Do Cats Have Separation Anxiety

What Is Separation Distress

, or , means the pet experiences a feeling of anxiety or even panic when they are separated from preferred people. The signs most commonly associated with this disorder include vocalizing, salivation, destructive behavior especially at exits like doors and windows, urination or defecation indoors/in unwanted locations, lack of appetite when alone, self-trauma like licking or chewing when alone, and attempted or successful escapes.

In severe cases, pets may even break through fences or windows, chew through walls or doors, and engage in other dangerous behavior when they are feeling panic. Often, the signs of anxiety such as pacing, panting, jumping up on the owner or attention-seeking, avoiding confinement areas, or trying to escape begin when the owner first starts preparing to leave home .

If your pet is showing the signs listed here, tell your veterinary team right away. A doctors diagnosis is needed to confirm separation distress or separation anxiety disorder. The good news is, there is a lot we can do to help prevent separation distress, and to treat it if it occurs.

How Can I Manage Separation Anxiety With My Cat

So you have determined that your cat is experiencing separation anxiety now what? There are a lot of steps you can take to help alleviate their anxiety. You can try getting them a cat friend to spend time with around the house when you are away. If this isnt an option or if you already have more than one cat in the home, then try one of the following methods:

1. Talk to a Veterinarian

You can talk to your veterinarian about pharmaceuticals or neurotics that might help your cat. Some of the signs of separation anxiety might also be related to other medical conditions, such as excessive grooming or vomiting, so talking to a vet might help you catch other issues as well.

2. Behavior Modification

You can try to change both your behavior as well as your cats to reduce their anxiety. Cats are smart, and they might pick up on cues that tell them you will be leaving, such as rattling keys or putting on shoes or a coat. Try to change the way you exit, such as taking your shoes off again, or exiting the house and then returning a moment later. Help your cat get ahead of their own anticipatory thoughts. Learn more about our behavior modification services.

3. Make Them Comfortable at Home

Learn How To Make The Transition Easier For Your Pet

You may be headed back to your office soon. Your pet, who has become your loyal and dedicated coworker, has thoroughly enjoyed the stay-at-home companionship. They may not be looking forward to the separation and chances are, your furry coworker will file a complaint with their human resources department.

Here is some helpful information from our veterinarians so you can identify what is normal and what may require a call to our animal hospital.

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Youre Making Too Big Of A Deal Out Of Leaving

The reason might quite simply be you. If youre nervous about leaving your cat alone, you might be making way too big of a deal out of your departure.

Cats can pick up on our emotions, and if youre anxious, your cat may get anxious, too.

Try not making a big deal out of leaving the house. Dont coddle your cat or give them a long talk about how you wont be gone for very long. Dont treat them any differently when you leave the house than you would walking into the bathroom to brush your teeth in the morning.

If you act like leaving isnt a big deal, then they may be calmer and feel more relaxed about the whole thing, too.

Have you encountered other sources of separation anxiety in your cat? Have you found other solutions? Let us know in the comments below!

What Should You Do If Your Cat Has Separation Anxiety

Once you and your veterinarian have ruled out any medical issues, Kornreich recommends working with them to formulate a plan. “Right from the start, a veterinarian should be involved, and they would likely discuss the sorts of things that you could do to soften the manifestation of separation anxiety.” This might look like trying some tactics on your own or hiring a behavior expert depending on the severity of the separation anxiety.

In the case of severe separation anxiety, Kornreich says prescribed anti-anxiety medication can help, but with a caveat: “We always strive to address these issues without medication. But there are some cases where medications can be beneficial.”

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Management Of The Environment

There are quite a few ways you can modify your cats environment to help relieve your cats separation anxiety.

Here are some examples of changes you can make to manage the environment.

Provide Enrichment Activities

There are endless options for enrichment activities to keep your cat busy while you are gone. There are TV shows designed specifically for cats and even cameras that allow you to toss treats to your cat and talk to them when you are not home.

You can also try puzzle feeders, which are toys that your cat has to play with to release the food inside. Giving one to your cat before you start getting ready to leave can keep them busy so they arent worried about what you are doing.

Working for their food is wonderful enrichment for cats.

Ignore Attention-Seeking Behaviors

Try to ignore attention-seeking behaviors whenever possible. Instead, provide attention when your cat is calm and shows signs of independence.

For example, you can praise or toss a small treat to your cat when they are resting in another room or when they stop meowing for attention.

Remain calm when you leave your house and return home. Wait until your cat is calm and quiet to give them attention after you get home.

