'Will he still love me the same': Pawrent fears their affectionate cat bonded with the cat sitter while on vacation, but finds their furry friend's love never left

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Sarah Brown • Writer and Editor
Sep 26, 2025 4:00 PM EDT

This hooman adopted a sweet, sociable boy who's basically the feline version of a golden retriever. From the moment he arrived, he strutted around like he owned the place, then hopped straight into lap life without hesitation. Guests get the same red-carpet treatment. Sniffs, purrs, head boops, and instant friendship. He's the cat who never met a stranger, which is adorable… unless you're his slightly jealous pawrent.

Because while he follows his hooman everywhere, cuddles at bedtime, and grooms with way too much enthusiasm, he's also a total social butterfly. Now that his pawrent's been away for two weeks, the cat sitter is getting daily doses of affection too. Cue the pawrent's FOMO: "Am I being replaced? Does he even miss me?"

But here's the thing. Cats may spread the love, but they never forget their true furmily. When this hooman comes home, they can expect the full welcome committee: purrs, cuddles, maybe even some overzealous grooming. This isn't a breakup. It's just proof their boy's heart is big enough for everyone.

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  • 01
    'My boy has been very affectionate and cuddly with him'
    via chalabalaphotos / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    So I adopted this very sweet boy cat several months ago and he is an exceptional cat. He is extremely friendly and sociable with people - almost like a dog.
    via Alyooosha617
  • 03
    When I first brought him home, it took him no less than 15 minutes to come sit on my lap and walk around the whole apartment and make himself at home. When I've brought new people to the apartment, he will usually walk up and greet them, ready to sniff them and be pet by them.
    via Alyooosha617
  • 04
    This is a silly issue - but I often feel insecure about my relationship with my cat because he's so affectionate to everyone. I'm like the insecure girlfriend dating the guy that flirts with everyone.
    via Alyooosha617
  • 05
    Cheezburger Image 10558279936
    via Jakub Zerdzicki from Pexels / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 06
    I know he loves me - every time I come back home from work, he walks up to the door and greets me. He follows me everywhere I go. We sleep on the same bed. We cuddle and he likes to groom me to the point I have to stop him.
    via Alyooosha617
  • 07
    I have been on vacation and away from home for two weeks now. The cat sitter is taking wonderful care of him and apparently my boy has been very affectionate and cuddly with him as of recently since he's gotten used to him.
    via Alyooosha617
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    Cheezburger Image 10558279168
    via dimaberlinphotos / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 09
    I'm honestly a bit jealous, especially cause I miss him so much. When I return, what can expect? Will he still love me the same? Have I been replaced? Does he even miss me at all?
    via Alyooosha617
  • 10
    2_old_for_this_spit Your cat will never see you as his owner. He owns you. He will be back to normal soon, if he isn't already.
    via 2_old_for_this_spit
  • 11
    Zoundz ForPetAnxi... LOVE the way you put that it anyone with a social cat can relate! Your cat being this social is a sign of confidence and good emotional health. Cats who greet strangers and adjust quickly usually feel secure in themselves. That doesn't take away from your bond,
    via ZoundzForPetAnxiety
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    the way he greets you at the door, follows you, sleeps with you, and grooms you is the kind of attachment that shows you are his person. When you get home he will recognize you right away and fall back into your routine. He may act a little
    via ZoundzForPetAnxiety
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    distant for a day, but that is normal. Affection toward the sitter is just him getting his social needs met while you are away. You are still his person and once you are back, the cuddles will return just like before.
    via ZoundzForPetAnxiety
  • 14
    20StreetsAway My prior cat was like that and yes, he'll know who you are and and will love you the same. (Some will give a little attitude for a few days for the audacity of leaving for a few days, lol.) I don't think you'll have anything to worry about though!
    via 20StreetsAway
  • 15
    CaptBenjaminSisko Your cat will surely recognize you as his full time companion but never as "primary owner". :).
    via CaptBenjaminSisko
  • 16
    MissHollyTheCat When you get home, you can greet the kitty, use the toilet, then as soon as you can, sit down and love on the cat. He undoubtedly missed you.... and you have missed him. Take 20 to 30 minutes. When he hops off the couch, you can start
    via MissHollyTheCat
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    with giving him a treat, then start unpacking, sorting the mail, etc. I think everything will be fine if you prioritize the relationship with the cat.
    via MissHollyTheCat
  • 18
    ca77ywumpus Some cats sulk and give the silent treatment for a a few days after their person gets home. In my experience, the more closely bonded you are, the happier they are to see you again. My cat practically crawls into my clothes when I get back from a trip he's so happy to see me
    via ca77ywumpus
  • 19
    Ca... My husband went to visit family for a week and a half. "His" cat was inconsolable for a day or two, and then essentially decided she was over him, and started spending tons of time with me. Started sleeping all curled into my side like she always did with him.
    via CassieBear1
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    Not even two days after he was back home I had been relegated to the "bonus person who I guess I'll put up with" again.
    via CassieBear1
  • 21
    Difficult-Republic57 Cat probably doesn't see anyone owning him. You're his butler.
    via Difficult-Republic57
  • 22
    SomeRagingGamer Are you worried about your cat not remembering you? I've heard that cats can remember a previous owner for their entire life. He'll definitely remember you and be happy to see you. I get being jealous that your cat is affectionate with everyone. I
    via SomeRagingGamer
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    had a cat like this once, but at the end of the day, your kitty loves you. One thing to note. Cats are very smart, and sometimes get bitter when their owners leave them for a while. So, if your cat is a little reclusive or acting different when you get home, it's completely normal.
    via SomeRagingGamer

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pets cat owners feline pawrents Cats advice love vacation
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