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<\/a><\/p>\nSeparation anxiety is a well-recognized issue in dogs, but many do not realize that cats can experience it, as well. Conventional wisdom tells us that cats are aloof, independent, and solitary creatures who don\u2019t need companionship, but this is not so.\u00a0 In truth, cats are highly social with the ability to form deep attachments and bonds to their human family members and other animal companions.<\/p>\n
Feline separation anxiety<\/em> usually presents itself more subtly than it does in dogs, and for this reason it may go undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed, for years.<\/p>\n Cats who were orphaned or who were weaned too early may be more prone to separation anxiety. Cats may go for years without issues, and then suddenly act out when your work schedule changes and keeps you away for long hours. Vacations also tend to trigger feline separation anxiety. Think of separation anxiety as a form of grief. Cats don\u2019t mean to \u201cact bad,\u201d they just miss you so much they can\u2019t help themselves.<\/p>\n Signs of separation anxiety may occur when the cat is separated from his owner or another companion pet with whom he has a strong bond.<\/p>\n Over-attachment to the owner, following that person from room to room around the house. Inappropriate elimination \u2013 often in the form of urine marking, though fecal marking may also occur. Stress can also be a factor in the development of recurrent cystitis, so it is important to see your vet if you notice your cat urinating little and often, and\/or urinating outside of the litter-tray Some of the symptoms of feline separation anxiety are very similar to physical ailments and illnesses found in cats, so it is wise to seek veterinary advice to make sure that your cat’s behavior is not due to an underlying physical problem.<\/p>\n Enriching the environment<\/span> –\u00a0Enriching the cat’s environment may help if no medical problems can be found, this can be achieved by means of:<\/p>\n Climbing frames positioned to give the cat a good view of the outside world.<\/p>\n Scratching posts<\/p>\n Bird feeders that fasten to a window with a one-way visibility can keep a lonely, anxious cat busy and mentally stimulated.<\/p><\/div>\n Strategically positioned (ie. visible from a window your cat can access)\u00a0bird feeders<\/a><\/p>\n An assortment of mobile toys enhanced with\u00a0catnip<\/a><\/p>\n Putting the day’s ration of kibble in a\u00a0food toy<\/p>\n Leaving the radio or television on<\/p>\n Environmental pheromone therapy such as\u00a0Feliway\u00a0spray or diffuser<\/a><\/p>\nCAUSES<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nSYMPTOMS<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n
\nDistress as the owner prepares to depart (pre-departure anxiety).
\nVocalization (crying, moaning, meowing) right after the owner has left
\nAppetite loss or anorexia \u2013 the affected cat is often too anxious to eat when left alone.<\/p>\n
\nVomiting – only in the owner’s absence.
\nExcessive self-grooming. This starts as a displacement behavior but can progress to compulsive self-grooming, if \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 unchecked.
\nDestructive behavior \u2013some cats may claw and scratch door edges presumably in an attempt to escape from their \u00a0 \u00a0 solitary confinement.
\nExuberant greeting behavior<\/p>\nTREATMENT<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n
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