How To Manage Cat Separation Anxiety | Chewtorials

Cats have a reputation for being aloof, but don’t be fooled—they’re social creatures who can experience separation anxiety, too! So how do you know if your cat’s behavior stems from a fear of being alone—and if they do have cat separation anxiety, how do you treat it? We’re here to help. Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats Excessive vocalization/meowing Urinating or defecating outside the litter box Destructive behavior (aka damaging things) Changes in appetite Vomiting Excessive self-grooming Extreme excitement when you leave or return Attacking when you leave or return Trying to escape when you leave If your cat does any of the above when they’re left alone or when their favorite family members are away, there’s a chance that they may have separation anxiety. But remember: Cats are complex creatures who might engage in these behaviors for many reasons, from boredom to more serious health concerns. Before you assume your cat has separation anxiety, take them to the vet for a checkup to make sure there are no underlying medical reasons for their behavior. How to Manage Cat Separation Anxiety 1. Create a Behavior Modification Training Plan Behavior modification training is the gold standard for dealing with cat separation anxiety—but it’s also the most complicated. You’ll want to begin by consulting with a veterinary behaviorist, who can help you make a training plan tailored to your unique pet. Each cat’s anxiety has different triggers and associated behaviors, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to behavior modification. However, a typical approach includes the following techniques: Practicing short absences, working up to longer periods of time away. Desensitizing your cat to their anxiety triggers. These are typically things like the sound of your house keys or putting on your shoes—things you do in preparation to leave home, also known as departure cues. Many behavioral modification plans include practicing these triggers without actually leaving home so your cat stops associating them with your absence. 2. Use Pheromone Sprays or Diffusers Pheromones are chemical signals that cats produce naturally. They can send different messages, from marking territory to the soothing vibes a mama cat emits around her kittens. Products like Feliway Optimum contain calming pheromones that can help reduce your cat’s stress levels: https://www.chewy.com/feliway-optimum-enhanced-calming/dp/341464 3. Provide Cat Trees and Perches Many cats prefer to hang out in high places, rather than at ground level. Giving them a cat tree or other perch where your kitty can get a birds-eye view of their surroundings can help some cats feel more secure while you’re away. Find out how to choose the best cat tree for your unique cat. 4. Have Some Extra Playtime Cats are intelligent animals who love to play and explore. If they don’t get enough mental and physical exercise, they may use that pent-up energy to fuel their anxious behaviors. A good bout of play with a teaser wand or a game of fetch with a cat ball or chaser can help. Regular interaction also fulfills a cat’s need for companionship, and prevents them from feeling lonely or bored. Plus, it’s just plain fun! 5. Try a Puzzle Another healthy way to use up some of your cat’s energy? Try puzzle feeders or puzzle toys. These toys make your cat use their brains to access their food or treats, which takes more energy than simply chowing down. Think of it as a subtle way to add some extra mental enrichment to their day—and to distract them from the fact that you’re not around. It’s ideal to invest in several different types—cats are extremely smart, after all, so once they’ve figured out a puzzle they’re likely to get bored. 6. Ask Your Vet About Supplements and Medications Cat calming supplements use ingredients like thiamine, chamomile and melatonin to soothe cats’ anxiety from the inside out. These supplements are generally available over the counter—but before you add any supplement to your cat’s diet, check with your vet to make sure they are safe for your unique kitty. For some cats who are extremely anxious when left alone, anti-anxiety medication may be needed as an addition to other treatment methods. Medication rarely works alone, but when used in conjunction with behavior modification, it can make a world of difference. Your veterinarian or a board certified veterinary behaviorist can walk you through your options. If your cat is experiencing cat separation anxiety, the time to deal with it is now. With the tips above, and in partnership with your vet or behaviorist, you can help your cat feel better about being left alone. #chewy #chewtorials #howto #separationanxiety #catseparationanxiety

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