SimplyCats Vet Clinic Blog

Cat separation anxiety requires behaviour modification and desensitisation to soothe upset feelings and reverse problem behaviors. Cats may go for years without issues, and then suddenly act out when your routine changes. Holidays can also trigger feline separation anxiety.

Scented Comfort

Like dogs with the same condition, cats may cry and become upset as you prepare to leave. More often, they don’t react to your departure. They wait and become stressed once left alone, and urinate and defecate on owner-scented objects—most typically the bed. The familiar scent of their own bathroom deposits actually comforts them, and reduces feelings of stress. Of course, these unwelcome “gifts” increase owner stress levels. And while angry reaction is understandable, your upset feelings increase the cat’s anxiety even more. Cats don’t misbehave to get back at you because you left.

Desensitize and Counter-Condition

Cats pay exquisite attention to the details of their lives. They’ll often recognize subtle clues that you’re preparing to leave long before you realize. A cat may figure out that you always freshen your lipstick just before you leave. Repeating these cues takes away their power.

• Place a catnip mouse inside the suitcase, and turn it into a playground. That conditions them to identify the suitcase as a happy place, rather than associating it with your absence.
• Use behavior modification techniques so the triggers lose their power. Pick up the car keys 50 times a day, and then set them down. Carry your bag around for an hour or more. When you repeat cues often enough, your cat stops caring about them and will remain calm when you do leave.
• Pretend to leave by opening the door and going in and out 20 or more times in a row until the cat ignores you altogether. Then extend your “outside” time to one minute, three minutes, five minutes and so on before returning inside. This gradual increase in absence helps build the cat’s tolerance and desensitizes her to departures. It also teaches her that no matter how long you’re gone, you will always return.

Reducing Distress

Most problem behaviors take place within 20 minutes after you leave. The length of time you’re absent doesn’t seem to make much difference. Find ways to distract the cat during this critical twenty minutes.

• Ask another family member to interact with the cat during this time. Using favourite toys and treats to keep the cat occupied whilst you are away.
• About 1/3rd of cats react strongly, another 1/3rd react mildly, and the last 1/3rd don’t react at all to catnip. If your feline goes bonkers for this, leave a catnip treat to keep her happy when you leave. Using catnip every day can reduce its effects, though, so use this sparingly.
• Food oriented cats can be distracted with a food-puzzle toy with a favorite treat. Make it irresistible and something totally different than her usual food.
• Some cats enjoy watching videos of fluttering birds, squirrels and other critters. Alternately, find a nature television show and tune in for your cat’s viewing pleasure.
• Playing familiar music that they associate with your presence can help ease the pain of you being gone.
• In addition, research has shown harp music works as a natural relaxant, and actually puts cats to sleep.