Do Cats Cry?

A cat’s eyes may water and tear, but this Is not an emotional reaction. Felines definitely don’t cry the way people do. According to experts, cats do tear up. However, it is exclusively because of an illness or injury that’s often associated with the eyes. Irritants like disinfectant cleaners or allergies can also be the culprit. When you notice your cat “crying” with watery eyes, then a trip to your vet is the best thing to do.

Are cat emotions real?

There isn’t reliable evidence that suggests that a cat can cry tears when they’re grieving or upset. Cats have emotions and they grieve too, but if you have seen your cat with very watery eyes at the same time they’re grieving, it is probably just a coincidence.

Studies have shown that cats do really have emotions. In fact, cats can read human expressions too and they can experience a wider range of feelings than many other animals. If a cat feels something, he can easily act on it.

• A happy cat may play, rub, purr or otherwise engage with other animals and humans.
• A sad cat might withdraw, become less energetic and lose its appetite.
• A frightened or angry cat may arch its back, hiss, swat or growl at another animal or person.
• Cats who are angry, anxious or upset might make sounds similar to a human whimper or whine. These noises are simple indications of the emotions of your cat and in that sense, the cat is crying. However, according to experts, people are the only living things that cry tears when we experience strong pain or emotions.

How to check your cat if you think he is crying

• Check his eyes, nose and mouth for any discharge.
• Pass your hand over your cat’s body and check for any lumps, lesions, and wounds.
• Make sure he is breathing normally.
• Investigate his litter box.
• Examine your cat’s private parts to check if there’s anything unusual.

How to check if your cat is crying because of environmental changes

If your cat does not seem physically hurt, the feelings he is showing could be due to some changes in his environment that are causing him to cry. Below are some guidelines on how to identify and solve the problem:

• Have you added something new to your home? A new floor plan, sofa or roommate can cause your cat to panic.
• Did you change the brand of your cat’s litter?
• Do you have new neighbors that have free-roaming pets?
• Has the food or litter box been moved? Cats can suffer from ambulatory problems and arthritis when they get older so this is a very important thing to take into consideration if stairs are now involved.
• Is your cat’s dinner different?

Bear in mind that unlike people and most dogs, cats can get stressed and anxious from even the slightest changes to their routines, communities and homes. For most felines, the anxiousness of new things happening in their surroundings will eventually subside after a few days. Some simple things like putting him in a safe, secure spot can help like your bedroom with doors closed, as well as his favorite cat tree, toys and the comfortable bed should help your cat readjust. 

If you have moved his necessary items like the food bowl or litter box to a different floor, you should consider returning them to the usual spot. If the situation worsens, it’s best to consult a behaviorist.

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Common questions about why your cat cries

Do cats cry when they are stressed?

Stress cannot be stressed enough as the cause of your cat crying. Even the smallest alterations in the environment of your cat can cause him stress. Sure you love your new sofa, however, for your cat, it can be an invasion of intruders. Some felines are not sure that’s why they feel stressed about the new changes in their home.

Do cats cry more when they get older?

 Aging in cats can lead to excessive vocalization. Just like people, senior cats can also become disoriented as well as experience cognitive dysfunction. Mental confusion could definitely lead to your cat crying if he’s trying to call out to you for help. Older cats are more prone to crying out to people than younger ones, since they need more help and attention.

Is your cat crying due to a health problem?

Illnesses like kidney or thyroid disease can cause a cat to cry. With lots of reasons for a crying cat, it is important that you should be aware of his mental, emotional, and physical states. A sick or injured cat can’t just point out what and where he’s hurt, but if he’s excessively crying, then there could be a reason. It can be a serious medical issue so it’s best that you take him to your vet for assessment.

Conclusion

The moment you see your feline friend tearing up, it is important to know they’re not expressing strong emotions. Instead, they’re telling you that something is wrong with their health. Usually, the problem is minor but, in some cases, your cat’s tears can be evidence of an underlying serious health problem or something that can potentially become serious if left untreated.