by Alexander Thompson
Jun 02, 2022
4 minute read
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Separation Anxiety in Cat Explained
- Causes of Anxiety in Cat
- Symptoms of Anxiety in Cat
- Helping Your Anxious Cat
- Final Words
You would think a pet as independent as a cat does not suffer from separation anxiety. But this is untrue. Cats,
as independent as they can be, are social in nature. They look for regular socialization and forge strong
connections with humans in the process.
Separation Anxiety in Cat Explained
Many things cause anxiety in cats. For example, they get anxious when they sense danger and fear. These may also
come with chronic stress in some cases. Anxiety occurs in different forms in cats. One of these forms is
separation anxiety, which happens when your cats become stressed or anxious when you are not around them or
alone.
Causes of Anxiety in Cat
The common causes of anxiety in cats are associated with their health, environment, and genes.
Genetic Composition
The genetic composition of some cats may contribute to their anxiety. For instance, Burmese cats, Siamese cats,
and cats of other breeds tend to be more stressed than others. Therefore, they are at higher risk of separation
anxiety. While this situation is not remediable, you can help your cat by staying close to them and offering
them good recreational opportunities.
Environment
The environment of a cat contributes to their levels of anxiety. For example, if your cat moves to a new
environment or you change their pet home, they may develop separation anxiety. Other environmental factors
include the continuous absence of a family member or the expectation of a baby.
Health
Your cat’s health may lead to behavioral changes and, consequently, separation anxiety. If you notice unusual
changes in your cat’s behavior, do not panic. Instead, please consult your veterinarian and have them examine
the cat. Common health conditions associated with anxiety in cats include allergies, skin problems, intestinal
problems, hyperthyroidism, and urinary tract infections. Check to learn more about How Does Your Cat's Diet
Affect Their Urinary Health.
Hasty Weaning
Separation anxiety may set in if you separate newborns or young cats from their mothers or siblings too early.
Therefore, it is best to allow your kittens to stay with their families for two months after their birth. This
ensures they do not miss crucial periods of socialization, which may eventually lead to anxiety as they develop.
The peak socialization period for cats is usually between week three and week 9.
Symptoms of Anxiety in Cat
You can easily identify an anxious cat in most cases. However, the signs are
clear in some cases and require a closer look to detect in others. Either way, we have a list of the common
signs of cat anxiety below:
- Eating too fast, eating too little, or similar changes in eating or drinking habits.
- Change in lifer box habits, including not defecating or urinating in the box.
- Spending more time alone in hiding.
- Diarrhea and vomiting.
- Increased aggression, excessive vocalization, and destructive behavior.
- Over scratching and over-grooming, causing injuries or hair loss.
- Weight loss due to appetite loss, restlessness and compulsive pacing, and lethargy.
Extreme behaviors that happen again and again can point to an obsessive-compulsive order. These behaviors or
habits include continuous yowling or meowing, incessant grooming, chewing, sucking, or eating fabric, and
others. However, if your cat is experiencing separation anxiety, they will most likely exhibit the symptoms when
you are not around or about to leave them.
Helping Your Anxious Cat
The first step in helping a cat suffering from anxiety is to know that it requires more than a single action to
solve. Therefore, it is advisable to adopt an approach that treats the problem from various angles at the same
time.
Keep the Triggers Away
The first step is to identify what causes stress in your cats. The second step is to remove these triggers from
their environment. For instance, if the trigger is neighborhood cats loitering around your house, you can deter
them carefully or find a way to ensure your cats cannot see them or detect their presence.
Offer Positive Alternative Behaviors
Your cats’ instinctual needs often determine their overall health and state of mind. Meeting these needs can
turn things around quickly. For example, get them into more situations where they can play, hunt, and stimulate
themselves properly. Creating a sense of security around them can also help them with anxiety.
Avoid Abrupt Changes
A change in environment can be unavoidable in some cases. However, when this happens, it is best to do it
gradually. For example, if you are changing an apartment, get a smaller area for your cat and gradually expose
them to other parts of the new apartment. This may take several days or weeks. Similarly, work out a gradual
introduction plan with your vet if a new pet is coming in.
Make Them Comfortable
Cats are big on comfort. They easily get scared if and when they feel a sense of discomfort. You can detect this
by watching its body language. If your cat scratches or bites more than usual, it may just be afraid.
Help Them Stay Calm
You can help your cat stay calm by introducing calming products, including diffusers and sprays that fills their
surrounding with a substance that looks like natural cat pheromones. This works best in combination with other
solutions.
Place Them on Anxiety Medication
Anxiety medications for cats can help them cope with stressors better. While these medications can be very
helpful, it is best to combine them with other tips on this list. Also, they should be used only on the advice
of your vet.
Punishment Doesn’t Work
If you think punishing your cat will help them beat anxiety, you need to think again. It doesn’t help; instead,
it worsens the situation by increasing their fear response. So, do not hit and yell at your cat or throw items
at them.
Avoid Touching the Cat When Leaving
Touching and playing with your cat when you are about to leave them is mostly an involuntary action. However, it
does not help your cat overcome their separation anxiety. On the contrary, the increased attention they get from
you as you are leaving heightens the feeling of separation in them.
In the same vein, avoid hugging or talking to your cats on your return if you have been away for a while.
Instead, give it some minutes before you start playing with them again.
Final Words
Your cats will be OK on their own. Your absence is only a problem if your cat suffers from separation anxiety.
You can identify such a cat by its continuous meowing, destructive moves, and urinating outside the litter box.
The most common cause of separation anxiety in cats is behavioral changes. Once you notice changes in your cat’s
behavior, you should immediately report it to your vet. Do not overlook these changes, especially considering
they may be pointers to or symptoms of separation anxiety.
If you keep a dog, check here to learn about Helping Your Dogs With Anxiety.
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