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While we tend to think of cats as solitary creatures, they do form meaningful bonds with their families. Sometimes, this can lead to problems when you or a family member has to leave your cat at home. Since we can’t exactly tell our cats where we are going and when we will be home, we often leave them in a state of unknowing. For some cats, this can be extremely anxiety-inducing.
Separation anxiety is a real problem that some cats experience and it can even be serious enough to involve a veterinarian. However, most of the time, separation anxiety is a normal, relatively easy issue to solve. Now, here are eight of the most common signs of separation anxiety in cats, and how to help them.
Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats
1. Destructive Behaviors
One of the most prominent and troublesome behaviors indicating separation anxiety in cats are the destructive ones. Some examples of destructive behaviors are scratching furniture, scratching carpets, or chewing house plants.
These behaviors can be incredibly frustrating as they can lead to home damage and end up costing you money. However, it is incredibly important to never react negatively or punish your cat, because it will only make the situation worse. This is because these destructive behaviors are the result of your cat feeling anxious and upset. With that said, punishment will only make your cat even more anxious and upset, leading to more destructive behaviors.
Cats may resort to destructive behaviors like scratching up furniture or tearing up pillows when they are feeling anxious as a way to self-relieve their stress. Unfortunately, unsheathing their claws and taking out their built-up anxiety on your couch is one of the best ways they know to release stress. If you notice that your cat is exhibiting destructive behaviors primarily when you are not home, it is likely an indication of separation anxiety.
2. Excessive Noise
Like humans, sometimes cats will express their anxiety vocally. This type of behavior may be meowing, growling, or crying excessively. While this behavior may be hard to observe because they are likely exhibiting it when you are not home, there are still ways to detect it. One way is to set up a camera to watch your cat’s behavior and vocal activity when you are out of the house. There are plenty of indoor cameras with moving and sound detection. The best part is that many of these cameras can be monitored with your smart phone.
- FHH Baby Monitor/Pet Camera: https://amzn.to/3Oj0vkR
Even if you don’t set up a camera, you may still notice excessive noise from your cat. This is because your cat may exhibit this behavior before you leave the house as well as while you are out. If your cat notices you getting ready to leave (like putting on your shoes or picking up your purse) they may start expressing their anxiety vocally. As mentioned, this may be meowing, growling, or crying excessively. These signs are a good indication they are feeling anxious about you leaving them alone.
3. Changes in Eating Behaviors
If you’re noticing a change in your cat’s eating behaviors, it can be a good indication that they are experiencing separation anxiety. When feeling very stressed, cats may alter their eating habits. Some cats may stop eating altogether or eat very little. On the other hand, other cats may begin to overeat and express excessive hunger.
If you notice their eating behaviors are changing, especially around the times you are leaving the house, take note of this as a potential indication of separation anxiety. Cats tend to alter their eating behaviors when they are experiencing anxiety because stress hormones can significantly affect their digestive tract. These stress hormones can lead to your cat’s body telling them they need more or less food than they actually do as part of their “fight or flight” response.
4. Changes in Bathroom Behaviors
Similarly to #3, anxiety can also affect your cat’s biological excretion tendencies. Stress hormones can affect the entire digestive system, including the bowels. Overly stressed cats or cats experiencing separation anxiety will often experience blockage and constipation. On the other hand, they may also experience diarrhea and runny feces. Basically, any changes from “the norm” of their bathroom habits could be an indication of separation anxiety.
A stressed-out cat may also avoid the litter box and relieve themselves elsewhere. This can be frustrating and lead to “hard to clean” messes, making this one of the more troublesome anxious behaviors your cat may exhibit. In extreme cases, your cat may relieve themselves in places that you most frequent like your bed or couch. And no, although it may seem like it, they aren’t doing this to ruin your day. Instead, this can be explained by the prominence of your scent in those locations. Your bed and couch probably contain more of your pheromones than the rest of your house and may offer some relief to your cat – which may, unfortunately, lead to them relieving themselves in those spots.
5. Excessive Self-Grooming
Grooming is a natural self-care behavior that cats exhibit. Most of the time, grooming is completely safe and normal for cats. In fact, it’s completely healthy and necessary! Grooming not only keeps your cat clean, but also happy and healthy. However, like anything else, it can become unhealthy when done excessively. Since grooming is a self-care technique, a stressed-out or anxious cat is likely to resort to this behavior as a way to self-sooth. However, this can lead to over-grooming which has negative impacts on your cat’s health.
