Understanding Cat Separation Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

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Cat Separation Anxiety and Adjusting to a New Home

Mavis wasn’t doing too well at the new house. The move had triggered a number of anxieties for this sensitive cat, leading to signs of cat separation anxiety.

• Her housemates, Yvette and Toukhee, had enjoyed outdoor privileges at the old house.
• This left Yvette with the lion’s share of their human’s attention.

Here at the new place, however, the other two cats stayed inside as well, which increased Mavis’s anxiety.

• Mavis now had to share Tracy, her new human, a lot more.
• Additionally, Toukhee would bully Mavis at times and chase her off Tracy’s bed at night.

The other 2 cats stayed inside, creating a tense environment that exacerbated Mavis’s cat separation anxiety.

So, Mavis did what most unhappy cats do: She stopped using the litter box. Fortunately, she had a patient human who was willing to work with her to address these behaviors and ease her anxiety.

Anxiety Triggers for Cat Separation Anxiety

A lot of different scenarios can set off cat separation anxiety.

• Moving is high on the list. The commotion, familiar furniture disappearing, and getting swooped down upon and unceremoniously stuffed into a carrier — any of these things is enough to agitate a cat.

Put them all together, and you’ve got the stuff of feline nightmares.

• If possible, transfer your cats to your new home before the big day.
• Otherwise, you might end up driving back to the old homestead in the dark, coaxing your pet out from under the porch, as my oldest brother did many years ago.

A move is an obvious change, but it’s important to remember that any kind of change can upset the feline equilibrium.

• As Naomi Millburn puts it, “Cats and change go together about as well as peanut butter and spaghetti — that is to say, not well at all.”
• Felines are very routine-oriented and are, therefore, very vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and depression amid unfamiliarity.

Moving is high on the list of stressors that can trigger cat separation anxiety, making it crucial to handle transitions with care.

Understanding Separation Anxiety in Cats

Separation anxiety is something we typically associate with dogs, not with cats. Dogs are pack animals and need that “pack,” whether it be human or canine, with them. When left alone, they may howl, whine, urinate, soil, or chew on furniture. Nobody’s happy.

• Cats, according to conventional wisdom, are thought to be loners.
• They’re often believed to be more attached to places than to people, subscribing to “cupboard love.”

In other words, your cat supposedly doesn’t care if you’re around as long as their food bowl is filled.

However, as usual, conventional wisdom has the wrong end of the catnip mouse.

• Not all cats fit the loner profile. Some are, as veterinarian Dr. Arnold Plotnick observes, “truly social creatures, and they develop strong bonds with people and other animals.”
• When these bonds are disrupted, cats may exhibit signs of cat separation anxiety.

These signs can range from clinginess and poor appetite to over-grooming and outside-the-litter-box behavior. And — brace yourself — “outside the box” frequently means your bed.

Recognizing the Signs of Cat Separation Anxiety Early

Recognizing the signs of cat separation anxiety early is crucial to addressing the issue before it escalates. Common signs include:

• Excessive vocalization when you leave or return home
• Destructive behaviors, such as scratching furniture or knocking over objects
• Changes in eating habits, like refusing to eat when alone
• Over-grooming, leading to bald spots or irritated skin
• Inappropriate elimination, such as urinating outside the litter box

Being aware of these early signs can help you intervene before your cat’s anxiety becomes more severe.

Common Triggers for Cat Separation Anxiety

Cat separation anxiety can be triggered by various scenarios:

• You go away on vacation.
• You’re getting home later from work.
• You’re preoccupied and not making as much time for your cats as you normally do.

There is one significant difference between feline and canine varieties of separation anxiety, says Dr. Amy Marder of the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine.

• “Cats demonstrate separation anxiety primarily when their owners are away for a few days,” she says. “Unlike dogs, they hardly ever show signs when their owners are gone a regular workday.”

For more information on managing cat separation anxiety, International Cat Care (ICC) offers excellent resources.

