Some people say that cats can cry tears, but this is unconfirmed. What we do know is that cats’ eyes sometimes get watery, and they feel emotions like grief. If you see a cat with watery eyes at the same time as they appear to be upset or grieving, it’s probably just a coincidence.
Cat Emotions Are Real – But Do They Make Them Cry?
Researchers discovered that cats have emotions and can read human facial expressions. They experience a broad scope of feelings about people and other animals. When they have sentiments, they are able to act on them. For example:
- A happy cat will express its joy in a number of ways, such as purring, playing, or kneading. On the flip side, a sad cat may display signs of withdrawal, loss of appetite, or decreased energy levels. A scared or angry cat may hiss aggressively, arch its back defensively (to appear larger), growl menacingly, or swat at the person or animal causing fear/anger.
- Cats may produce sounds reminiscent of a human whine or whimper when they feel anxious, angry, or upset. These noises are signs of the cat’s emotional state—so in that sense, the animal is crying. However, researchers have found that only human beings cry tears when experiencing intense emotions or pain.
Cat’s Do Not Cry
Many people assume that when a cat’s eyes water, it is because they are sad. However, this is not the case. There are various medical reasons why a cat’s eyes might tear up, such as eye irritation or clogged tear ducts. In some cases, tearing may also be caused by contagious diseases such as upper respiratory infections.
Other possible reasons for a cat’s teary eyes include:
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Infections
- Allergies
- Structural issues (cats with rounded heads are more likely to tear up)
If you see your cat tearing up, this is a medical issue and not them expressing an emotion. something is wrong if they are doing this on a regular basis, so it’s best to take them to the vet. sympathy won’t help in this case—stroking and kindness included.
What Your Cats Does When They’re Sad
Though cats can exhibit signs of grief or depression, they will never cry like humans. If you’re concerned about your feline friend’s emotions, look for other indicators such as lethargy, seclusion, or a change in appetite. These could also be telltale signs of an illness. Before assuming anything about your cat’s emotional state, always check its physical health first and foremost.
