A Cat's Behavior with Separation Anxiety
According to PetEducation.com, cats suffer from separation anxiety just as dogs do. Cats form very strong bonds with their owners and other animals and are often affected when left alone, especially for very long periods of time. Many cats have separation anxiety because of genetic factors or general anxiety, but the signs are sometimes not obvious.
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Cat Anxiety
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Cats show signs of separation. Signs of separation anxiety in cats occur when the owner leaves the house, especially if the cat is very social or has a close bond with the owner. According to PetEducation.com, cats who follow their owners from room to room or who run to the door when an owner leaves may have separation anxiety.
Cats with separation anxiety also urinate on the floor or vomit when they are left alone, or can be destructive by chewing, scratching or knocking household items over.
According to PetPlace.com, a cat may be very vocal when its owner comes home or leaves and also may show signs of anorexia, as it is too anxious to eat when alone. A sure way to know if a cat is suffering is to set up a recorder when the cat is alone to hear if it cries.
Causes and Behavior
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Cat anxiety has many possible causes. According to "Cats on the Counter: Therapy and Training for Your Cat" by Larry Lachman and Frank Mickadeit, separation anxiety in cats is caused by several factors, including the cat's being moved from home to home. The book states that cats who are very young or much older may suffer from anxiety more often than other cats. Young kittens who are left alone or older cats that are left alone for most of their lives may develop anxiety.
Cats may also be suffering from underlying physical ailments such as gland or thyroid problems. It is important to take the cat to see a veterinarian to rule out this possibility.
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Treatment
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Do not punish anxious cats. According to "Cats on the Counter: Therapy and Training for Your Cat," addressing separation anxiety is difficult because it usually occurs only when the cat is alone. The book stresses that punishment will not help and that each cat's case must be treated individually.
Medical Treatment
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Cats may need medicine for anxiety. According to "Cats on the Counter: Therapy and Training for Your Cat," separation anxiety treatment can range from medicine to behavioral therapy.
PetEducation.com states that useful medicines include buspar, prozac, and clomicalm. These drugs should only be administered if the veterinarian has checked into other possible problems. These drugs are not specific to cats, so they must be used carefully.
Behavior Changes
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Cats should be left with toys. According to PetEducation.com, changing the separation routine may help affect the cat's behavior in a positive way. Try leaving the cat in a comfortable environment that includes toys, windows and climbing ledges.
PetEducation.com advises that the owner should ignore the cat for 15 minutes before leaving and for 15 minutes after coming home so the cat can adjust. The site also suggests hiding treats and toys around the house and putting on videos of other cats and animals, which may be comforting to an anxious cat.
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References
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