Cats are known to be independent, aloof creatures. So, it may come as a surprise to learn that separation anxiety is common in domestic felines, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Think about it, your kitty has been used to seeing you day and night, then suddenly you leave for hours. Similarly, if you’ve recently adopted a new kitten, you probably spent the first few weeks at home making sure your new fluffy companion is happy and settled. When you suddenly go back to work, they can feel fearful and develop cat anxiety.
Indoor cats are much more likely to develop cat separation anxiety than outdoor felines because they live in a more confined space with consistent surroundings that rarely change. Cats thrive on routine, so when something suddenly changes (i.e. you disappear!), it can have a big impact on their mental health. Certain ‘clingy’ breeds, such as Siamese, Burmese, and Ragdolls, are also more prone to cat separation anxiety.
So, how do you keep cat separation anxiety at bay? Here are a few tips and tricks to keep your kitty calm.
Start with short absences
If your cat is used to having you around, you’re going to have to slowly habituate them to your absence. Start by leaving the house and coming back in immediately. Then, reward your cat for staying calm with treats or fuss. Gradually increase the amount of time you’re away over the next few weeks and reward your cat every time.
If they begin to show signs of cat separation anxiety then move back a step and begin the process again. Patience is key when it comes to cat training! Symptoms of cat separation anxiety to watch out for include:
- Excessive vocalizations
- Destructive behavior such as scratching furniture
- Urinating or defecating outside of the litter tray
- Hyperactivity or clinginess when you return home
Remove separation anxiety triggers
Cats have associative memories. This means that they remember events and relationships by associating them with specific items, feelings, or senses. For example, the sound of a tin opening signifies food (even if it isn’t a cat food tin!). If your cat first hears fireworks when confined in a dark room, they will likely develop a fear of the dark.
So, when you pick up your car keys, your cat knows you’re about to leave. Try to break this association by putting your car keys in your pocket an hour or so before leaving. You can also leave your coat in the car or put it on a few minutes before you leave. By doing this, you can reduce the anxiety that’s triggered by these seemingly insignificant events.
Leave the radio or tv on
If your cat is used to hearing constant noise from the kids or the radio when you’re home, sudden silence can be scary. So, leave the tv or radio on at a low volume when you’re away, to replicate the sense of security they feel when you’re home.
Create a kitty safe haven
Cats need an area where they feel safe and comfortable. You can create this by setting up their very own playroom. Invest in a cat tree, a comfy bed, and fun toys to keep them entertained when you’re away. Window shelves or enclosed outdoor catios are also great options.
Cats are predators by nature so they love watching birds pass by. This is especially important for indoor cats that often lack the ability to exercise these instincts on a regular basis.
Don’t make a big fuss about your comings and goings
Cats are experts at reading body language. If you’re nervous about leaving, they will pick up on it, which can make them feel uneasy. This vicious cycle can easily be broken if you stay calm. Don’t fuss over your cat when you leave. Just casually walk out the door as if nothing significant is happening.
Similarly, when you arrive back home, say hi to your cat and offer cuddles but don’t make a big deal out of it. If they start ‘acting up’ simply ignore the behavior and have some snuggle time with them once they have calmed down.
Use feline pheromones to your advantage
Cats have an incredibly acute sense of smell. Feline pheromone diffusers such as Feliway and Comfort Zone, are designed to replicate the calming pheromones given off by mother cats when they are around their kittens. These products can go a long way toward calming an anxious cat. Simply plug it into the wall and replace the pheromone vial once a month.
Keep their minds busy
Interactive toys and puzzle feeders can be your best friends when it comes to preventing cat separation anxiety. Stimulate their natural hunting and foraging instincts by hiding treats and kibble around the house.
You can also invest in ‘teaser toys’ that move automatically to keep your kitty entertained. These come in a wide range of forms from electronic balls with LED lights to realistic looking bird toys that chirp when touched.
Here is a review of some of the best interactive cat toys on the market today:
If you don’t have the funds to buy fancy new toys, consider making some! Many of the best cat toys are made out of simple items such as cardboard boxes, pieces of felt, old door mats, and offcuts of wood. Just make sure you show your cat how to use the toy before you leave, so they know what to do! Sprinkling catnip or valerian over the toys will add an extra layer of fun!
For serious cases of cat separation anxiety, you may also want to consider hiring a cat sitter to pop in once or twice a day if you are out for long periods. Extreme cat anxiety can also be managed with medication. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best options depending on your cat’s individual needs.
Carla Shaik has always had a passion for writing and educating the public on topics that really matter, especially cat welfare. Since graduating with a BSC in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Carla has written for a national cat magazine for eight years and more recently branched out into becoming a freelance writer full-time including for Cool Cat Advice. Carla is an avid cat lover and has owned them all her life. She couldn’t imagine life without them!
