The Truth About Cat Loneliness: What Science Says About Cats and Human Absence
Modern feline research reveals what cat parents have always suspected — our cats miss us more than we think.
National Cat Lovers’ Month Featured Blog From Your Friends at DFW Critter Sitter
For decades, cats were labeled as solitary, self-sufficient little enigmas — animals who barely noticed when we left the house. But today’s behavioral research paints a very different picture. Science now confirms what devoted cat parents and seasoned sitters have always known: cats form deep emotional bonds, experience stress when left alone, and thrive with consistent human interaction — especially when their families are away.
With National Cat Lovers’ Month here, it’s the perfect moment to explore what studies (and years of hands-on cat sitting!) reveal about feline loneliness.
National Cat Month Is the Perfect Time to Prioritize Feline Wellbeing….
Every cat deserves to feel safe — even when their humans can’t be home.
Daily sitting visits help your cat stay emotionally regulated, physically healthy, and comfortably connected until you return.
At DFW Critter Sitter, we specialize in gentle, cat-centered, routine-based care that honors each cat’s personality, sensitivities, and emotional needs.
Do Cats Get Lonely? Science Says Yes.
One of the most important studies on feline attachment comes from Oregon State University (2019). Researchers adapted the same attachment test used for human infants — and applied it to cats.
The results?
Around 65% of cats showed secure attachment to their humans.
That means:
- They experienced stress when their owner left, and
- Relief and emotional regulation upon their return.
This study aligns perfectly with what I see in homes every day:
- Cats waiting by doors.
- Cats following their favorite people from room to room.
- Cats greeting loudly, affectionately, and melting into connection the moment attention returns.
Cats may be independent — but they’re not indifferent.
Physiological Stress: What Happens Inside the Body
Several studies measuring feline cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) show that cats can experience measurable physiological stress during separation.
Even cats who appear calm may begin to:
- Over-groom
- Pace or wander
- Eat less
- Hide or withdraw
These aren’t “bad behaviors.” They’re emotional signals. Like many mammals, cats experience stress in both their bodies and their behavior.
Individual Differences: Loneliness Looks Different for Every Cat
Not all cats show loneliness the same way. Some become velcro shadows. Others withdraw completely. Some vocalize, and others conflict with fellow pets.
Cats most likely to struggle during separation include:
- Seniors
- Kittens
- Formerly stray or rescued cats
- Sensitive or anxious personalities
Every cat has an emotional language. The key is learning how your cat communicates stress, comfort, and connection.
Call/Text: 945-268-6668
How Long Is Too Long? What Experts Recommend
Most feline behaviorists recommend limiting cat-alone time to 12–24 hours.
Why?
Because cats rely on routine:
- Predictable meals
- Clean litter
- Familiar social contact
- Emotional reassurance
Even the most confident cats benefit from daily human check-ins.
Your presence — or a sitter’s — keeps their world stable and emotionally secure.
Does Your Cat Need a Pet Sitter? Here’s a Simple Gut Check
If your cat …
- becomes clingy
- hides more
- overeats or undereats
- over-grooms
- cries or vocalizes more
- stops using the litter box
- or seems “off” when you return
How Cat Sitting Helps Reduce Loneliness
At DFW Critter Sitter, our feline visits go far deeper than food and litter maintenance.
We provide:
- Routine-based comfort
- Play and gentle enrichment
- Calming somatic-style interactions (see Somatic Exercises blog)
- Human companionship
- Trained observation for subtle health or behavioral shifts
Human presence reduces stress.
Enrichment supports emotional balance.
And trained eyes catch what cameras and automatic feeders can’t.
Daily visits reassure your cat that they’re not alone — they’re loved and supported.
Sources & Research References
Carlstead, K., Brown, J.L., & Strawn, W. (1993). Behavioral and physiological correlates of stress in laboratory cats. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-1591(93)90100-7International Cat Care (ISFM). Stress in Cats: Recognizing and Reducing Feline Anxiety
American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines.
angie@dfwcrittersitter.com