Independent but not indifferent: How can you tell if your cat misses you?

Cats may appear self-sufficient, but life inside a household can create a close bond with their caregivers. Their affection often follows feline rules rather than the more obvious enthusiasm associated with dogs.

Research on animal behaviour and welfare from the National Autonomous University of Mexico’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics says domestic cats recognise their caregivers’ daily routines, body odours and voices. When an important person is away, cats can change their behaviour and seek ways to regulate their emotions.

A cat may wait near a door or window around the time its caregiver normally returns. During a longer absence, it may lie on clothes or bedding that carry the familiar scent. When the person comes home, the cat may rub against their legs, using pheromones from its glands to incorporate the caregiver back into its territory.

Other signs include following the person from room to room, meowing softly or persistently, and demanding immediate physical contact. The guidance says cats also show trust in subtler ways. Exposing the belly while lying on the back can signal security because the abdomen is especially vulnerable, although cats retain their independence alongside this affection.