What Are the Cat's Behavior After Returning Home From Vacation and the Solution?

Leaving your cat behind when you go on vacation can be tough. When you return, you might notice your cat acting a bit different maybe they’re hiding, being extra clingy, or meowing more than usual. This is normal!

Cats can feel stressed or anxious when their routine changes, but don’t worry. With a little patience and a few simple tricks, you can help them feel safe and happy again.

Let’s explore what happens when you come back from vacation and how you can make things easier for your furry friend!

What Behaves Can You Expect From Your Pet? 

Your cat will seek more attention or simply ignore you when you return home. Or they may show weird behavior like not eating or using the litter box less. Here are some common scenarios you can expect from your pet cat.

1. Show Affection & Seek Attention

In your absence, your cat missed you and it would be normal if they show affection and seek attention. When you return home from vacation your pet cat may rub against your legs, purr loudly or follow your around your house. This behavior may seem different than usual, because cat tend to stay alone or away most of the time.

But since your cat missed you, it may want extra cuddles or want you to pet it. They want the comfort and attention they lacked when you were away. You used to be around them all the time. Suddenly, you were far away for several days, which made your cat miss you so much. Like humans, they now may want more love and care.

2. Ignore or Hide and Show Odd Behaviors

Some cats behave differently after their owner returns home. They may ignore you or hide somewhere. This is like when your parents leave you alone for a while, and you are upset with them when they return.

The pet cat can also be angry with you why you left them. They may hide in a quiet place with a sad heart. At this time, cats try to avoid eye contact or act aloof when you try to touch or pet them.

Some other cats may behave more rudely and aggressively. They ignore the owner for several days. You may think about how your calm and sweet cat turns into an aggressive pet.

3. Demand Extra Playtime or Stimulation

As cats want more affection, they may want quality time from you. They want to play more and more mental stimulation from you.

Cats are not that active like dogs. But if you leave your furry cat at home for several days, they start missing you and once you return they become more active than usual.

This can also be a sign of they want to burn extra energy. The cats were gloomy and sad these days and did not participate in any physical activity. Since you are now with them, they are happy and now it's time for physical stimulation.

Animals need proper mental and physical stimulation, it keeps them healthy. Thus they may want to play more with you.

Your cat may bring toys to you or jump around you. They consistently meow to grab your attention and tell you by meowing to play with her. They might scratch the surfaces or chew toys to release their pent-up energy.

4. Vocalize More Frequently

You might notice that when you return home, your cat is more vocal than at other times. They meow, yowl, or make other sounds. They just express their feelings about your absence, thus increasing their vocalization.

Like human pets, cats communicate in their own language, and vocalizing more is part of that. You may feel that they are expressing their pains. They want to say, “I missed you so much. Why did you leave me alone?” They won’t leave you for a minute and constantly meow. Just take the cat on your lap and pet her. Gradually, the cat may stop meowing if she finds comfort.

5. Excessive Grooming or Lack of Grooming

Changes in your cat's grooming habits or lack of grooming after you return home should be normal, isn't it? Because you were not with the cat who used to do the cat care, the cat may not get proper care or simply neglect grooming. Now, you are seeing bald spots or irritated skin.

6. Inspect or Sniff You Intensely

An intense sniffing session with your cat after you return from vacation? Have you experienced it yet? Many pet cat owners have experienced this kind of behavior from their beloved cats.

This is nothing but a way of re-familiarizing themselves with you. Since cats heavily rely on scent and, they know your scent very well. Now they are just sniffing again because they missed your smell these days.

Or it can be you picked up some new smells that your cat is not recognizing. So, by sniffing or inspecting your intensely, they are just making themselves familiar with their owner's new scent.

They might sniff your bag, your hands, clothes, or shoes.

Try not to stop them while they sniff you. Just pet them and let them do what they want. Hey, your cat really missed you, you know!

7. Seek Comfort and Security

Your cat will seek more comfort and security when you return home after a long time. When you are not near your pet cat, she may feel uncomfortable and insecure. Once you come back, they do not want to lose you again. This happens if you leave your cat for the first time, as they are not used to it.

