Do cats forget us when we’re on holiday? Animal behaviourist reveals what cats really think

As Brits pack their bags for a well-earned summer break, a wave of separation shame can sweep through nearly one-in-four UK households who share their home with a cat; will my cat sit pining on the windowsill and, worse, will they remember me when I return?

According to a clinical animal behaviourist, anxious owners looking for guilt-free getaways can be reassured; despite their wariness when the suitcases come out, a cat doesn’t easily forget.

Indeed, research indicates that cats have impressive long-term memories, particularly for people they associate with positive emotional bonds, according to
Daniel Warren-Cummings, Senior Behaviour Engagement Manager at Cats Protection.

“From an evolutionary standpoint, cats don’t build social memories the way we do, through visual recall,’ he said. “To your cat, you aren’t just a face; you’re an individual, comforting blend of movement, tone of voice and personal scent.

“Even after two weeks away, that sensory footprint remains firmly etched in their memory. So don’t worry, they won’t forget you.”

Cats value people who meet their welfare needs, offer affection and make them feel safe, Daniel said.

“It’s natural to feel a pang of remorse when you close the door and see your cat watching you leave,’ Daniel said. “Our pets are central to our lives, so the thought of them feeling abandoned and confused while we’re lying on a beach can be tough.

“The mistake is this is only how we interpret it. Understanding that cats are creatures of habit and view our absence through the lens of routine, rather than emotional rejection, can help owners enjoy a break without carrying that weight of guilt.”

While some cats will greet you enthusiastically upon your return, others may be more mellow. But they aren’t holding a grudge or punishing you for going away – you simply smell wrong.

“Cats rely on sensitive senses of smell and sound for a sense of security,” Daniel
adds. “When you return after travelling through airports, hotels, and taxis, and you’re perhaps coated in suncream, your personal scent is buried under a layer of strange new odours.

“Once you’ve unpacked, showered and changed into clothes from home, your familiar scent profile returns. It won’t be long before your cat is back to weaving around your legs, offering head-bumps and demanding a fuss as usual.”

For advice on caring for your cat while you’re away, visit:
cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/going-on-holiday