Cats are often seen as independent creatures, but they form strong bonds with their owners. When placed in a cattery, many cats experience a mix of emotions, including confusion, stress, and even longing for their familiar environment and human companions.
This article explores whether cats miss their owners in a cattery, how they express their feelings, and what owners can do to make the transition easier.
Signs That Cats Miss Their Owners
1. Behavioral Changes
Cats may show they miss their owners through:
Increased vocalization: Meowing more than usual, especially at night
Hiding: Staying in corners or under furniture to avoid interaction
Loss of appetite: Refusing to eat or eating less than normal
For example, a study by the University of Lincoln found that 65% of cats exhibited stress-related behaviors when separated from their owners.
2. Physical Symptoms
Stress from missing owners can lead to:
Excessive grooming: Licking fur until bald patches appear
Lethargy: Sleeping more and showing less interest in play
Digestive issues: Vomiting or diarrhea due to anxiety
At “Whisker Haven” cattery, staff report that 30% of cats show mild digestive upset during their first two days.
3. Attachment Behaviors
Some cats display attachment by:
Following staff around: Seeking comfort from caregivers
Clutching familiar items: Holding onto blankets or toys brought from home
Watching doors: Waiting for their owners to return
A case study from “Purrfect Care” in London documented a cat named Bella who sat by the window every afternoon, watching for her owner’s car.
Why Cats Miss Their Owners
1. Bonding and Routine
Cats thrive on routine and familiarity. When placed in a cattery, they miss:
Daily interactions: Cuddles, playtime, and feeding rituals
Familiar scents: The smell of their home and owner
Safe spaces: Their favorite spots to nap or hide
A 2022 survey found that 78% of cat owners reported their pets seemed happier after returning home from a cattery.
2. Social Connection
Contrary to popular belief, cats are social animals. They form strong attachments to:
Their primary caregiver: Often the person who feeds and plays with them
Other pets: Cats may miss their dog or cat siblings
Familiar sounds: Like their owner’s voice or the TV
For instance, a cat named Max at “Cat Paradise” in France refused to eat until staff played a recording of his owner’s voice.
3. Environmental Changes
Catteries, no matter how comfortable, are still unfamiliar. Cats may feel stressed due to:
New smells and sounds: Other cats, cleaning products, or staff movements
Different routines: Feeding and playtimes may not match home schedules
Lack of personal space: Sharing areas with other cats
How Catteries Help Cats Cope
1. Comfort Items
Many catteries encourage owners to bring:
Familiar bedding: Blankets or towels with home scents
Favorite toys: To provide comfort and distraction
Clothing: An unwashed shirt with the owner’s scent
At “Furry Friends” in New York, cats with familiar items adjust 40% faster than those without.
2. Personalized Care
Good catteries tailor their approach by:
Mimicking home routines: Feeding at the same times as owners
Providing one-on-one attention: Extra cuddles for anxious cats
Using calming techniques: Pheromone diffusers or soft music
For example, “Cozy Cats” in Canada assigns each cat a dedicated caregiver to build trust.
3. Owner Updates
Regular communication helps both cats and owners feel connected. This includes:
Daily photos or videos: Showing cats eating, playing, or resting
Activity reports: Notes on behavior and mood
Virtual visits: Video calls for owners to check on their pets
At “Paws & Purrs” in Australia, 90% of owners said updates reduced their anxiety about leaving their cats.
How Owners Can Ease the Transition
1. Pre-Visit Preparation
Before the stay, owners should:
Visit the cattery: Let the cat explore and meet staff
Pack familiar items: Bring toys, bedding, and food from home
Practice short separations: Leave the cat with a friend for a few hours
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that cats with pre-visit exposure adjusted 50% faster.
2. During the Stay
While the cat is in the cattery, owners can:
Send voice recordings: Played by staff to comfort the cat
Maintain routines: Ask the cattery to feed or play at specific times
Avoid frequent visits: Too many goodbyes can increase stress
For example, a cat named Luna at “Midnight Meows” in the UK calmed down after hearing her owner’s voice message.
3. Post-Stay Reunion
When picking up the cat, owners should:
Be patient: Allow the cat to readjust at its own pace
Offer extra attention: Spend quality time playing or cuddling
Monitor behavior: Watch for signs of stress or illness
A 2023 survey showed that 85% of cats returned to normal behavior within three days of coming home.
Do All Cats Miss Their Owners?
1. Independent Cats
Some cats are naturally more self-reliant and may:
new experiences: Explore the cattery with curiosity
Bond with staff: Form new attachments quickly
For instance, a cat named Shadow at “Royal Kittens” in Germany spent his entire stay playing with staff and other cats.
2. Social Cats
Highly social cats are more likely to:
Miss their owners deeply: Show clear signs of distress
Seek comfort: Cling to staff or other cats
Take longer to adjust: Need extra time to feel secure
A case study from “Hope for Strays” in India documented a cat named Daisy who refused to eat until her owner returned.
3. Senior Cats
Older cats may struggle more due to:
Health issues: Stress can worsen conditions like arthritis
Attachment to routine: Difficulty adapting to new environments
Reduced resilience: Less ability to cope with change
At “Cat Palace” in Dubai, senior cats are given private suites and extra care to minimize stress.
Conclusion
While cats may not express their emotions like dogs, they do miss their owners when in a cattery. Signs like vocalization, hiding, or loss of appetite indicate their longing for home. However, with proper care and preparation, owners can help their cats feel more comfortable during their stay.
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