Can cats cry? How to spot the signs and soothe your cat

Do cats cry tears when they are injured, sad or fearful? It's important to know that cats can’t cry tears of emotion like humans do. However, they have their own ways of letting us know they are in pain or distress, using their body language or unique vocalisations. Cats feel emotions like anger, sadness and distress just like we do, so it’s important to be aware of their different body language cues and vocalisation sounds, so you can soothe your cat during their time of need. 

Can cats cry?

Can cats cry tears? Cat’s eyes are lubricated naturally by clear secretions that help to keep their eyes clean and healthy, however, their eyes do not cry ‘tears’ because of pain, fear or sadness like human eyes do. Cats communicate these powerful emotions with us in different ways, using their body language and unique vocalisations. If your cat's eyes are watering it is a sign that they need to see a vet, it is not normal for this to happen to healthy cats and could indicate an allergy, infection or injury which will require treatment by your trusted vet. 

Why does my cat cry real tears?

Why do cats cry tears? As we mentioned previously, there are reasons why your cat’s eyes may be watering that are not related to their emotional state. Cat’s eyes naturally water occasionally, keeping their eyes lubricated and clean, however, frequently watering eyes can also be a sign of other health issues.

Eye infection

If your cat's eyes are not opening normally, are red or swollen around the eye, or are discharging, they could be suffering from an eye infection such as conjunctivitis. Eye infections are common and cause inflammation, cloudy, yellow or green discharge, redness and swelling. If you suspect your cat is suffering from an eye infection, you should take them to your local veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Allergies

If your cat’s eyes are watering, it could also be a sign of allergies. Cats can have allergies to pollen, plants, food, mould, dust, perfume, household cleaning products and even some types of litter. If you suspect your cat is suffering from allergies, you should take them to your local veterinarian as soon as possible for advice.

Foreign body in the eye

Objects sometimes become stuck in a cat’s eye, causing their eyes to water. Grass seeds, hair or blades of grass could be a culprit. If you suspect your cat has something stuck in their eye, you should take them to your local veterinarian as soon as possible.

Injury

Cats will show you signs that they have injured their eyes by rubbing at them, holding their eyes shut or hiding away. Cats can cry out using their vocalisations to make you aware of an injury too. Eye injuries can be caused by the eye becoming scratched by a branch, leaf, plant, twig or bush encountered outdoors when your cat is exploring. Eyes can also be damaged during an altercation with another cat. Take them to your local veterinarian if you think their eye has been injured, and it is causing them pain. 

Reasons why cats cry

Cats can cry out vocally for many reasons. Ultimately, you know your cat best, and we advise that you try to suss out the root cause, so you can help soothe them as they could be in pain or distress.

Communication

Do cats cry for attention? Yes. Many cats may cry out for attention or to communicate with their owners. These vocalisations are their way of ‘talking’ to us, and will usually be short and sweet. However, if they are crying loudly when they aren’t usually chatty cats, it could be a sign of pain or injury. Cats have many different vocalisation sounds when communicating with us, some frequently used sounds will become familiar making it easier to understand what they are trying to tell you.

Stress

Can cats cry out because they are upset? Yes, excessive meowing could also be due to stress, it’s possible that a change in your environment (house or neighbourhood) could have triggered this reaction, try to find the root cause to remedy it. 

Illness

How do cats cry out when they are ill? Sudden, loud crying could be a sign of illness or severe pain, this could range from gastrointestinal issues to a broken bone. If your cat is crying out due to pain or an illness, you should consult your local vet immediately. 

Mating

Unneutered or unspayed cats may also cry out as a mating call. Females in heat trying to attract a mate may become very vocal, and males responding to the females may do the same. How do cats cry out when they are mating? They may sound like they are yowling or howling, and this could peak during dusk and dawn. It is advisable to neuter male cats and spay female cats. Consider neutering your cat. 

Territorial Crying

Similarly, cats may also cry out for territorial reasons to warn off other cats in the area. This is more likely to happen with unneutered males. How do cats cry out when they are feeling territorial? They may sound like they are yowling or howling, and this could peak during dusk and dawn.

Why do cats cry at night?

Cats can cry by vocalising at night for several different reasons related to emotional well-being and health. Check out our advice below. 

