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Cat Separation Anxiety

Identifying and Addressing Separation Anxiety in Cats

When you close the door to your home and head out to work, do you worry that your cat is feeling anxious and alone?

If your answer is yes, this worry may increase if you start spending more time away from home.

Whether your cat has started crying whenever you put on your shoes or you anticipate increased stress for them as your routine starts changing, you’ll need to learn to identify the signs of separation anxiety and design a strategy to help put your pet’s mind back at ease.

What is Separation Anxiety in Cats?

Separation anxiety stems from a strong dislike of solitude that causes your cat to feel stressed out when you’re not nearby or they’ve been separated from an animal companion.

If not addressed, this can lead to long-term health issues for your cat. If your pet has recently started spending more time by themselves, keep an eye out for some common signs of separation anxiety. 

What Are the Common Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats?

Cats who are experiencing separation anxiety may display the following behaviors when they anticipate your departure or are left alone:

  • Following you around incessantly; attempting to block doorways when you try to leave
  • Excessive crying, meowing or moaning
  • Refusing to eat when you are away
  • Obsessive self-grooming
  • Elimination outside of their litter boxes
  • Destructive behavior such as clawing furniture or scratching doors
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Attempting to escape the house

Keep in mind that these are just a few of the most common signs of separation anxiety in cats and that your pet’s behavior may vary.

What Are Some of the Triggers of Separation Anxiety in Cats?

If you believe your cat may be experiencing separation anxiety, the next step is to figure out why they are feeling this way. After all, you want your cat to live a comfortable and happy life.

Remember that cats can develop separation anxiety at any point in their life. You may adopt a cat who is already predisposed to separation anxiety, or they may develop this anxiety later in life.

So what are the triggers that can lead to this feline anxiety?

  • A major life change for your cat such as the introduction of a new family member or the loss of a family member or fellow pet 
  • A new routine such as you returning to the office and your cat suddenly spending long stretches alone
  • Exposure to new environments and situations such as being confined to a certain area of the home or being left with a cat sitter or at a boarding facility
  • Sickness, illness or physical pain, which will necessitate a consultation with your vet

How to Address Separation Anxiety in Cats

Over time, your cat’s separation anxiety can lead to unwanted behaviors, including self-harm, and can affect their overall wellbeing.

Once you understand and have identified separation anxiety in your cat, you can test out some at-home techniques and explore solutions that may help ease your pet’s stress.

Gather These Supplies

  • Calming solutions: Over-the-counter supplements, treats and diffusers are all viable options for delivering a calming aid to your cat.
  • Stimulating toys: Leaving your cat with a toy to play with can help them focus on playing rather than on their stress.
  • Home furnishings: Cozy cat beds and dwelling spaces can help make your cat more comfortable while you are away.

Try Out These Tips at Home

Slow exposure to alone time ˇ

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If your cat is used to having you around most of the day and night or has recently lost a companion, introduce them to alone time slowly, if possible.

Create a comfortable home environment ˇ

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Make sure that your cat has a cozy place to rest when you are away so they can feel safe and secure.

Spend time bonding ˇ

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Whether your schedule has changed or your cat’s routine has shifted, make sure that you spend ample time each day bonding with your cat.

Exercise and play ˇ

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If your cat feels mentally and physically stimulated while you are home, they will be more likely to rest and nap while you are gone.

Talk to Your Vet

If your cat continues to display mild symptoms long term or shows severe signs of stress or anxiety when you leave home, consult your vet. A behavior you might perceive as stemming from separation anxiety may really be due to a physical health issue. For example, urinating or defecating outside their litter box when you’re away from home, could be caused by separation anxiety, or your cat could have a urinary tract infection or other physical ailment. A vet will help you rule out or address any underlying health concerns.

Caring for Your Cat’s Mental Health

Learning more about your cat’s separation anxiety is just one step in caring for your cat’s mental health. Addressing their fears and helping them feel safe, especially as we navigate new routines, is more important than ever for cats and cat parents.

As you learn more about how your cat’s mind and body works, you can continue to work toward a healthy, well-balanced life for your furry family member

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