Do cats show emotion?

[Redrum]

I have recently split from my partner, and before he moved in with me my cat never really interested in cuddles etc, he would much rather eat and is sometimes distant. However this past week, he wont leave me alone! He is all over me, and if i leave the room he will follow me everywhere! Now he loves a cuddle ! Could it be he didnt like my partner ? Do cats sense our emotions and tune in to how we really feel ?

[Schutzengel]

Cats do sense how we are feeling, if we are feeling sad or upset, and particularly if we are feeling unwell. At such times the cat tends to become more interested in what we are doing, following us around, and being more prepared to be cuddled. After all it is in the cat's own interest to reassure itself that all is well with its owner, who provides it with its food and comfort.

[ruthann58]

yes they definetly sense how we are feeling

[wolf63]

I agree that he is looking after his food supply - but not in a totally mercenary way. He is also your friend and he is showing concern.

However, if he never liked your ex-partner, he may actually be gloating. "Told you he wasn't good enough for you, but it is okay - you still have me".

I don't think that we will ever fully understand the workings of the feline mind.

[Ice.Maiden]

Yes, i believe they do. I used to have a beautiful cat who could almost speak to me - well, he did in his own way. He could certainly sense my moods, as I could his.

[puss_boots]

As some of you may know I lost my old cat Puss at the beginning of December. My other cat Boots would never come for a cuddle and he always slept under the dining table. He now follows me everywhere and comes and sits on the sofa next to me, he sits next to my lappy when I am on and talks to me when he comes in the house. It is as if he wants to make up for not having Puss around.

[Eve]

Yes definitely.

Mine always seems to know when I'm not feeling well and seems to keep and eye on me.

I was in a lot of pain one night not long ago and instead of just curling up on the bed as normal he was sat watching me and had a paw on my leg :)

[kitesurfer]

knowing how a pussy is feeling is what I condider a gift. Im sure that when you all stroke your own pussies they react differently with different stroking methods. I stroke as many pussies as I can get my hands on. I really do like cats