Provide a stimulating environment for when they're alone: think hideaways and tunnels, cat trees and perches, hanging toys with catnip and interactive toys. Leave quietly while your cat is otherwise occupied. Don't play with your cat or pick him up for hugs and affection right before walking out.
Compared to dogs, cats are less commonly diagnosed with separation anxiety. However, some cats do show signs of separation anxiety with their humans. Cats can be treated for separation anxiety with anti-anxiety medications prescribed by a vet—but there are other treatment options to try before resorting to medication.
Some cats can experience separation anxiety when they have to spend time apart from their owner. The exact reason why this happens is unknown, but researchers know that changes in routine where cats have to spend more time alone can cause them to experience this separation anxiety.
Certain breeds of cat – usually the more exotic breeds such as Siamese and Burmese, as well as house cats – may become far more bonded with their owners and therefore are more likely to suffer from separation anxiety.
Some single indoor-housed cats become anxious when left alone for long periods of time. These cats appear to be unusually sensitive to their surroundings, and may be very attached to their owners. Here are some signs of "separation anxiety" in cats: Excessive vocalization (crying, moaning, meowing)
Feeling guilty about leaving your pet throughout the day is a sign that you care. You may experience guilt because you love and care for your pet and do not like the thought of them being home by their self without you.
If you leave your cat alone for too long it can cause boredom, stress, separation anxiety, and unwanted behavior – not to mention the risk of accidents or illness. Kittens need more care and shouldn't be left alone for longer than 4 hours.
Let Your Cat Enjoy
Leave vibrating toys, ping pong balls, or catnip around the house. You can also put on soothing classical music. If your cat cries a lot when left alone, you can use cat pheromone products. Spray some artificial pheromones around the house, and your kitty will be less anxious.
Signs of Clinginess in Cats
Following you everywhere, including to the bathroom. Wanting to constantly be on you when you're sitting or lying down. Meowing constantly to get your attention. Demanding affection when you're trying to focus on something other than them.
Short answer: yes. When their needs for companionship are not met, cats can become depressed. They can also get separation anxiety. Unfortunately, feline separation anxiety often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe.
As home-loving, territorial animals, if their usual routine changes, your cat may well feel stressed and anxious. It's precisely for this reason that leaving your cat alone for an extended period of time can prove a negative experience.
Though not often talked about in cats, separation anxiety can occur just as it does in dogs. This can prove quite traumatic for both the owners and the feline involved.
Burmese are often considered to be the most affectionate cat breed. They love being with people at all times and crave close physical contact, making them the ultimate companion cat for a devoted family. They will follow their owner from room to room and prefer to cuddle up on the sofa or sleep in bed with them.
Apart from showing love and affection, it may also be because cats feel safe when their owners are close by or are curious about where you're going or what you're doing while also acting on their instincts.
The bond between a cat and their caregiver can be very strong, and therefore cats sometimes become upset when left alone. Vocalization or excessive meowing might occur when your cat is confined to a room and cannot get to you. In more severe cases, your cat may be suffering from separation anxiety when left alone.
Anxiety. If your cat is feeling vulnerable or insecure, they may become a bit more affectionate or clingy. This is most often the case with rescue cats or kittens who were separated from their mothers when they were quite young.
The definitive answer is that you can leave a cat alone for up to 72 hours if you have to. If that's all you're looking for, then be on your merry way. However, you may be wondering how you can make those 72 hours bearable and safe for your cat?
If your TV is on all day when you're home, leaving it on while you're gone may be calming for your cats since it mimics what things are like when you are there. However, if they're not used to having background noise all day, you may be better off leaving the TV off.
Alone Time Can Strengthen Together Time
Though household cats do get lonely because they developed a need for companionship, remember their ancestors were solitary animals. Therefore, it's in cats' roots to also enjoy some time to themselves!
It's a common misconception that cats don't experience loneliness, but they do, especially when left alone for long periods of time. Learning how to tell if your cat is lonely puts you on the path to helping them feel more content while they're home alone.