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Most cat owners do not need alarm clocks to wake them up in the morning because their feline friend often takes over this role. Cats have no problem waking you from a restful sleep to demand breakfast at the same time each morning, or your cat may be waiting for you in the window at exactly 5:20 p.m. to greet you after a long day of work. Does this mean cats can tell time? While cats can perceive the passage of time, they don’t experience it the same way humans do. Instead of reading clocks, they rely on routines, environmental cues, and their internal body rhythms to anticipate daily events.
It may seem like cats wear invisible watches to keep track of time, but in reality, they use their senses to stay in sync with daily cycles. Their circadian rhythm, an internal biological clock, helps them distinguish between night and day, regulating their activity patterns accordingly. Read on to learn how cats perceive time and what science says about the topic.
How Do Cats Perceive Time?
Depending on the breed, cats are usually independent and keep to themselves, making cat owners feel less guilty about being gone for hours, or even all night. However, cats can indeed tell when you’ve been gone for long periods of time. A 2018 study conducted by Northwestern University revealed that cats can judge time.1 But how? For starters, cats use what’s called a circadian rhythm,2 an internal clock also present in humans and other animals that helps distinguish between day and night.
Another way cats can tell time is by your routine. For example, if you normally are home by 5 p.m. each evening, and suddenly, one night, you do not arrive home until 7 p.m., your cat will know the difference based on your normal routine alone, especially if you usually feed your cat at this time of day.
Another way cats can tell time is by episodic memory,3 meaning cats can differentiate between time intervals. However, cats have a limited concept of time. For instance, cats can distinguish between time intervals but only when these intervals are very short. Anything beyond that, your cat will not have the ability to remember.
Do Cats Miss Their Owners While They’re Gone?
Unlike with dogs, it’s common for people to think that a cat will be fine being left alone for long periods. But have you ever wondered if your cat misses you when left alone? The answer is yes, they do. Cats can get emotionally attached to owners whom they have formed strong bonds with.
Just like dogs, cats can develop separation anxiety that will manifest as behavioral problems. Signs to look for are:
- Pottying outside the litter box
- Excessive grooming
- Excessive crying or vocalizing
- Constantly seeking attention
- Destructive behavior
Tips for Keeping Your Cat Happy, Healthy, and Safe
We all have daily responsibilities that keep us away from home, such as being at work. Since cats can perceive time in their own way, your cat will adjust to your routine. If your cat seems lonely or has separation anxiety, you should speak to your vet to assess the situation and come up with a treatment plan. In the meantime, ensure your cat has plenty of cat toys to play with that you rotate so they don’t get bored. Set aside time to play and give your cats lots of love when you return home each day. Always make sure your home is prepared to fulfill your cat’s environmental needs.
If you need to have a long day at work, your cat may be just fine. However, if you need to go out of town for a day or two, enlist the help of a friend or family member or hire a pet sitter to pop in a couple of times a day to check on your cat and keep them company.
Conclusion
In closing, cats can indeed perceive time based on episodic memory, environmental cues, and your routine. If your cat gets lonely during the day, consider adopting another cat or maybe even hiring a pet sitter to play with your cat while you’re gone. Ensure you have plenty of cat toys for your kitty, and observe signs that your cat is suffering from separation anxiety. If your cat seems to suffer from this condition, consult your veterinarian for solutions if adopting another cat is out of the question.
Featured Image Credit: Iva Vagnerova, Shutterstock