Giving your cat activities to keep them busy and engaged as you get ready to leave and while you are gone can be very helpful. Some cats also experience a calming effect from pheromone products, such as plug-in diffusers or collars.

Create and Maintain a Consistent Routine

What Causes Cat Stress

The biggest source of stress for cats is often something new in their environment or routine. A move to a new house, a new baby or pet, weird new noises , or even unfamiliar guests in the house may trigger your cat. Some cats may be thrown by a change in your workday routine. Others may show stress if you suddenly move their food dishes, water, or litter to a new place even inside the same house.

Here are some other possible sources of stress:

• Kitty litter that is dirty, in a scary place, or in a too-small box
• Unfamiliar cats, both inside or roaming outside
• Competing for food, water, litter, or rank with other cats
• Incomplete socialization when theyre kittens
• Aging, illness, or pain

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Talk With Your Veterinarian About Cat Separation Anxiety

Now that youve had a chance to learn more about separation anxiety in cats, you can work to determine whether your feline friend may be suffering from this condition. If you determine that your cat does show some signs of separation anxiety, its important to provide lots of enrichment for them and ignore his attention-seeking as much as possible.

In some instances, cats may require medical help to treat their separation anxiety. Your vet can prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help your cat deal with being left alone.

How To Help Cats With Separation Anxiety

After learning that your feline friend has separation anxiety, one of your first questions as a concerned pet parent is most likely, How do I treat my cats separation anxiety?

Learning how to deal with separation anxiety in cats can be a process of trial and error. Here are five ways to help reduce your cats anxiety.

Does your dog have separation anxiety? Learn more about the signs, causes, and treatment options for your canine friend.

Your cats mental health is just as important as their physical health. So whether you think your cat is experiencing anxiety, depression, or compulsive behaviors, never hesitate to be your cats advocate and get them the help they need.

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How Is Separation Anxiety Diagnosed In Cats

Since the signs of separation anxiety could also indicate other health concerns, diagnosing any emotional disorder always starts with a thorough medical workup to rule out medical issues.

This starts with a physical exam that includes lab work such as blood and urine tests. Your veterinarian will then ask detailed questions about your cats behavior.

Providing a video of your cats behavior when they are home alone can be very helpful in determining a diagnosis.

Symptoms And Signs Of Separation Anxiety In Cats

An array of symptoms can indicate separation anxiety. However, note that just having one or two symptoms doesnt mean your cat has , says Lauren Parsch, Cat Behavior Consultant.

Some cats will exhibit symptoms in your presence, while others only do so when their owner is away. Webcams are an excellent way to assess whether your cat is upset by your absence, Mikel Delgado, Rovers resident cat expert on The Dog People Panel, suggests.

What separation anxiety symptoms can you watch for when youre at home? Some of the most common include:

• Signs of extreme attachment. Your cat doesnt want to leave your side and keeps coming for strokes and cuddles.
• Destructive scratching. Cats often destructively scratchto de-stress and leave visual and scent markers, which helps them feel calmer, Parsch explains.
• Overgrooming. Your cat might excessively groom when youre about to leave or as you get home, although they may also do so when left alone.
• Anxious behaviors. These might include nervousness, hiding, blocking the door, or crying when youre going to leave, says Parsch.
• Urinating or defecating away from the litter tray. Your cat may soil on clothing, bedding, or furniture, reveals Attas and this may also happen when the cat is left alone.
• Eating food too fast. This can happen while youre out of the house as well, Parsch notes.

And what about when youre away? Some signs and behaviors are:

iStock/101cats

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What Is Cat Separation Anxiety

Cat separation anxiety is defined as dislike of and discomfort with solitude. Separation anxiety in pets is a serious behavioral issue that warrants quick and adequate professional attention.

According to Todays Veterinary Practice, there are many misconceptions about separation anxiety. Before diving into the topic, lets clear those misconceptions: The owner should understand that his or her pet is not acting this way out of spite or anger that the pet owner did not cause the behavior by loving the pet too much, spoiling it, or not being dominant and that the pet is not bored and getting another pet will not help.

Surprising Causes Of Separation Anxiety In Cats

Separation anxiety in cats can be challenging, and sometimes the signs of insecurity can be tough to recognize.

Cats have all different forms of , ranging from very mild to all-out destructive. But what causes a cat to hate being alone, especially if the change in behavior comes out of nowhere?

These causes of separation anxiety might surprise you.

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Having No Other Pets Around

Households that have more than one pet typically do not notice separation anxiety in any of their pets as often as those that dont. Cats may be less prone to separation anxiety if they have other cats or other types of pets in the home. However, some cats do not get along with other animals, so consider your individual cats needs before making this assumption.