Here are some things to look out for in a stressed cat: 

Why Some Cats Are More Prone to Separation Anxiety

Not all cats experience cat separation anxiety in the same way. Some cats are more prone to this condition due to factors like:

• Breed tendencies: Certain cat breeds, such as Siamese or Burmese, are more likely to develop separation anxiety due to their highly social nature.
• Early life experiences: Cats that were orphaned, weaned too early, or had unstable early life conditions may be more susceptible.
• Changes in household dynamics: Cats that have experienced a significant change, such as the loss of a companion or a move to a new home, may be at higher risk.

Understanding why some cats are more prone to separation anxiety can help you take preventive measures and tailor your approach to managing their anxiety.

Helping to Relieve Cat Separation Anxiety

You may never know the exact cause of your cat’s anxiety, but there are several things you can do to alleviate cat separation anxiety:

• Behavior modification: You can alter your routine and behavior a bit. Don’t fuss over your cat. In fact, Drs. Foster and Smith advise ignoring your cat for 15 minutes before leaving and doing the same when you come home. They also suggest “leaving a distracting toy.” Other toys that your cat especially likes should be taken out just before you leave and put away once you return.
• The right stuff: Comfortable perches, cat trees/towers with toys attached, window-side bird feeders, and cat videos can all help keep your feline stimulated while you’re away. Alternatively, you can keep the radio or television on low for them.
• Anti-anxiety medication: Cats with severe separation anxiety may require medication. Skullcap and valerian tablets are natural alternatives for treating anxiety. However, with all these treatments, it’s important to consult your vet first.
• The buddy system: Some cats really do better with a pal. Having a companion their own size to play and nap with can keep them from pining for their humans.

Long-Term Effects of Unaddressed Cat Separation Anxiety

If cat separation anxiety is left unaddressed, it can lead to long-term effects that impact your cat’s overall well-being. These effects may include:

• Chronic stress: Prolonged anxiety can lead to chronic stress, which negatively affects your cat’s immune system and overall health.
• Behavioral issues: Persistent anxiety can result in more severe behavioral problems, such as aggression or constant hiding.
• Health complications: Long-term anxiety can contribute to the development of physical health issues, such as gastrointestinal problems or skin conditions due to over-grooming.
• Damaged human-animal bond: Ongoing anxiety and the behaviors it causes can strain the bond between you and your cat, leading to further emotional distress for both of you.

Addressing cat separation anxiety promptly can prevent these long-term consequences and help maintain a healthy and happy relationship with your feline companion.

More Tips for Working With Nervous Cats and Managing Cat Separation Anxiety

When dealing with a new and nervous arrival, it’s important to give them “a feeling of invisibility, to allow them to move around the home without being the focus of attention. This sense of relaxed cohabitation involves no direct eye contact, verbal or physical communication unless the cat directly initiates it by its own behavior,” as International Cat Care (ICC) suggests.

But what about a cat who has been with you for a while? In such cases, it’s crucial to tailor your behavior to the individual cat. Here are some additional tips:

• Medication and calming collars: Some cats may require medication (always consult your vet first) or calming collars to help with cat separation anxiety.
• Environmental stimulation: Other cats may benefit from more environmental enrichment, such as cat trees, perches, interactive toys, fish tanks, or bird feeders placed outside windows.
• Quiet reassurance: Sometimes, simply offering quiet reassurance without overwhelming your cat can make a significant difference. This approach worked well for Tracy and Mavis, where Mavis now “is much more approachable. She has found a place she likes in the closet for her day-naps, very quiet and secure. She’s been stealing less food and is very happy when I pet her.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• “What to Know About Separation Anxiety in Cats.” WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/what-to-know-about-separation-anxiety-in-cats
• “Can Cats Have Separation Anxiety?” PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/behavioral/can-cats-have-separation-anxiety
• “8 Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats and What to Do About Them.” MetroVet Chicago. https://www.metrovetchicago.com/services/cats/blog/8-signs-separation-anxiety-cats-and-what-do-about-them