Separation anxiety in cats has been mistaken for hatred or fear of loneliness as your cat appears restless whenever you or another companion gets ready to leave the premises. Separation anxiety is when your cat feels detached from you or any other pet it has strongly bonded with. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of separation anxiety and knowing how to help them offers an opportunity to provide timely, appropriate care.
Symptoms of separation anxiety in cats often point to tension and unease that can manifest even at short intervals when you leave your house. Sometimes, cats exhibit these behaviours when you prepare to leave. Here, we answer the most common questions about how to deal with cat separation anxiety and what you can do to help your cat.
What Triggers Separation Anxiety In Cats?
According to experts this condition falls in the category of a relationship between genetics and environment. On the bright side, proper socialisation of kittens can reduce their chances of obtaining undesirable behaviour, such as kitten separation anxiety when they are older.
Symptoms and signs of separation anxiety in cats
Separation anxiety in cats is often manifested by behaviours related to distress. Look out for the following to see whether your kitty fits the bill:
- Attachment and Clinginess: Cats with separation anxiety become overly attached to their owners and trail after them from room to room.
- Pre-Departure Anxiety: Look out for behaviours like hiding, sulking as you prepare to leave, or even attempts to block your way.
- Vocalization:A separation anxious cat will exhibit some form of crying or moaning, meowing even loudly for attention by screaming when you leave.
- Loss of Appetite: Some cats are just too anxious to eat when you are away.
- Inappropriate Elimination: House soiling or urine marking, commonly in or around your stuff, is highly prevalent in anxious cats
- Vomiting: Infrequent vomiting strictly while you are away may be a symptom of their anxiety.
- Excessive Grooming: Cats begin grooming themselves excessively and losing hair over it, which may at first have started as a response to stress but becomes compulsive.
- Destructive Behaviour: Scratching door frames when attempting to "exit."
- Over-enthusiastic Greeting: Your cat also has to relate to this through an overly excited response every time you go back home.
What to do if my cat has anxiety?
All these behaviours of your cat recommend that you consult your veterinarian in order to ensure that there is no physical health issue first.If your cat is of sound body, then working on the environment may considerably help reduce their anxiety. Here are tips that can enrich the home life of your cat and make him or her feel more secure in your presence:
- Climbing Frames and Views: Give your cat access to a perch near a window, allowing them to view the outside world.
- Scratching Posts: Provide Scratching posts or mats all over the house to relax and mark their territory in healthy ways.
- Interactive Toys:Toys, especially those with catnip, offer an entertaining way to keep your cat busy.
- Puzzle Feeders:Fill an Activity ball with your cat's kibble to challenge them mentally and physically.
- Ambient Noise: Leaving the radio or TV on can help calm your cat by reducing some of the silence in the house.
- Pheromone Diffusers: Products like Feliway release calming scents that mimic natural feline pheromones to keep your cat relaxed.
Feliway Pheromone Diffuser
A Feliway diffuser provides your cat soothing pheromones to calm down any anxiety over separation. You can simply place it in the room that your cat visits most often. This will create a scent of security surrounding your pet.
Other Products That Help in Separation anxiety in cats
Some natural supplements and products can be helpful for the treatment of separation anxiety in cats:
Zylkene:
This supplement, made from milk proteins, calms Separation anxiety in cats. These are provided in capsules that might be administered whole or mixed with the cat food to be given once a day to calm down the brain receptors of the pet, therefore cutting down anxiety.
Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian tablets:
This herbal licensed remedy, helps handle symptoms of anxiety, hyperactivity, and stress-related reactions (like noise phobia). They are indicated for use in dogs and cats and also used as an adjunctive therapy in epilepsy.
YuCALM:
This is the scientifically developed supplement that helps to inhibit the stress and separation anxiety in cats. They are helpful for cats sensitive to unknown persons, places, or car travel. It can be used for long-term and short-term periods to provide support for the calming process. Using these along with supplements can help in giving a more holistic approach to managing your cat's stress and anxiety.
Treatment and Management Tips for Separation Anxiety in Cats
- Avoid giving excessive attention to your cat right before leaving or immediately upon returning, as this can reduce separation-related stress
- Create an engaging and comforting environment for your cat
- Set up a cozy sleeping spot near a window where they can watch birds
- Leave a radio on to provide background noise and prevent silence
Note If these steps don’t help, consult your veterinarian. They may recommend therapy or medication in severe cases. A feline behaviorist can provide personalised strategies to address your cat's separation anxiety.
Conclusion
Separation anxiety in cats is a really tough nut to crack, but with knowledge, patience, and the right arsenal, you'll get your pet to feel comfortable and happy once again. Providing appropriate enrichment, support, and guidance enhances not only your cat's well-being but also his or her relationship with you. Always work with your vet to find the best methods to support your cat's unique needs. Give some extra attention and care, and you can help your cat be calm, comfortable, and secure even when they're on their own.
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