This time, the cat may sit on your lap more or want to sleep on your chest, near you, or even above your head. They will follow you everywhere and do not want to let you leave home.

By doing so, the cats reassure themselves that everything is now normal and the owner will not leave.

8. Engage in Ritualistic Behavior

If your cat engages in ritualistic behavior, do not discourage her. The cat just wants to re-establish its routine and thinks everything is back to normal now.

For example, if your cat always rubs against you when you first come home, it might do this more intensely after you’ve been away. They are marking you with their scent and marking their territory. This is their way of connecting with you.

Other ritualistic behaviors can be kneading on a soft blanket or repeatedly circling a favorite spot.

9. Changes in Eating Habits

You may also notice changes in your cat’s eating habits. Some cats may become more finicky and refuse their usual food or eat less. But others may start eating more, especially if they feel stressed during your absence.

These changes are normal and happen because there was a disruption in their routine where you were not there. Once you return try to maintain your cat feeding time and if she loses weight regain the weight by giving proper food.

10. Pacing or Restlessness

You cat is pacing or becoming restless? This is because of your absence. During this time, your cat felt anxious or unsettled. The sudden change in their surrounding made them become nervous and stressed. Cats that are normally calm might start walking back and forth. Some explore every corner of the house, or even meowing more than usual.

If your cat’s pacing and restlessness persist, it might be a good idea to consult your veterinarian soon.

11. Changes in Litter Box Behavior

Lastly, you may see changes in your cat's litter box behavior. You have trained your cat's litter box habit for so long that now she may not want to use it, or it may happen that she is using it more.

The reason is that your beloved cat is more sensitive if any changes happen around them. It can make them anxious, and they start having unusual behavior.

If your cat starts avoiding the litter box, ensure that the box is clean and quiet. If you changed the type of litter or moved the box while you were away get the previous setup.

On the other hand, if your cat is using the litter box more frequently, it would be a sign of stress or potential urinary issues. It’s wise to consult your veterinarian to rule out any health problems.

Situations That Push the Cats To Do Strange Behavior

When you leave your cat and go on a vacation or stay away for a long time, your cat may show some weird behavior. This is normal for your pet to do, as they miss you. There are some more situations in your absence that may make your cat feel stressed.

Environmental Changes

Environmental changes can greatly impact your cat’s behavior. This often makes them do strange stuff out of character. You may have to relocate your cat in any pet home or your friend's home. Now everything is new to her. The cat is not used to these and may think you abandoned her.

If you bring some pet sitter, then it can also make the cat stressed. The pet sitter is new to her. And now is taking care of the cat as if the sitter is the owner. Everything seems different and messy to the cat.

These changes create an insecure environment around the cat. Thus she may try to hide, increase vocalization, or even refuse to eat.

Stress & Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can make cats behave oddly. Changes in routine, new visitors, loud noises, or other animals can cause these feelings. A stressed cat might groom too much, hide, act aggressively, or avoid the litter box. These actions help them deal with fear or insecurity.

Health Issues

Health problems can also cause strange behavior in cats. If a cat feels sick, it might hide, meow a lot, eat less, or become aggressive. These changes can mean the cat is in pain or discomfort. Common issues like dental problems, arthritis, or urinary infections can lead to these behaviors.

Territorial Behavior

Cats are naturally territorial. They may act strangely or aggressively if they feel their space is threatened. This can happen if a new pet or person comes into the home or if they see a stray cat outside. A cat might mark its territory by spraying urine, scratching furniture, or becoming more vocal and aggressive toward other animals.

Cognitive Dysfunction

As cats get older, they might develop cognitive dysfunction, like dementia in humans. This can cause odd behaviors, like getting lost, wandering aimlessly, meowing more, or having different sleep patterns. An affected cat might become grumpy or less interested in their owners. These changes show the cat’s mental health is declining, which can be hard for both the cat and the owner.

Boredom & Lack of Stimulation

Cats need mental and physical activities to stay happy. Without enough stimulation, they can become bored and act out in strange ways, like scratching too much, chewing on things, or over-grooming. A bored cat may also meow a lot for attention or seem restless.

