Cats are less likely than dogs to be diagnosed with separation anxiety. Some cats, however, display indications of separation anxiety when they are separated from their owners. Separation anxiety in cats can be treated with anti-anxiety drugs provided by a veterinarian, but there are alternative treatments to try first.
Separation anxiety in cats can manifest itself in a variety of ways. They might be vocalizing, refusing to eat, grooming excessively, or toileting outside of their litter dish, for example. These cats like to follow their owners from room to room and become upset when they go on vacation.
How to help your cat avoid separation anxiety?Providing a variety of activities for your cat. Encourage your cat to engage in activities such as playing with laser pointers, wind-up mice, and pole toys. Scratching posts and cat trees are excellent additions to any household. They provide you the chance to show off your inherent feline instincts.
They're using their brain. Cats are ingenious creatures who thrive on new challenges. Stimulate their intellect by concealing goodies around the house for them to locate or by putting their food in a feeder puzzle for them to solve.
Whenever feasible, provide access to the outdoors. Outdoor cats are better equipped to display their natural behaviors and get regular exercise.
For certain people, a pheromone-releasing plug-in like 'Feliway' can help them stay calm and happy.
A Cautionary Note
Some medical issues in cats might be mistaken for separation anxiety, so any kitties exhibiting symptoms should visit their veterinarian for a thorough examination. Over-grooming, for example, maybe connected to stress, but it may also be noticed in people who have allergies or parasite infestations. Leaving a "surprise" on your pillow, meanwhile, might suggest nervousness, but it's also a behavior found in cats with cystitis.