During COVID-19, all types of pets have become used to having their owners around, which makes leaving them at home much more difficult for everyone. Separation anxiety in cats is becoming more common as people return to work and start leaving the house on a daily basis. We want to help you and your cat avoid separation anxiety or treat it if you are already struggling, so here are some common causes, signs, and ways to help separation anxiety in cats.
Causes
Over-attachment to the owner
Being used to having attention all the time
Negative experiences with being left alone
Not enough practice being left alone
Discomfort with the home environment
signs
Spraying around the house
Constantly asking for attention and meowing
Grooming excessively or not enough
Loss of litter training -- this could also be sign of an illness, so check for anything physically wrong with your cat
Over-excitement when owner returns home
Unusual destructive behaviour
prevention & Treatment
Lots of entertainment when leaving cats alone;
Interactive cat toys (examples)
Allow your cat to have access to a safe and enclosed outdoor space
Calming pheromone and smell diffusers
Let other household members connect with your cat to promote healthy attachment
Practice leaving and returning when they are young
Make gradual changes to routine to get them acclimated slowly;
Leave them alone at home at increasing intervals while giving treats
Adjust feeding schedules to fit your work schedule
Cats love routine, so try to leave and arrive around the same time
Attached does not mean lonely, so another cat may NOT help
As a last resort, a vet can prescribe your cat medication for anxiety
How Can You Help Us?
L.I.C.K is a volunteer run charity, no one gets paid!
Every donation big or small allow us to do our work and care for all our cats and kittens.
All donations go towards medical costs.