Some people think that separation anxiety a problem in dogs but not cats. Cats can suffer from separation anxiety, too.
Like most other ailments, the signs in cats are more subtle than in dogs. You’re not going to notice that your cat has separation anxiety because she ate all of your sofa cushions while you were gone to work one day. Symptoms of feline separation anxiety include:
- going outside the litter box, possibly even on your bed
- excessive crying or meowing after your departure
- distress as you prepare to depart, such as meowing or hiding as you pick up your house keys
- destructiveness
- overgrooming
- vomiting
- poor appetite
Veterinarians suggest that cats who are anxious about their owners being away be given especially enriching environment to engage her while you’re gone, such as putting your cat’s food in a food dispensing toy to eat while you’re gone, hiding treats around the house for your kitty to “hunt,” or even putting a bird feeder outside the window to add more things to watch from the windowsill. Some cats may enjoy having another cat to keep them company, while others might find this even more stressful.
Also make sure you get plenty of quality time with your cat while you are home. It’s easy to be busy and in front of the computer or TV in the limited time you have before you have to go somewhere, but a ten minute play session just before you leave can wear your kitty out and help her be ready for a nap while you’re gone.
Leave a varying rotation of toys available for your cat to interact with when your kitty does wake from her nap to help keep her interested in that and not missing you quite so much.
If helping the cat to feel more independent through environmental enrichment, you can talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications for your cat.
Separation anxiety can be a serious problem and shouldn’t be overlooked as a potential cause when a cat is doing something that might otherwise be viewed as misbehaving. With time and patience, you can offset much of its impact on your cat and make her feel better during the time when you’re away from home.
References and further reading:
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Separation anxiety syndrome in cats: 136 cases (1991-2000)
Ohio State University Indoor Pet Initiative, Separation Anxiety
Dr. Sophia Yin, Separation Anxiety in Cats: When a Smelly Surprise Means Kitty Loves You
Image credit:
Eric Walli on Flickr
Eddy Van 3000 on Flickr
We are lucky about that. TBT hardly ever leaves…
The humans and I visited Catalina Island for an overnight trip, and you should have heard Binga when we came back! She complained, loudly!
We’ve heard that cats can suffer from this. We don’t seem to mind when the humans leave…as long as our food dishes are filled. š
Excellent information…
Evidently when my peeps were gone I managed ok. My sitter comes regularly and keeps to the schedule I’m used to.
Hugs madi your bfff
The only thing Minchie gets anxious about is when Mom leaves for hours and his stinky goodness is not ready on time.
We do feel sorry for the kitties who suffer from separation anxiety.
Truffles definitely suffered from separation anxiety! She would always stay with my mom if I was going to be gone for awhile, and would pace the floors crying š
grate post two day guys….thanx for sharin….de food gurl wunderz bout me bee in left bye mee self; { eye dont due well round other kittehz } …sew her put perchin spotz all round sew eye can look out N spy on de nayborz… knot…. WATCH…. BURDZ……just sayin…
~~~~~~ tuna of moon š ā„ā„ā„
Emma gets all cranky pants and aloof when we get back from a vacation.
Mom is generally home with us most of the time, but we sure don’t like it when she puts her shoes on and grabs her purse. I wait for her and when I hear her big moochine come into the garage I wait by the door for her.
Very well done with lots of good suggestions. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
So true! My Cinco gets anxious any time I leave for a day or longer. Even if my husband is still home, Cinco will get upset and hide for a long time. Cinco is glad that I don’t leave very often. These are some great ideas that I will have to try out next time I’m going on a trip.
Gweat posty. Weez go wiff mommy everywhere, well at least one of us duz so fankfully weez not have this purrawllem, but it’s very sad fur kitties who do.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
Great information ! Yes, cat signs are subtle, maybe too much in some cases. Purrs
We sure don’t like separation, especially if it lasts longer than nap time.
This is a true problem! My old bro Eddie had it something terrible when his last pal died and he was alone for the first time in his life. He would cry and cry when my mom went to work–even cry if *he* left the room she was in and he couldn’t see her any more! Poor boy. He finally got used to being an only cat, and then my old sis Sophie joined the family.
This is a good article and very relevant since most are probably be gone weekdays. We are unique in that we both work from home most days so the kitties have us around most of the time. Fortunately, if we are gone for the day or half day, they seem to do well. It’s so sad to think about kitties that have this anxiety. These suggestions are very good.
My niece’s cat had that, but once she got him a friend, he got over it. He used to chew anything in sight.
My cousin Nicolette pees outside the box when Aunt Pauline goes away and I used to have separation anxiety. When the peeps left me alone in a room, Iād sing the song of my people until they called and told me where they were. Iām much more relaxed now but it took me years to stop crying for them.
We think Glogirly gets separation anxiety just as much as WE do!
We’ve really enjoyed all traveling together, but sometimes that’s just not possible. Glogirly hopes that having a live in cat sitter helps…and it probably does a little. But still, it’s not the same as having her around 24/7.
Those are all wonderful tips! Not just to prevent separation anxiety, but for maximum FUN too!
It stresses Jack out when I leave.. fortunately as long as I am there for meal time it seems to be okay