Loneliness

Cats may cry at night because of loneliness, it can also happen due to separation anxiety. If your cat is isolated in a room alone, they may cry to get to you or get out, they may also cry after being left alone for long periods of time. Spend time with your pet during the day and set up their bed in your room to help soothe them through the night and ease their loneliness. We advise using environment enrichment techniques by adding furniture at different heights, hiding places, scratching posts, toys and other things to amuse them and keep them entertained.

Boredom

Cats can also cry out due to boredom, this can be easily remedied by spending quality time with them, including play sessions with favourite toys and treats. Talking or generally paying more attention to your pet can also ease some of this boredom. Most cats love to be groomed, adding a daily brush into your cat's routine will make for a happy few minutes together.

Hunger or Thirst

Cats may also cry at night if they have an empty stomach or are very thirsty! Make sure to stick to a regular feeding schedule and feed them their dinner on time to avoid this behaviour. Ensure they also have access to fresh water at all times. Cats naturally choose to eat several small meals a day, so using puzzle feeders around the home to dispense treats or kibble is a great way to fulfil their natural instincts. Puzzle feeders also stimulate cats both mentally and physically.

Aging

As cats age they may become more vocal during the night, this is due to cognitive decline, which can cause confusion and anxiety. Keep them close during the night to ease some of this distress. A pheromone diffuser may also help ease their nerves. Make sure they have easy access to their food, water and litter tray. 

Territorial Crying/Mating

As mentioned in the previous section, cats may cry during the night for territorial reasons. Unneutered or unspayed cats may also cry out during the night as a mating call. Consider neutering your pets to help ease these behaviours at night.

Can cats have depression?

Some people may be surprised to learn that cats can suffer from depression just like we do, and they can also suffer from anxiety. These emotions can be triggered when you move house, bring a new pet into the home, have a baby or when a new family member moves in. It’s important to be aware of your cat’s mood and how it may fluctuate, so you can track such changes. 

How to know if your cat is depressed

If you are worried that your cat is depressed, you should consult your veterinarian, as it's important to rule out any pain or illness causing the signs. However, you can look out for these signs:

• Changes in behaviour: cats who are depressed, in pain or discomfort may show changes in their behaviour. Much like humans, cats will lose interest in their routines and doing the things they love when they feel depressed. This includes playing, eating, grooming or changes to bathroom habits. They may also start hiding away more often. 
• Vocalisation (crying): if there is no other obvious cause for your cat’s crying, it could point to depression. Vocalisations could also be a sign of pain, discomfort or illness.
• Body Language: if your cat’s tail is tucked between their legs all of a sudden, they hold their ears back often or their fur stands on edge, they could be suffering from depression, fear, anxiety or pain.
• Aggression: cats that are depressed, ill, injured or sick may show signs of aggression instead, this includes biting, swiping, growling, hissing and chasing. 

Can cats cry? - Summary

Cats can cry out vocally for many reasons, but they do not cry tears of emotion. If cats experience teary eyes it will be for other reasons, from injury to allergies. It is important to suss out the root cause of your cat’s crying as it could mean they are stressed, depressed, ill, in pain or discomfort. Looking for a new treat to reward your cat with that also calms them down? Our new Relax and Unwind range contains soothing amino acids to help them chill out. 

Can cats cry? - FAQs

Will a cat cry if in pain?

Cats cannot cry emotional tears; however, they may cry out vocally if they are in pain, to communicate, during mating, for territorial reasons or due to illness. It is important to find the root cause of your cat’s crying as it could mean they are stressed, depressed, ill, in pain or discomfort. Cat’s eyes naturally water occasionally, keeping their eyes lubricated and clean, however frequently watering eyes can also be a sign of several other issues, including eye infection or injury. 

What do cats sound like when they're crying?

Cats use a ‘cat cry’ which is usually a drawn-out, high-pitched meow when they're crying for our attention, to show pain, to communicate with us or for mating reasons. It is important to find the root cause of your cat’s crying as it could mean they are stressed, depressed, ill, in pain or discomfort.

What does it mean if a cat is crying outside your house?

There are many reasons why a cat may be crying outside your home. It could be in pain, feeling territorial or even using a mating call. If your cat is crying outside your house, it is likely they’re feeling lonely and want to come inside.