Can Cats Cry Tears of Sadness?

Crying and sad cat — A cat's tears don't necessarily mean what you'd think. japatino / Getty Images

You hear your cat meowing in the middle of the night and wonder, can cats cry like humans do?

While cats don’t shed emotional tears the way we do, they absolutely have ways of expressing sadness, discomfort or stress. Understanding the difference helps pet parents respond with the right care.

Can Cats Cry Tears?

Yes, cats can shed tears, but not for emotional reasons. Unlike humans, cats don’t produce emotional tears, even when they’re feeling lonely, anxious or sad.

A crying cat with watery eyes may be dealing with medical conditions, such as allergies, infections or blocked tear ducts. So, if your cat’s eyes are tearing up, it’s time to look for other symptoms.

Common causes of watery eyes include conjunctivitis, debris or upper respiratory infections. If tears are accompanied by redness, squinting or discharge, a visit to the vet is in order.

Do Cats Cry Emotionally?

Cat looking sad — Your cat won't sob but it still has very real emotions. Tatiana Meteleva / Getty Images

While cats don’t cry tears from emotions, they do express emotional stress through behaviors. A cat meowing loudly (especially at night) might be expressing loneliness, hunger or confusion — particularly if there’s been a recent life change like a new pet or move.

Cats can feel emotional distress and often vocalize when seeking attention, food or reassurance. Meows, purring and body language are their primary communication tools.

Female cats in heat may also exhibit vocal crying behaviors, which are hormonal rather than emotional.

Why Your Cat Might Seem to Cry

Cats cry — or appear to — for many reasons.

Physical pain: Injury, illness or dental issues can make cats vocal.
Hunger: A hungry cat may cry near the food bowl or kitchen.
Stress: New environments, unfamiliar animals or changes in routine can prompt a cat to cry.
Attention seeking: Cats may cry to get you to spend time with them.
Litter box issues: A dirty or poorly placed litter box can cause distress.

Pet parents often mistake these signs for sadness. But unlike humans, cats don’t cry to self-soothe; they cry to signal a problem.

When to See a Vet

If your cat’s eyes are consistently watery or they’re meowing more than usual, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. Tears could be a sign of irritation or infection and excessive crying might point to pain or anxiety.

Early detection of health problems often leads to better outcomes and can significantly improve your cat’s quality of life.

5 Ways to Help a Crying Cat

Get ahead of the anxiety and stress by playing with your cat frequently. Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

Clean your cat’s eyes gently with a vet-approved solution.
Monitor for signs of illness or discomfort.
Provide a consistent, calm environment.
Make time to play and interact daily.
Ensure the litter box is clean and accessible.

Cats may not cry tears from emotion, but they do express complex feelings. Learning to read these signs helps strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.