Separation Anxiety and Your Cat
You probably know that separation anxiety can affect people, particularly small children. But you might not have been aware that separation anxiety can affect dogs and cats as well. Dogs tend to have more obvious symptoms of separation anxiety; they tend to get loud and destroy your house. Cats are often harder to figure out.Animals with separation anxiety are over dependent on others and lack self-confidence, so it is important to help your pet. Because cats are more subtle, they may be suffering more than you realize.
Why cats develop separation anxiety
Some breeds are more prone to separation anxiety. They develop the problem from the combination of genes and environment. Oriental cats like Siamese and Burmese tend to be emotionally sensitive and prone toward anxiety. Other breeds, like Maine coons, are less likely to develop the disorder.
A cat?s life experiences before he met you can also influence separation anxiety in cats. Kittens who were orphaned or weaned too early are more likely to develop the disorder. And think twice before buying a kitten; cats bought from a pet store are more likely to have been subjected to the former two scenarios. Having several different owners can also influence the condition.
The combination of early life experiences and a sensitive personality can cause a cat to develop separation anxiety.
Signs of separation anxiety in cats
- Following owner around the house
- Negative behavior as owner leaves, such as crying, sulking, hiding and depression
- Trying to escape/destructive conduct while owner is away
- Crying after owner has left
- Being over-excited when owner returns
- Refusal to eat when left alone
- Failure to use the litter box when owner is away
- Excessive grooming
How to help your cat
There are a few things you can do for your cat to alleviate his anxiety and make him more comfortable and happy while you are away:
- Keep your cat in one room with food, water and litter box while you are away
- Leave on the radio so it is not so quiet
- Leave out toys and catnip to distract him
- Position furniture so cat can look out the window and entertain himself
- Put birdfeeders by the windows for the equivalent of cat television
- Ignore your cat for 15-20 minutes before you leave and again when you come back
- Make sure you spend quality time with your cat every day
- Another animal may keep your cat company, but it might also make the situation worse
Talking to your vet
If this doesn?t help, try talking to your vet. They might have some suggestions for a behavioral therapist. In extreme situation, cats may be given medication.
It is also good to see your vet to make sure the behavior isn?t being caused by some other problem. A cat who cries a lot and urinates outside of the box may have a urinary tract infection.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/31561/separation_anxiety_in_cats.html
http://www.petplace.com/cats/separation-anxiety-in-cats/page1.aspx
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1310&articleid=2372