Fear or Trauma

Fear or trauma can cause cats to act in unusual ways. A cat that has gone through a scary event or stressful situation might hide, become aggressive, or avoid certain parts of the house. They may also tremble, groom too much, or lose their appetite. These behaviors help them cope with their fear.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, especially in cats that are not spayed or neutered, can cause strange behaviors. A female cat in heat may become more vocal, restless, and affectionate. Male cats might spray urine to mark territory or act more aggressively. These actions are due to their natural instincts to mate and can be hard for owners to handle.

How To Calm Your Cat When You Return Home?

Now, let us see how you can calm your cat when you return home.

Re-establish Routine

When you come back after being away, get your cat back to their usual routine. Cats like consistency and any changes can cause them stress. Start feeding, playing, and sleeping at the usual times. This helps them feel that everything is back to normal. By maintaining the routine you also can discipline the cat.

For example, if you normally feed your cat in the morning and evening, stick to those times.

Provide Safe Space and Comfort

Give your cat a safe and comfortable place to relax when you return. They may feel unsettled after your absence. A cozy bed, a quiet room, or a favorite spot by the window can help them feel secure. Having a familiar space allows them to calm down and feel safe again.

Slowly Reintroduce Interaction

Take it slow when reconnecting with your cat. Some cats might need time to feel comfortable again. Let them approach you when they’re ready. Sit quietly, offer a gentle pet or treat, and introduce their favorite toys gradually to make the experience positive and relaxed.

Monitor for Persistent Changes

Keep an eye on your cat’s behavior after you return. Some unusual behavior is normal, but if it continues, it could mean they are stressed or have health problems. Watch for signs like hiding, aggression, loss of appetite, or avoiding the litter box. If these persist, try to find the cause and provide extra comfort while re-establishing their routine.

Use Calming Aids

Calming aids can help your cat relax when you return home. These include pheromone diffusers, calming sprays, or special treats. Pheromone diffusers release scents that make cats feel safe and calm. These aids are helpful if your cat seems anxious or stressed.

Engage in Play and Enrichment

Playing with your cat is a great way to help them feel secure after you come back. Playtime gives them physical exercise and mental stimulation, which reduces stress. Activities like chasing a laser pointer, batting at a feather wand, or using puzzle toys are fun and enriching.

Avoid Overstimulation

Avoid overwhelming your cat with too much excitement when you return. Some cats might seek attention, but others can get stressed if there’s too much going on. Overstimulation can cause them to bite, scratch, or hide. Keep interactions calm and gentle to help them feel safe.

What Should You Do When Again Go Out?

When you go out again and leave your cat, you should take some steps like giving toys or arranging a known sitter. By doing these, your cat will not be stressed or do any strange behavior when you return,

• Maintain a routine by keeping your cat's feeding and play schedule consistent, even while you're away. Use automatic feeders and timers to help.
• Provide entertainment with toys, puzzle feeders, or cat trees to keep your cat engaged and prevent boredom.
• Use calming aids like pheromone diffusers or calming sprays to create a relaxed environment.
• Arrange for a sitter, such as a friend, family member, or pet sitter, to visit regularly and provide companionship.
• Create a safe space with a quiet, cozy spot where your cat can feel secure.
• Leave your scent by placing a piece of clothing with your scent on it to comfort your cat in your absence.
• Monitor through technology by using pet cameras to check in on your cat and observe their behavior.
• Gradually get them used to absences by starting with shorter trips to help your cat adjust to you being away.

Verdict

Coming back home to a cat that's acting differently can be worrying. But as a pet parent, you should understand your cat's needs and care for them.

You may see your cat ignoring you or become more clingy than before after you return from vacation. Sometimes, cats do not eat properly, stay stressed, or want more playtime. All these behaviors are normal. But you need to help them feel secure again. It should not affect their mental health.

Try to give more time, love, and affection. Re-establish their routine and, if needed go to a veteran. When your cat will feel right at home again, she will be back to normal.