Feline Separation Anxiety: Symptoms and Causes

Clingy cats are absolutely adorable. Many owners surely feel that they never want to spend a moment apart, whether it's sleeping together or cuddling.

In fact, even cats that appear cool have a desire not to be separated from their owners. Some cats may even experience intense anxiety or stress when left alone, leading to problematic behavior...

In this article, we will focus on feline "separation anxiety," explaining its symptoms, characteristic behaviors, causes, and how to deal with it in an easy-to-understand way.

Is my cat suffering from separation anxiety? What is feline separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety refers to a condition where a cat feels intense anxiety or stress from being separated from its owner and exhibits problematic behaviors in an attempt to alleviate that distress.

Extreme stress can also cause them to become physically ill.

Feline separation anxiety is a very distressing condition that takes a toll on both the cat's mind and body.

Symptoms of feline separation anxiety

Cats with separation anxiety often show signs of being restless or following their owner around while meowing when they sense that the owner is about to leave. They may also suffer from recurring vomiting or diarrhea.

You should also be aware that they may engage in the following problematic behaviors while left alone:

• Meowing loudly and continuously
• Eliminating outside the litter box
• Marking clothes or furniture
• Destroying objects
• Excessive grooming
• Becoming aggressive
• Ingesting foreign objects or overeating

Causes of feline separation anxiety

Feline separation anxiety is often triggered by changes in the living environment.

For instance, events like the following may be the cause of your cat's intense anxiety or stress:

• A sudden increase in time spent left alone
• Moving to a new home
• Construction work starting in the neighborhood
• A traumatic experience like a thunderstorm or earthquake while left alone
• New family members or cats moving in
• The passing of a family member or another cat
• Increased anxiety due to old age or illness

Are clingy cats more prone to separation anxiety?

While separation anxiety is common in dogs, which are pack animals, it is also seen in cats, which are solitary by nature.

Nowadays, indoor-only cat rearing has become common, which inevitably means they spend more time with their owners. Some owners may even be teleworking.

Therefore, it can be said that cats that are not used to spending time alone are at risk for separation anxiety. Clingy cats, in particular, are likely to feel anxious when left alone.

Additionally, excessive displays of affection or physical touch from the owner can sometimes lead to separation anxiety.

How to deal with and treat separation anxiety

If your cat is suffering from vomiting, diarrhea, or dermatitis due to excessive grooming, please visit a veterinarian.

If you suspect your cat has separation anxiety, it is important to create an environment where they can spend their time feeling secure even when you are away. You may also need to review your own behavior.

Rather than "curing" the anxiety, the first step is to improve their environment and your interactions. These tips are also effective for prevention, so be sure to check them out.

1. Provide a safe space, such as a cage

If your cat searches for you while meowing loudly or exhibits destructive behavior, try using a cage effectively.

Place a bed and a litter box inside, and leave the door open so they can come and go as they please. You should also have them eat their meals inside the cage. Covering the cage with a bath towel or leaving items that smell like you inside is also helpful.

Once the cat recognizes the cage as a safe and secure place, they should feel less anxious when left alone. It also serves as a place to hide in emergencies like earthquakes or thunderstorms.

2. Leave quietly

Do you say things like, "Be a good kitty while I'm gone" when you leave?

To avoid making your cat anxious, try to resist the urge to say goodbye or cuddle them before leaving. It is better to just leave quietly. Leaving the television or music on to signal that "I will be back soon" can also be effective.

If they catch on to the sounds of bags or keys, performing "practice runs" where you prepare to leave but don't actually go can also be effective.

3. Help them associate being left alone with positive experiences

Give your cat their favorite treat before or after you leave them alone. It is important to improve their perception of being left alone so that they think, "Being left alone means something good happens."

Try using treat-dispensing puzzle toys to keep your cat calm and occupied while you are away.

4. Create more places to release stress

Cats often check whether a space is safe from a high vantage point. Provide cat towers or walkways where they can survey their living space.

Adding more scratching posts is also recommended. It's a good idea to keep a stock of their favorite materials.

5. Remain calm when they have an accident

Try not to react excessively when your cat has an accident. If you react, they may think it's a way to get your attention, so clean it up quietly.

Similarly, instead of attending to them every time they meow, reward them with praise and cuddles when they have been good to gradually encourage mental independence.

Instead, try to provide balanced interaction by playing with them wholeheartedly using their favorite games when you do play.

Summary

There are many possible causes for a cat to develop separation anxiety.

Even if your cat isn't naturally clingy, minor changes in their environment can trigger significant anxiety and stress...

Separation anxiety can cause great damage to both your cat's mind and body. It is important to notice their SOS signals early and respond appropriately.

Are there any bald patches? Is their skin inflamed? Are they vomiting or having diarrhea repeatedly? Observe your cat's condition closely and write down anything you notice in the Poponeko original "Cat Health Journal", which is convenient for looking back later.

Only you can protect your cat's mental and physical health. Check on them frequently to ensure they are doing well.

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