What is Earth Buddy Pet's return policy?

Earth Buddy Pet offers returns on a case-by-case basis. If you have an issue with your order, please contact customer support for assistance.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes, Earth Buddy Pet offers free shipping on all orders over $40 within the United States.

How can I contact customer support?

You can contact our customer support team by email at support@earthbuddypet.com or call (720) 634-6909.

Does Your Cat Miss You When You Leave The House?

Name: Earth Buddy Pet CBD Oil for Dogs
Brand: Earth Buddy Pet
SKU: EBP-1001
Price: 49.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (320 reviews)

Did you know that 13.5% of pet cats get stressed when their owners leave the house? Read on to see if your cat is one of them — and tips on how to help them settle down while you're away.

Key Takeaways

Cats develop similar bonds with their owners as dogs do, and can even become as attached to their owners as babies are to their caregivers.
Sometimes, cats express their displeasure with being left alone by engaging in destructive or distracting behaviors.
Calming treats and supplements like CBD oil can help cats manage this normal stress, and may even help curb problematic behaviors.
Other techniques to help your cat cope with being alone include hiring a cat sitter, getting another cat, sticking to a daily routine, and investing in cat-appropriate entertainment options like toys and nature sounds.

See Related: Why Do Dogs Twitch in Their Sleep?

Do Cats Miss Their Owners?

Cats are famously thought of as independent animals. However, most cats are actually very attached to their owners.

In fact, research shows that many cats miss their owners when they're gone.¹ One study from Oregon State University even demonstrated that cats display similar attachment styles to dogs and even babies.²

"The majority of cats use humans as a source of comfort," one of the researchers behind that study explained.² So it shouldn't really surprise us cat owners that our feline friends can become unhappy when we leave them.

Sometimes, our kitties make their displeasure with our absence known. Anyone who's been given the cold shoulder by their cat knows just how upset they can get when you return home after going away.

But other times, the signs your cat misses you might be less obvious.

small cat watching out window do cats miss their owners separation anxiety few hours spend time many owners new family medical issues showing signs dogs human kitty

Signs Your Cat Feels Abandoned

When researchers examine signs of stress in cats, they usually look for several common signs. These signs don't all have to be present for your cat to be considered stressed; displaying just one of the signs below can indicate they are unhappy when you leave them.

Remember also that every cat is an individual. Your own cat might react differently to your absence.

Still, the following signs are a great place to start when trying to determine whether your cat misses you.

Behavioral Problems

When cats are stressed or annoyed, they might act out in all kinds of ways. One behavioral problem noted in multiple studies is destructiveness.

One study, for example, listed destructive behavior as the most commonly reported behavioral issue in stressed cats. Two-thirds of the cats in the study displayed destructive behaviors! ³

If you're coming home to a mysteriously damaged house and wondering what could have possibly happened, the answer might lie in the hands (or paws, rather) of your furry friend.

Excessive Vocalization

Multiple studies have shown that cats make specific noises to communicate with their owners. Your cat's meows are quite literally them talking to you! ⁴

So it shouldn't surprise you to learn that some cats vocally express their displeasure with your absence. Actually, excessive vocalization is considered a classic sign of stress in adult cats.⁵

In one study, almost two-thirds of cats left alone engaged in excessive vocalization. ⁶

cat meowing separation anxiety dogs humans family affectionate eat vacation forget person scent weeks head

Inappropriate Urination (Or Even Defecation)

Some cats express their displeasure through their claws. Other cats yell. And some cats, unfortunately, react to stress by urinating or defecating outside of their litter box.

Inappropriate urination is far more common than defecation, but both have been observed in multiple studies.⁷

In one of those studies, three-quarters of cats who inappropriately urinated chose to target their owners' beds and nowhere else.⁸ Talk about a message you can't refuse.

Sadness

Sometimes, cats react to missing you by withdrawing. In one study, about half of the cats who missed their owners became sad and apathetic.⁹

Aggressiveness

In one study, over one-third of cats became aggressive when separated from their owners.¹⁰ That's about the same percentage of cats that displayed aggressiveness in another study.¹¹

Bonus: 9 Signs That Your Dog Has Seasonal Allergies

cat biting owner hand affectionate person scent humans food separation anxiety

Techniques to Help Your Stressed Cat

So, you know your cat likely misses you when you leave. You understand they'll probably display their displeasure with you in their own special way. What can you do about it?

