While it’s true that cats can be fiercely independent and tend to treat their humans as distant acquaintances, they can also suffer from separation anxiety. Sometimes, it’s not easy for us to recognize symptoms of their distress because cats show it differently from dogs. The truth is that we almost expect dogs to get antsy when their human is not around, but we don’t expect it as much in cats precisely because we have an instilled idea that they don’t actually need us.

If you’re a proud cat guardian and notice your cat behaving more strangely than usual, they may be dealing with separation anxiety. That’s why it’s important to learn and recognize the signs and steps you can take to make your and your cat’s lives better.

How to recognize separation anxiety in cats?

Humans often personify their pets and read into their behavior, seeing spite, disrespect, or dismissiveness, making it harder to recognize actual signs of distress. The reality is that cats function fundamentally differently from us, and it is our job not to personify their traits but rather to try to understand what they mean, especially when they change their patterns.

When your feline best friend starts acting strangely or is more unruly than usual, take a good look at how much you were away from them in the past few weeks. When did your cat change their behavior, and what caused it? Backtracking can do wonders in helping you identify the reasons for their changed mood. Here are some signs that your cat is suffering from separation anxiety.

• Your cat destroys everything in sight. One of the biggest nightmares of cat owners is coming home and finding it a desolate destruction sight, with their cat silently sitting in the corner with a scornful stare. Scratched furniture and curtains, broken vases, things knocked over all over the house – in a word, chaos. If you’ve been greeted with this scene frequently lately, your cat may be more stressed about staying alone.

• Your cat’s eating habits change dramatically. When they’re stressed and lonely, cats can show it in different ways, and one of the most obvious ones is a sudden change of appetite. They can either overeat or undereat, both of which can be a problem. It’s important to note here that not eating can signify an underlying health issue, so be sure to check in with your vet if the problem persists. Places like the animal clinic in Chestnut Hill can help you better understand what’s happening and conduct additional tests if needed.

• Your cat has become much more vocal. Like a child seeking attention, cats with separation anxiety can become excessively vocal. This could be anything from constant meowing when you’re home to yowling and crying when you’re not around. 

• Your cat forgets about their litter box. Another messy symptom of separation anxiety is when your furry friend decides to evacuate their bowls and bladder outside of their designated place, the litter box. It’s important to understand that this doesn’t mean your cat is “punishing” you, but rather that they’re trying to expand their territory to feel more secure when you’re not home.

These are some of the most common symptoms your cat may exhibit when they’re stressed or lonely, but the list doesn’t stop there. If they start grooming themselves too much or don’t do it enough, if they hide from you or won’t leave your side when you come home, chances are they’re dealing with separation anxiety.

How do you take care of your anxious cat?

Now that you know the signs, let’s see how you can help your cat feel more comfortable and calm when you’re away.

• Provide mental and physical stimulation. If you know you’ll be leaving the house for a few hours, ensure your cat has things to do. You can get inexpensive interactive puzzles for them to play to stay busy while you’re not around. It’s also a good idea to have regular play sessions with them so that they get their exercise and exhaust excess energy.

• Make them feel safe when you’re not there. One of the ways you can achieve this is by leaving them alone for shorter periods of time. They’ll learn over time that you always come back to them, which could help ease their anxiety. Additionally, you can create a safe space for them, somewhere quiet with their toys and bed, and maybe add your old t-shirt so that they have your scent nearby.

• Keep a steady routine. A well-established routine means a lot to dogs and cats alike. Knowing when to expect food, play, and cuddles helps them be more relaxed. Try to establish a routine and stick to it, and over time, your kitty will relax.

Conclusion

Cats can get anxious and unpredictable for a variety of reasons, and separation anxiety is one of the most common ones. When you notice changes in your kitty’s behavior, try to understand what caused it and whether you need a vet to help you, or you can do it yourself by tweaking your approach and routine. Be patient and gentle with your best feline friend as they’re trying to make sense of the world, and you’ll be back in each other’s good graces in no time!