After returning home, if you notice that your cat has abrasions on their skin or patches without fur, your cat may be over-grooming themselves. Over-grooming can additionally cause mouth sores and excessive furballs. Overall, it is not a healthy behavior and can have negative impacts on your cat’s physical well-being. A cat that excessively grooms certainly has an underlying health condition, such as separation anxiety.
6. Distressed Movements
Distressed movements like excessive pacing, climbing, or jumping, are also potential signs of anxiety. Your cat may begin to exhibit this behavior right before you leave if they sense that you are getting ready to head out. They also may only exhibit it once you have already left. This is another reason why getting a camera is a great way to fully understand and observe your cat’s behaviors, especially if you suspect separation anxiety.
Like many of the behaviors previously mentioned, cats will try to self-soothe when they are feeling stressed out. Most of these self-soothing behaviors will include exerting energy and attempting to release built-up anxiety. Anxious cats may pace around aimlessly or run around, seemingly looking for something or behaving hesitantly. Note that movements like pacing, climbing, and jumping are obviously normal in moderation. However, if they are accompanied by other symptoms, only occur when you are not home, or seem particularly distressing, they are likely an indication of separation anxiety.
7. Acting Overly Excited Upon Your Return
While many people think of dogs getting excited when their owners come home, the same can be true for their feline counterparts. Cats just express their excitement differently than dogs. Though your cat is likely going to be excited to see you after you return home, a display of over-excitement may indicate separation anxiety. Over-excitement in a cat may look like them excessively clinging to you or being overly vocal when you return home.
The key to determining if your cat’s behavior is a result of separation anxiety or just their natural personality, is to keep an eye on changes in their behaviors. If this behavior is increasing over time or is accompanied by other symptoms mentioned in this blog post, it might be a sign of separation anxiety.
8. Vomiting
Vomiting is one of the more extreme behaviors that a cat with separation anxiety may exhibit. As can be the case with humans, sometimes nausea and vomiting can be caused by severe anxiety. If you are returning home to find vomit frequently, your cat could be experiencing separation anxiety. A cat may also vomit more often if they are overly self-grooming, as explained in #5.
Excessive self-grooming may lead to an overabundance of hairballs, which can then lead to vomiting. However, it is important to note that vomiting can also be an indication of something more serious. If your cat is frequently vomiting, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian to figure out what’s going on and how to treat it.
How to Help Cats With Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety in cats is an issue that should be fixed for your cat’s overall well-being. After all, you just want what is best for your cat, and part of that is making sure they are happy and healthy. So, here are some ways to help cats with separation anxiety.
1. Visit Your Veterinarian
If you are observing your cat exhibiting any of these behaviors and suspect separation anxiety, your first step should be to book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. A veterinarian can not only confirm your suspicions but also ensure that your cat has no other underlying health conditions. Your vet will also suggest treatments or lifestyle changes.
2. Provide Engaging Activities
It’s important to make your home a safe haven for your cat by providing lots of toys, puzzle feeders, and scratching posts as well as other engaging activities. You should also make sure your cat has safe, dark areas for them to retreat to. Another thing you can do is leave on the TV or radio to provide them with some distractions in the form of noise. Just make sure it’s not too loud, because cats have excellent hearing and may get stressed out from loud noises.
We actually have a YouTube channel called “The Purring Journal: Cat TV” which you can check out for plenty of cat-friendly videos. Keeping your cat busy and engaged while you are out is one of the most effective methods of relieving separation anxiety.
3. Maintain a Consistent Routine
PetMd explains that consistent routines are beneficial for pets with anxiety disorders. Something as simple as keeping your routine consistent can be very helpful for them. Also keep in mind that cats should not be alone for more than 8-10 hours at a time. So make it a priority to avoid leaving your cat alone for longer than necessary. After all, part of your duty as a cat owner is to give them some quality time each day.
4. Reward Positive Behaviors
Positive reinforcement goes a long way. That’s why experts recommend ignoring attention-seeking behaviors, and instead, rewarding positive behaviors. For separation anxiety, it’s important that you remain calm as you leave home and when you come home. After you come home, once your cat is calm and collected, reward them with a treat.
Final Thoughts for Separation Anxiety in Cats
Symptoms of separation anxiety in cats, especially destructive behaviors, can be incredibly frustrating. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on your cat’s behaviors and take note of any signs that may indicate separation anxiety. Thankfully, with a game plan and help from your vet, separation anxiety is treatable and preventable.
Sources
https://www.metrovetchicago.com/
https://www.catwatchnewsletter.com/
Disclaimer: The Purring Journal is not in the medical field. This post is made for entertainment purposes only. Use the information presented in this article at your own risk. Always seek medical advice from licensed veterinarians.
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