Separation Anxiety In Cats And Ways To Deal With It

Separation anxiety is generally associated with dogs since they are by nature pack animals. However, cats that have an extremely close bond with their owner may also face this problem. Separation anxiety in cats can also be attributed to genetics and the temperament of particular breeds. It may also be due to individual personalities or the result of being a pet since young.

Symptoms Of Separation Anxiety In Cats

• Excessive attachment to the owner: The most clear cut symptom is showing extreme attachment to the owner. Although cats generally do not get too attached to any particular person, in some cases, such extreme bonding may occur. This is typically manifested by following the owner wherever he/she moves around in the house.
• Crying or hypervocalization: If your cat is prone to meowing, crying or hypervocalizing when you are away, then the cause may be attributed to separation anxiety. If the house is empty after the owners departure, then it may be helpful to set up a recorder so that you can have vocal proof of your cats behavior.
• Repeated symptoms on departure: Certain symptoms that are typically repeated every time the owner is about to leave the house could be due to separation anxiety. Such behavior could be in the form of hiding, walking stealthily, sulking or meowing. This is just your cats means of conveying the hurt that it feels on being left alone.
• Lack of appetite: If your cat refuses to eat only when you are away or shows decreased appetite, the reason could be the hurt felt on separation. Your cats refusal to eat is an indication that it is so worried or hurt by your absence that eating no longer seems important.
• Inappropriate urination: Separation anxiety may cause cats to forget their house training. Like dogs, cats also are liable to forget their training due to the worry of separation and might urinate at inappropriate places especially on the personal things of the owner such as beds, clothes etc.
• Excessive self grooming and other factors: Over indulgence in self grooming and many other factors like exhibiting unrestrained joy once the owner returns, vomiting in various places and hair pulling are some ways in which your cat exhibits its feelings.

How To Deal With Separation Anxiety In Cats

The first step to rule out medical issues is to get a thorough check up of your cat by your veterinarian. Once that is ruled out, behavioral issues need to be addressed. Do not resort to punishing your cat for littering outside the litter tray. This will only aggravate the problem by instilling fear and stress in your cat. Ignore your cat for about fifteen minutes before leaving home or after getting back home. De-sensitize your cat to your absence in stages by being away for shorter periods initially. Once your cat gets used to this, you can slowly increase the periods of absence. Tackle separation anxiety in your cat by providing plenty of cat toys and food treats while you are away. Severe cases can be treated with medication along with behavior modification.