These are all signs your cat is cheating on you

Virgin Radio

5 Oct 2022, 15:44

Does your beloved furry friend like to go walkabout?

Cats are known for wandering the neighbourhood, and experts have shared the signs that reveal what your pet has been up to while gallivanting about.

Catrin George is the animal wellbeing specialist at Animal Friends Pet Insurance.

She explains: "If your cat is prowling around your street looking for attention elsewhere, you may hear reports of this through your neighbours – or even spot them on your local community’s social media posts.

"With some people having spotted their pets in photos on the likes of Zoopla and other property sites, this is probably the most obvious way to be sure your cat has another home."

There are several other ways to know where they've gone.

Catrin says: "One of the biggest tell-tale signs that your cat or kitten is spending time with another household is simply disappearing for longer periods of time.

"Cats are naturally very curious creatures, so this sign alone is not enough to signal disloyal behaviour, but it is definitely worthwhile monitoring the lengths of time they seem to take on their adventures before returning home."

If they look like they're gaining weight, it can be another sign that they're being fed bonus dinners.

Catrin says: "Small fluctuations in weight are natural and to be expected with pets, as with us humans"

"However, if you begin to think your cat is looking a little more round than usual without any change in diet to explain it, then your cat may be being fed elsewhere, or it could be a symptom of an underlying health issue. If you have any concern about your pet’s weight, always seek the advice of a vet."

Catrin said: "A big tell-tale sign that your cat is cheating on you is if they seem to develop a disinterest in the usual food you give them.

"If they appear to be going through their food at a much slower rate than normal, but they aren’t losing weight, this is a good indication they’re getting full bellies from somewhere else."

Another giveaway is if they smell different.

Cats have their own smell, so if they're spending time somewhere else they could start to have a different whiff.

Catrin said: "Just as with our clothes and home, our pets carry their own unique scent, so if you notice their smell seems to have changed (or you can smell particular scents which can’t be explained), there is a good chance your cat has been acting disloyal.

"Whether they’ve picked up the smell of a friendly stranger’s perfume or now smell just like their second home, they have some explaining to do.

"If your cat is “cheating” on you,’ Catrin explained, ‘they may change their behaviour towards you and either become colder with you, or alternatively become more cuddly.

"If you find your usually cuddly cat is starting to give you the cold shoulder, it could mean they are getting their affection fix elsewhere.

"On the other hand, if they are suddenly acting more loving towards you (suspiciously so), they could be subtly telling you that they feel guilty for seeking and accepting attention from someone else."

Vets recommend getting professional advice if you think your pet is sneaking around.

A tracker tag or activity camera could also help.