Some Of The Ways To Minimize Separation Anxiety In Cats Are As Follows:

• Leave the radio or TV on a station that is often on when youre there
• Keep arrivals and departures low key
• Create a nook, safe haven, or refuge for your cat that is their safe space
• Provide plenty of toys and/or puzzles for playtime while you are gone
• Channel prey instincts by hiding food in toys that make them work for it
• Start with shorter absences first
• Provide a perch or catio so that your cat can see their favorite views
• Consider a room diffuser or pheromones to provide a calming scent for your cat
• Remove departure cues put your keys in your pocket a few minutes before leaving)
• Provide plenty of cuddles and playtime once home
• For more serious cases, consider having a sitter coming for 1-2 play sessions during absences

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of checking with your veterinarian when you see any change in your cats behavior before you chalk it up to separation anxiety, as early treatment of illnesses is crucial to cat wellness. For example, some cats go outside the litter box when they have urinary tract infections.

In extreme cases, medication may be an option, but your vet will usually leave that as a final alternative. As the ASPCA notes: “Sometimes for cats, veterinarians will advise using pheromones or calming treats before prescribing medication. Always consult with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist before giving your dog or cat any type of medication or supplement for a behavior problem.”

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Treating Cat Separation Anxiety

“Treatment may include changes in owner-pet social interactions to help foster independence,” Martin says. “Environmental enrichment and meeting the cat’s needs can be helpful in treating feline separation anxiety.”

According to a recent study, cats that don’t have other animals in the house to socialize with, are left alone for a frequent number of hours daily, and don’t have access to toys are more likely to experience separation-related problems. So stock up on pet gear like interactive enrichment toys, scratching posts, and puzzle feeders to give your kitty something to keep her mind busy throughout the day and alleviate some of her anxiety.

Signs And Symptoms Of Separation Anxiety In Cats

Does your cat display any of the following symptoms of separation anxiety? If so, it might be time to see the vet.

• Peeing or pooping outside the litter box
• Increased vocalization
• Destructive behavior
• Excessive grooming
• Increased activity

Because cats are good at hiding it when something is wrong, it can be helpful to keep an eye on your cat when you’re not home to see if he or she displays any of these indicative behaviors. According to Martin, “Video camera recordings can be instrumental in diagnosing separation anxiety in cats, as some clinical signs may be missed or go unobserved when the owner returns to the cat.

“If you notice any of the common signs of separation anxiety, don’t assume it’s an automatic diagnosis, as these symptoms can also potentially arise from other health issues. Martin recommends contacting a veterinarian to rule out other medical causes of anxiety and get guidance on a proper treatment plan.

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Integrative Compassionate Veterinary Healthcare For Your Pet

When it comes to truly integrative pet healthcare, look no further than MainStreet Veterinarians. Dr. Moorehead is trained in both conventional and holistic veterinary medicine. His compassion, expertise, and friendly demeanor shine through in every aspect of veterinary care.

We invite you to contact us online or call us today at 770-498-4620 to schedule an appointment for your pets first truly integrative wellness check.

What Is Separation Anxiety

What does separation anxiety look like?

Signs in cats include:

• Excessive vocalization
• Not eating or drinking while owner is away
• Eliminating in inappropriate places
• Vomiting, food or hair often are contained in the vomit.
• Excessive self-grooming
• Exuberant greetings when the owner returns home

Signs in dogs include:

• Panting, pacing, licking their lips, cowering
• Reluctance to eat

What should I do if I think my pet has separation anxiety?

Schedule an appointment with us. Signs of separation anxiety can also be signs of medical issues so we will also perform a thorough physical exam at your pets appointment. During your visit, we can also discuss anti-anxiety options, behavior techniques and tools and other options to help your pet.

Pets with good mental and physical health have long, rich and enjoyable lives, and we are dedicated to their overall well-being and grateful for your trust in their lifelong care.

To help make the transition back to work easier, we have provided some tips:

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Cat Separation Anxiety: Causes Symptoms And Treatment

Years ago, separation anxiety was only prevalent in dogs, but now its also recognised that cats endure separation-related problems despite the perception that cats require less attention and rarely impacted by human absence. In this article, well learn about the causes and treatment of cat separation anxiety.

Probability factors for the development of separation-related problems in cats seem consistent with those of dogs, including pet owners with long work hours, changes in schedules, frequent travel, and permanent loss of a pet or family member.

Sadly, there is little study pertaining to SRP in cats. While case presentations differ from dogs, detection and management of SRP come with challenges to owners, veterinary professionals, and animal behaviourists.