It’s Tough To Say Goodbye: Seperation Anxiety With Cats

We are all aware of separation anxiety, a condition of extreme distress when someone is too attached to an individual that leaves them, or a severe dislike of or discomfort with solitude. This is evident in many children going away to school for the first time, and also in a large number of dogs. The signs are clearly readable in both people and dogs: whining or crying, behavior changes, destructiveness, etc. Until recently, it wasn’t even a considerable thought that other living creatures, namely cats, experienced the same woes of this unfortunate condition. Cats don’t express the same symptoms as clearly as dogs do, so it may take a bit more discerning observation to recognize the fears of your feline friend.

Though not as aggressively apparent as most dogs when displaying signs of separation anxiety, some cats will still profess their unhappiness when watching the departure of their parents or fellow buddies by whining or meowing loudly. There are many other indicators to pay attention to as well. Hiding, slinking away or sulking, even acting depressed when noticing signs of departure are a clue that your cat may experience separation anxiety. Inability to eat while alone, vomiting (only while left alone), and inappropriate elimination (urination or even defecation outside the litter box) are other telltale signs. It is common that a distressed cat will spray or mark his owner’s personal items, most frequently eliminating on his owner’s bed for some reason as a deliberate communication of disturbance. Sometimes a cat will over groom, resulting in bald spots in one or more areas on his body. Similarly, clingy behaviors of a cat following his parent from room to room, incessantly seeking affection, and increasing his welcoming responses when the departed returns home should be acknowledged symptoms, not ignored. Often a cat owner adds to the dependency of her kitten by encouraging such excitement and attached behavior when she returns home because she finds it cute and a refreshing warmth of love.

Separation anxiety can be a very traumatizing feeling for your pet. It is a serious disorder that physiologically affects him, and calls for rectification. Of course, when your cat displays signs that may be indicative of separation anxiety, it is important to first rule out other diseases or medical disorders. Loss of hair may otherwise be caused by an allergy, and urination outside the litter box may simply be because the box has not been cleaned. Once ruling out other possibilities, it may be important to see an animal behavior specialist. Usually separation anxiety calls for certain insisted behavior modifications in order to wean the cat away from such a dyer dependency. It is recommended to ignore your overly dependent pet prior to leaving the house and also upon returning home. This makes your departure less overwhelming, and also lessens the catalyst to your cat’s symptoms. Leaving a treat for your cat to find, or pulling out a special toy only during the time of your disappearance adds a positive association. Desensitizing is the most important aspect of this modification that must be taught to your pet, and usually runs the course of at least a few weeks to gradually work. Begin grabbing your keys or purse, performing the simple cues of your regular departure. Open and close the door, and be sure to draw attention to yourself, but don’t actually leave the house. Increase the repetition of this and gradually leave the house for only a few minutes at a time, lengthening your absence by small increments. Perhaps after a few weeks, this practice will show your cat that when you leave, you do come back. This gradual desensitization should dramatically help boost your cat’s confidence and independence in assuring your little friend that you will always return for her.

As a cat owner, separation anxiety litters the house with some unwanted feline behaviors that may be very frustrating, even angering at times when returning home to a mess in the house or an irritable cat. However, it is important never to punish your pet for the urination or defecation during your absence. Be assured that this condition is a disorder that is much harder on your animal than it is you. The bond between you and your pet is comprised of a strong sense of love and attachment, which is bound to force you to take the bad with the good. After some patience and dedicated behavioral training, it is likely that you will soon return home to find the pleasant little angel you originally welcomed into your life. Of course, when you love something it is hard to say goodbye. Given the undying, unconditional love your little friend has for you, it is easy to understand the difficulty in watching you walk away. Please, do your part to remind your cat that you are in his life to stay, and goodbye is only temporary.