Coming home to your cat after a trip is a mix of relief, reunion, and a tiny bit of detective work. Was your cat okay while you were gone? Did your sitter do a good job?
Unlike dogs, cats don’t jump into your arms or wag their tails in joy. But they do communicate—just more subtly.
“Cats are masters of emotional nuance. If you know what to look for, they’ll tell you exactly how they felt about your absence.”
— Dr. Lauren Finka, feline behaviourist, Nottingham Trent University
Here’s how to tell if your cat was happy, calm, and well cared for.
1. They Stick to Their Routine
Cats are creatures of habit. If your cat:
- Eats normally
- Uses the litter box without issues
- Sleeps and lounges in their usual spots
…it’s a strong indicator they weren’t overly stressed.
According to International Cat Care, “Maintaining daily rhythms is a key sign of emotional stability in cats.”
2. They Greet You Calmly (or Casually)
It’s a myth that only excited greetings mean a happy cat.
- If your cat rubs against you, chirps, or stretches nearby, that’s affection.
- If they walk past you with a tail flick or flop down in their favourite spot, it’s a sign of comfort, not coldness.
“A cat that’s indifferent and isn’t mad. That’s success.”
— Yana, Club Lumo co-founder
3. Their Space Is Clean and Undisturbed
Look for signs your cat used their home naturally:
- No excessive shedding or bald patches (which can signal stress grooming)
- Litter box is used normally and clean
- Toys or blankets haven’t been shredded
Bonus points if you find new play patterns, your sitter may have played with them more than you do!
4. Their Updates Showed Engagement
Daily updates are great—but the content matters.
Look for:
- Photos of your cat eating, grooming, stretching, sleeping
- Notes about their mood or favourite hiding spot
- Short videos of them playing or responding to your sitter
“In our experience, clients who receive thoughtful updates return to calmer cats, and calmer selves.”
— Club Lumo Sitter Handbook
5. No Behavioural Changes
If your cat starts acting out when you return, that’s a red flag.
Potential warning signs:
- Peeing outside the litter box
- Hiding excessively
- Refusing food or being unusually aggressive
These could indicate stress or that something disrupted their sense of security.
Final Thoughts
Every cat is different. Some will run to the door, others will nap right through your arrival. What matters is how they’ve been while you were gone.
The real measure of good care is no major change. If your cat returns to business as usual—calm, curious, and content, your sitter probably did an excellent job.
🐾 At Club Lumo
We believe in reading the whole picture. That’s why our sitters observe and log patterns. We pay attention.
If you’d like to experience the difference of cat-first care, get in touch with us. Your cat will thank you—even if it’s just with a slow blink.