If you come back from vacation and your cat is acting a little strange, you may wonder if cats get upset when their human companions are gone for a few days. Cats become attached to their favorite people, not to mention their schedule.
They are creatures of habit who do not respond well when adjusting to new routines, such as not eating breakfast at the usual time or dealing with new people in their space, such as guards of animals. It’s not uncommon for cats to express displeasure with these situations once their humans are back in town, so yes, cats might be annoyed with you. Most return to their old selves relatively quickly, especially when given more love and attention.
How do cats show their displeasure in these situations?
Some cats ignore their human family members when they return from vacation and are reluctant to engage and interact. Others become stressed, often from anxiety caused by routine shifts.
Cats can become aggressive, sometimes hissing and swatting at people to keep people at bay until they feel comfortable around things again. Because cats understand the world largely through smell, they can become stressed when their favorite person comes home smelling different than expected.
![angry domestic cat growling](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/angry-domestic-cat-growling_pixbull_Shutterstock.jpg)
Are there ways to get cats back into their good graces?
Cats usually return to their old state relatively quickly, but there are things you can do to speed up the process. Allowing cats to take the lead is essential to returning to normal. Cats that hide or run away generally respond best when left alone and given time to readjust to your presence and scent.
When dealing with unwanted behaviors such as aggression, ignoring unwanted behavior and rewarding what you want to see is often the easiest and quickest way to get cats to cooperate. Patience, attention to their body language, and liberal use of treats and cuddles almost always resolve the situation.
How long can cats typically be left alone?
Cats can tolerate being left alone for a day or so without needing someone to watch, feed, and give them attention. Cats who suffer from separation anxiety often become anxious when left for short periods of time and often benefit from plenty of activities, such as interactive games, to keep them occupied when home alone.
Because cats are creatures of routine, they often prefer to stay at home, as the smells and sounds in even the most relaxing boarding facilities can sometimes be stressful for cats.
Visiting a pet sitter allows cats to stay in familiar surroundings, which can go a long way to keeping their stress in check while you are away. Pet sitters usually come at least once a day to make sure everything is okay, hand out food, and play with the cats in their care.
Are there ways to make it easier for my cat when I leave?
Yes. There are a few steps you can take to make your absence easier for your cat, including letting them get to know the pet sitter in advance and wearing clothes that smell like home when you return.
1. Introduce the pet sitter
Because cats sometimes take time to get used to people, which gives them time to feel comfortable with pet sitters before being left in their care can go a long way in helping cats stay comfortable when left alone during family vacations.
Just having the pet sitter spend time getting to know your cat and playing with him while you are there can often reduce his stress levels once the vacation begins and he is left to his own devices.
![cat sitter petting a cat on her lap](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cat-sitter-petting-a-cat-on-her-lap_larisa-Stefanjuk_Shutterstock.jpg)
2. Call your cat
Cats become very attached to their humans and can develop bonds that resemble those formed between humans and babies. Studies suggest they can even recognize their humans’ voices. Having the pet sitter call you so you can video chat with your cat is one option, but several cameras on the market allow pet owners to keep tabs on what their cats are doing and interact with them. them.
Many devices allow you to hand out treats remotely and pre-record messages to play while you’re away to let your cat know you love and miss them.
3. Work with scent
![Essential oil dripping from basil leaf into a glass bottle](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Essential-oil-dripping-from-basil-leaf-into-glass-bottle_Sinfebeth_Shutterstock.jpg)
Cats largely understand the world through the nose. When they rub against people, they leave behind pheromones that carry scent molecules that cats use to identify familiar people and places. These pheromones mix with their favorite person’s scent to create unique smells that cats associate with comfort and home.
Consider taking with you on vacation an item of clothing that you wore at home. Put it on before you come home so your cat will smell familiar. Leaving something of your own in a place where your cat likes to relax and hang out can also comfort some cats.
4. Warn your cat
Even though cats can’t appreciate Shakespeare, they can determine what’s going on around them through observation. Consider taking your bags out a few days before you start packing to give your cat a chance to notice something is different. Involve your cat in the packing process and make it fun so he begins to associate suitcases with good things and positive experiences.
Conclusion
While some cats feel good when their human companions leave them alone, many become upset when left alone for long periods of time. Cats don’t like changes in routine, so adjusting to not eating or cuddling when expected can be difficult for some.
Because they rely heavily on smell to identify people and places, they may find the scent of their favorite person confusing after the holidays, which can lead to distant and aggressive behavior. Cats return to normal relatively quickly, with time, space and love.
Featured image credit: stock1000, Shutterstock