this vulnerable display of emotion by providing a comforting presence. Your shared experience allows your cat to take on the role of caretaker. These bonding moments can strengthen your relationship, mutual trust and understanding.