Cat behavior may seem mysterious to some people. However, if you take the time to pay attention, it’s easy to tell how your cat is feeling. Cats communicate their feelings and needs to their owners and to one another in a variety of ways. Scientists and behaviorists have recorded and examined feline vocalizations in order to better understand our kitties. Doves may cry, as do babies, some holy sculptures, and one pop singer, but do cats cry? Learn more about cat crying and what to do if your cat starts to cry.
So, do cats cry? A cat’s eyes may tear and water, but this isn’t an emotional reaction. Cats resoundingly do not cry the way humans do. In an article from Parade magazine, veterinarian Dr. Sheri Morris of Oregon emphasizes that cats do tear up, but it’s exclusively in response to an injury or illness, usually associated with their eyes. Irritants like disinfectant cleaners or allergies could also be the culprit. If you’re noticing a crying cat with persistently watery eyes, a trip to the vet is best.
Certified Cat Behaviorist and author Mieshelle Nagelschneider echoes Dr. Morris’ assessment that cats’ eyes don’t open the floodgates when in pain or upset. Rather, cats vocalize when something is bothering them.
There are numerous weeping cat sounds
The next question you have after, “Do cats cry?” is probably, “What does cat crying sound like?” In the popular YouTube video, 7 Sounds Cats Make and What They Mean, there are two segments that sound a lot like a cat crying. The portion on yowling sounds like a cat crying out in distress. According to the video, the crying can be a considered a warning to cats encroaching on claimed territory. The yowling could also be interpreted as an invitation to mate (talk about mixed signals!). The final segment shows mewling kittens — their cries should be familiar to every mother. “We’re over here,” they seem to scream.
Do kitten cats cry?
In addition to the crying mentioned above, kittens will cry out when they’re scared, hungry or cold.
Do cats cry more under stress or as a result of environmental changes?
Stress can’t be stressed enough as a cause of crying cats. Seemingly innocuous alterations in a cats’ environment can cause stress — sure you love the new sofa, but is it an invasion of malicious intruders? Some cats aren’t sure!
Does a cat’s crying increase with age?
Aging can cause excessive vocalization. Senior cats, like people, experience cognitive dysfunction and can become disoriented. Mental confusion can certainly lead to a crying cat who is calling out to his people for help.
Does your cat’s weeping indicate a medical problem?
Do cats cry due to health issues? Illnesses (such as thyroid or kidney disease) can cause cat crying. With so many reasons for cat crying, it’s important that pet parents be aware about their feline’s mental, physical and emotional states. A cat who is sick or injured can’t just say, “It hurts when [and] here,” but if your cat is excessively crying there is a reason, and it could be a medical issue. Dr. Jean Duddy, DVM, indicates that an escalation of a cat crying can be a real cause for alarm.
Check your cat if you think it’s crying:
- Pass your hand over his body (checking for any wounds, lesions and lumps).
- Check his mouth, nose and eyes for discharge.
- Make sure he’s breathing normally.
- Examine his private parts for anything unusual.
- Investigate his litter box.
- Is he or she intact?
Does your cat weep when his environment changes?
If your cat doesn’t seem physically hurt, it could be a change to his environment that’s causing him to cry. Here’s how to get to the bottom of the issue:
- Have you added anything new to your home? A new roommate, sofa or floor plan could cause panic!
- Did you switch up your brand of kitty litter?
- Has the litter box or food been moved? (This is important if there are now stairs involved – cats can suffer from arthritis and other ambulatory problems as they get older)
- Do you have new neighbors with free-roaming pets?
- Is his dinner different?
- Remember: Cats, unlike most dogs and people, can get anxious and stressed from even the smallest of changes to their homes, routines and communities.
How to comfort an upset cat?
Another question that follows, “Do cats cry?” is — “What can I do to help a crying cat?” Well, whatever you do, do not reprimand your cat for crying! If the crying persists for a long time and you can’t identify the issue, take your cat to the vet. In the case that your cat is not neutered (or spayed, if your cat is a female), get him fixed immediately.
For many cats, the anxiousness of something new will subside over a few days. It may help if you put him in a secure, safe spot — your bedroom with the door closed and his favorite toys, cat tree and comfy bed for a few days should help him readjust. If you’ve moved his necessary items (litter box/food bowl) to a different floor, return them to their usual spot. Consult a behaviorist if the situation worsens.
Remember, there will be some instances where the caterwauling is just your cat’s way of saying, “Pay attention to me.”