Can Cats Cry, And what It Means
A cat’s life isn’t always easy, your human disappears without warning, breakfast isn’t served the moment you wake, and the outdoors is never as cosy as inside. But can cats cry when they’re upset?
Can cats cry? While cats feel emotions and even grieve, they don’t shed tears out of sadness. If you’ve seen a cat with watery eyes while they’re upset, it’s likely just a coincidence. Here’s what you need to know about cats and crying.
Can cats cry tears?
Can cats cry tears? Cats can produce tears, but not for emotional reasons like humans do. If you notice your cat with a watery eye, it’s usually due to a medical condition rather than sadness. While a cat's body language may indicate distress, they don’t shed tears to express cat emotions. Instead, a cat cry or a change in cat meow patterns is a more reliable sign of discomfort. The most common cause of cat tears includes eye infections, allergies, or irritants on the surface of the eye. If your old cat suddenly starts tearing up or you see a change in behavior, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with a veterinarian to rule out any health issues. Keeping a stable home environment and spending quality time with your cat can help prevent stress-related issues, especially in outdoor cats prone to separation anxiety. So, can cats cry tears? While their eyes may water for different reasons, they don’t cry from sadness like humans do.
Check out Cat Body Language | Signs Your Cat Is Happy.
How Do Cats Cry?
How do cats cry? Cat crying can vary depending on the individual cat’s age, breed, and personality, as well as the reason behind their distress. Unlike humans, cats don’t shed tears when they’re upset, but they do express their emotions through vocalisations. While some may let out a faint whimper, most cats cry with loud meows, yowls, or mournful cries. In certain situations, cats may also whine or chatter, but if they’re in significant distress, their cries tend to be longer, louder, and more intense, signaling a need for attention or comfort.
Do Cats Cry When Sad or in Pain?
Cats don’t shed tears when they’re feeling sad or in pain. However, whether a cat is experiencing emotional distress or physical discomfort, they’ll often show behavioural changes, which may include vocal crying. The sound of a crying cat is usually longer in duration and lower in frequency compared to their usual daily chatter. If your cat is feeling down, you might notice the following signs:
Hiding.
Decrease in appetite.
Seeking more attention than usual.
Change in grooming habits.
Shaking.
Avoiding interaction.
Change in litter box use.
Aggression.
Increased vocalisation.
Decrease in activity and an increase in sleep.
Lack of interest in cat toys or playtime.
A change in behaviour can indicate either emotional distress or a physical issue. Take a moment each month to gently examine your cat from head to toe, looking for any abnormalities or sore spots. If your cat hisses or pulls away, they’re not being difficult, they’re letting you know they feel scared, anxious, or in pain.
While excessively watery eyes may look like tears, they aren’t a sign that your cat is crying due to sadness or pain. Instead, cat crying tears usually point to an underlying medical issue, such as conjunctivitis, a blocked tear duct, or another common eye infection. If you notice persistent tearing, it’s best to schedule a vet check up to rule out any health concerns.
Why do cats cry, Reasons for Cat Crying
Why do cats cry? Cats vocalize for several reasons, but their primary goal is often to capture your attention and communicate a need. Whether they’re hungry, lonely, in pain, or seeking interaction, their cries serve as a way to get a response from their human.
Here are some of the most common reasons why cats cry:
Your Cat Loves to Talk
Some cat breeds are naturally more vocal than others, with Siamese, Bengal, Tonkinese, and Sphynx cats being among the most talkative. However, they’re not the only chatty companions, Oriental Shorthairs, Burmese, Maine Coons, and Japanese Bobtails are also known for their love of conversation. These cats often meow, chirp, and yowl to communicate their needs, express affection, or simply engage with their humans. If you respond to their chatter, you may encourage the behaviour, so whether you choose to chat back or set boundaries is entirely up to you!
Your Cat Is Hungry
Cats have an impressive internal clock and always seem to know exactly when it’s mealtime. The moment their food bowl is empty and their stomach starts rumbling, you can expect a flurry of meows and demands for a refill. To keep things balanced, it’s best to establish a consistent feeding schedule and stick to it. If meal times become unpredictable, your cat may try to train you into a treat dispenser, persistently begging for snacks throughout the day!
Your Cat Is Feeling Unwell
Why do cats cry? While cats often try to hide signs of illness, some may become more vocal when they’re feeling unwell. A cat might cry before vomiting or coughing up a hairball as a way of expressing discomfort. Certain health conditions, such as hypertension, cognitive decline in aging cats, and deafness, can also lead to excessive meowing due to confusion, anxiety, or pain.
Your Cat Wants to Go Outside
Why do cats cry? One common reason is their never ending struggle with doors. Cats always seem to be on the wrong side, whether they’re stuck inside with you or left outside without you. Their persistent meows are often demands for their humans to act as doormen. If you’ve ever closed a bathroom or bedroom door, only to hear your cat meowing on the other side, they’re likely crying because they want to be where you are, or simply because they don’t like feeling shut out!
Your Cat Is Scared
A frightened cat may begin with protest meows, but these can quickly escalate into growls and hisses as their fear intensifies. However, when a cat is truly scared, they are more likely to hide and remain silent, avoiding any attention in an attempt to feel safe.
Your Cat Is Seeking Affection
Cats are social creatures and can quickly become bored, especially with the people they love. If gentle paw taps don’t get your attention, they may resort to crying for petting or playtime. To keep your cat happy, it’s best to offer attention consistently, as ignoring their requests now might mean getting snubbed later when you’re the one seeking affection!
Your Cat Is Mad with You
Why do cats cry? One reason is frustration or discomfort when forced into something they dislike. Holding a cat for too long, for example, can lead to caterwauling as they demand to be released. Watching their body language is important, if their ears turn sideways or their tail starts thumping, it’s best to let go before those meows turn into bites!
Why do cats cry at night?
Why do cats cry at night? Cats may cry at night due to boredom, hunger, or seeking attention. Some experience age related cognitive decline or anxiety, while deaf cats may meow louder out of confusion. Ensuring adequate playtime, a consistent routine, and meeting their needs can help reduce nighttime crying. If the behaviour is sudden or excessive, a vet check-up is a good idea.
Can cats cry tears when sad?
No, cats don’t cry tears the way humans do. If their eyes are watering, it’s usually due to a physical issue like irritation, injury, infection, or an underlying condition. If the tearing lasts more than 24 hours, it’s best to consult a vet to rule out any health concerns.
Main Points to Remember
Cats experience emotions, but they don’t shed tears.
When cats have watery eyes, it’s likely due to a medical issue.
Cats have different ways of expressing their emotions.
Kelly Rushton
Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 charming Ragdoll cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.
