Most animal lovers who choose cats as pets often do so because cats seem more independent, as their owners always say. This is true to some extent—cats are indeed more independent than other types of pets. However, this doesn't mean they can't develop separation anxiety.
Factors that can contribute to separation anxiety in cats In cats, studies show that females are more inclined to develop separation anxiety. Still, gender is not the only determining factor for our feline friends. For example, indoor cats also present a higher risk, especially if they live alone with just one adult.
Another important factor is the time when the kitten was separated from its mother. Cats that didn’t have enough time with their mother and were bottle-fed are also more prone to develop separation anxiety.
Lastly, a change in routine can lead to the onset or worsening of separation anxiety. This includes moving the cat to a new home, changing its owner, or changes in the schedule of the person caring for the cat.
Signs of separation anxiety in cats When your cat becomes more affectionate than usual and starts following you into every room even after you’ve fed it, you should pay attention to the following signs of separation anxiety:
- When you're gone, it urinates outside the litter box or vomits around the house.
- It becomes louder than usual.
- It starts destroying things in the house (more common in males).
- It overgrooms (more common in females).
- Anorexia may occur in cats that suffer so much when left alone that they refuse to eat.
How to help your cat?
The first step in helping your cat when you notice something is wrong is always to take it to the vet. If you can accompany the visit with a video capturing your cat's behavior in your absence, your chances of getting help quickly increase significantly.
After the vet visit, here are some ways to improve your cat's life and help it get through moments when it’s home alone:
- Provide an adequate play space: climbing areas, scratching posts, toys that contain food.
- Don’t encourage the cat when it becomes clingy and desperately seeks your attention. Instead, offer attention on your own initiative when the cat is calm and shows signs of independence.
- Try to create and stick to a daily routine.
If none of these methods work, pharmaceutical solutions are available for cats, but these should be discussed with a veterinarian. Since separation anxiety is rooted in loneliness, you always have the option of enriching your family with a new cat (one with a temperament compatible with your current cat). As they say, “Where there are two, anxiety won’t grow through!”