Fortunately, there are plenty of techniques to help your feline friend chill out when you're gone.

Before we get to them, though, we should note the importance of helping cats become independent when they're kittens. Getting your kitten used to being alone is crucial for their development.

Start with short periods of just five or ten minutes. Gradually increase the time you leave them alone, always ensuring they are safe and stimulated.¹²

If you do this, your grown-up cat should be able to be by themselves without getting too worried.

With that out of the way, let's cover some of the most effective ways to help your cat deal with being alone.

Try Calming Supplements

In many cases, your cat doesn't just miss you. They're worried about you. Or, at the very least, they're worried about having been left alone by you.

Fortunately, there are plenty of supplements that can help our cats cope with this stress. CBD oil, for example, can help keep your cat calm and relaxed. Our organic full-spectrum CBD oil even comes with a handy gauge to help you measure out the correct dose for your furry friend.

Another great option is our Quick Calm Spray. By emulsifying the hemp extract, we're able to mix it with distilled water for easy spritzing and fast absorption. In a study we conducted, there was a 41% decrease in pet stress severity when used over a 21-day period.¹³

For yet another option, consider our Sleep Support Extract. With a 4:1 ratio of CBN to CBD, this supplement helps reduce the effects of normal environmental stress. It may help reduce hyperactivity, promote relaxation, and even curb destructive behavior.

Hire a Cat Sitter

A pet sitter is a great option for people needing to leave their cats alone for long periods of time. In fact, pet sitters are generally necessary when leaving cats for longer than a day or two.¹⁴

When using a pet sitter, try to have them keep the same schedule as you do with your cats. Have them feed your cat at the regular time, for example. If your cat likes to sit on your lap at a certain time, try and have your cat sitter do the same.

Ideally, your cat sitter will even spend the night with your pet. If your cat loves to sleep with you, try to have your cat sitter do the same.

two cats on window sill humans food person

Get a New Furry Friend

If you needed an excuse to get another cat, you're in luck. Cats might generally be considered solitary, but many cats do better with a furry friend.

Interestingly, researchers think cats developed the willingness to live with other cats when they self-domesticated thousands of years ago. In other words, cats — or rather, their distant ancestors — realized that living with humans might mean learning to love another cat.¹⁵

With another cat around, it's only natural for your pet to spend less time missing you. After all, they aren't alone.

That said, not all cats will appreciate an addition to the household. There are many factors that can contribute to cats preferring solitude, including hormones and whether they were raised with their parents and siblings.¹⁶

If possible, acclimate your cat to other animals when they're a kitten. You can also take steps to improve the odds that your cat will accept a new friend. These include getting a cat of a similar age and disposition, and introducing them very gradually. ¹⁷

Stick to a Routine

Cats are creatures of habit. Sticking to a solid daily routine can help them cope with the stress of being left alone.

Establish a Safe Space

Having somewhere for your cat to go when they're stressed can be a great help. That might be a dedicated room, or a corner, or even a bed.

cat playing with toy mouse on scratching post humans

Leave Plenty of Toys

We might think our cat is acting up because they miss us. But sometimes, they're just plain bored.

Think about it. Wouldn't you be bored if you were left home alone all day with nothing to do?

There are plenty of ways to keep your cat entertained, including the following:

Calming music
Nature sounds
Treats with calming ingredients
A window to watch outside, as long as that doesn't worry or agitate them
Toys
An automatic feeder

Conclusion

If your cat is showing signs that they miss you, don't worry. First, that's a testament to the deep bond you and your cat have. They really love you!

Second, there are plenty of ways to help your cat deal with being alone. Supplements for pets can help them cope with the stress of being left alone, while a cat sitter or a new cat can keep them company while you're away.

Keep Reading: What to Do When Your Dog Is Restless At Night

Sources

–

Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.