The odds are she is deflecting any feelings she or you may have and exhibit. As we've noted, countless times, we really cannot guess what is going on in there, though many profess to understand the WAS behavior driven by depression, unhappiness, need, etc.
I have a question, how would she know the cat is not there? Is she still coming and going in the house? I guess you have access to her place?
If you compliment her, ask her to say thank you and accept genuine compliments you give.
