Do cats forget us when we go on holiday?

Packing for a holiday can be a familiar routine. For us, it involves folding our clothes and squeezing miniature bottles into tiny plastic bags. For cats, it involves staring at us and our suitcase with a look of silent judgement. Then, as you head out the door, the guilt kicks in. Are they watching me from the window? Are they writing a tiny, tragic diary about my betrayal? Will they even remember who I am in two weeks time?

Thankfully, research has found that cats have very good long-term memories, particularly when it comes to the people they have an emotional bond with. To your cat, you aren’t just a face. You are a very specific and comforting combination of movement, routines, vocal tones, and smells. Their memory of you and your specific smell and voice stays locked in their brain. They know exactly who you are; they just view your absence as a disruption to their routine rather than total abandonment! But it doesn’t end there…

The Cold Shoulder

We’ve all been there: when you get back, you open the front door, drop your bags, and wait for a cinematic, slow-motion reunion. Instead, your cat walks up, sniffs your shoe, gives you a look of utter disgust, and walks away. However, they’re not holding a grudge, and they aren’t punishing you. The truth is actually that you just smell wrong.

When you return home, your signature scent is completely buried under a thick layer of airport terminals, hotel carpets, taxis and sun cream. To their hyper-sensitive noses, you might look like their owner, but you smell completely different.

The Quick Fix

If you want your cat’s affection back, you have to wash off the holiday. Once you jump in the shower and change into your familiar clothes, your original scent profile is restored and you’ll smell like home again.

With normal life restored, your cat will be right back to weaving around your ankles, head-butting your shins, and demanding their dinner. So remember, your cat isn’t upset when you go away – they’re just holding down the fort until their favourite smelling food-opener gets back.

Let Us Help

Of course, we can also help to ease the guilt. We’ll spend quality time with your cats and send you photos and updates so you’ll know they’re being well looked after. Simply call or WhatsApp us on 07741 943150 for a chat, or let us know your requirements using our enquiry form and we’ll get straight back to you.