How to Deal With Feline Separation Anxiety

How to prevent and address separation anxiety in cats

Having traveled for work for years, my sweet Maddie knew the second she saw my suitcase that I was leaving her alone for more than a day or two. She would growl and bite my ankles as I packed my clothes. I felt horrible for having to leave her in that state as she was very much attached to me and truly hated to be alone and away from me. After the second time, I learned quickly to place the suitcase out of sight and pack as quickly as possible. For many cats, separation anxiety is a very real issue and can cause destructive behavior issues. So, what are we to do when we have to leave our precious felines? ​

What is separation anxiety?

Just like humans, some cats are loners and don’t mind being left to their own devices. Others are social creatures and love attention and being around people. Cats can become attached to their owners and really stress out when we’re away. To express this distress, cats may become upset and even destructive.
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Heavily attached animals look to their owners for security, so being alone will cause anxiety and stress. Separation anxiety is real and if you have had a cat with it, you can agree that leaving or coming home can cause you stress!

Signs of separation anxiety

• Loud and excessive meowing or crying. My dear old Guenivere once meowed so much while I was gone for a long weekend that when I returned, she had lost her voice! She could only mew a tiny little hoarse sound and it made me so sad to think she was alone and crying for me, even with a catsitter checking in every day. 
• Not eating or drinking. This can be a form of hunger strike to show displeasure or just stress to where no food is appealing. One of my recent boarders exhibited this behavior for a day and a half but slowly began to eat and was back to normal feeding after some love and attention. 
• Not using the litter box. Missing the litter box or leaving ‘surprises’ in places other than the litter box can indicate stress. Spraying is another unpleasant way of expressing displeasure with being alone. Vomiting can be another sign of anxiety. One friend told me that her cat would urinate in any shoes left out while she was gone. 
• Overbathing and hot-spots. Cats will lick one spot, sometimes until there is a bald patch and irritation, in order to cope with their stress. 
• Destructive behavior. Dogs aren’t the only ones who chew up couches or scratch walls, cats are known to be destructive too. Angry and destructive outbursts are their way of being just plain furious at you for going away. ​

What Can I Do About Separation Anxiety?

There are several options to help your cat through separation anxiety and avoid the behaviors listed above. ​

Ways to deal with separation anxiety

• Leave TV or music on. Noise distractions can make cats feel less alone and cat TV can keep them occupied with visual stimulation. 
• Toys and scratch pads. Having alternatives for destructive energy can be a stress reliever for cats. They can vent some pent up anger on these, instead of your couches and pillows.
• CBD, catnip, and even pheromone spray. All of these more alternative methods can help cats. However, be sure to try them out while you’re around first, as each cat reacts differently. 
• Talk to your vet. I always recommend talking to your vet, as sometimes professional help is required for extreme cases. The vet may prescribe some anti-anxiety medication or even find another reason your cat is experiencing high levels of stress. 

If you can’t handle the stress yourself anymore, consider boarding your cat. I spoke to my vet and was at my wits end with ankles covered in teeth marks, walls clawed up and my bed vomited on. Finding a safe and trusting boarding facility can eliminate or greatly reduce your cat’s stress, along with your own. 

Knowing that your cat is being given love and attention can give you peace of mind and help you enjoy your trip. Picking up a happy relaxed cat is worth the money rather than spending time cleaning up the path of destruction at your home. 
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Having dealt with feline separation anxiety, I understand how stressful a trip can be. From leaving a crying cat to coming home and finding a mess is waiting for you, it’s never fun. Finding ways to cope with this anxiety will help you both and bring the stress level down in your home. 
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