Everything you need to know about cat separation anxiety

Updated 04/10/2024

Fear your feline might suffer from separation anxiety? Common in cats whose pet parents have previously worked from home, cat separation anxiety sure is a tough one for the felines and humans involved.

That’s why here, we’re exploring the possible causes of separation anxiety in cats, the symptoms, and what can be done to help a cat with separation anxiety.

Can cats get separation anxiety?

Firstly, you might be wondering - is cat separation anxiety even a thing? Well while felines are certainly more independent in nature than dogs, it’s safe to say that cats are creatures of habit. 

So, if you once worked from home or have been out of work for some time, and you’re suddenly away much of the time, this change in routine can be unsettling for your feline family members.

So in a sense, the symptoms of separation anxiety in cats might not occur because your feline misses you as such, but because the change in routine has unsettled them in some way.

Do cats get sad when you leave?

Yes, cats can get sad and stressed when you leave, but there is a lot you can do to combat loneliness in cats. Start by knowing the signs of separation anxiety in cats, think about the causes in your feline’s life, then take action. Explore below to get you started in combating your cat’s separation anxiety.

Signs of separation anxiety in cats

Think your feline might be feeling it when you leave the house? Cat separation anxiety is common, but it can be curbed if caught and dealt with. The first step is to know your feline’s separation anxiety symptoms, before deciding what’s best for your furry friend. So without any further ado, take a look below to get clued-up on the signs your cat has separation anxiety.

• Going to the bathroom outside of their litter box
• Destructive behaviors (such as heavily scratching at furniture)
• Excessive hiding
• Lack of appetite
• Eating too fast
• Overeating and vomiting
• Being overly vocal (crying and moaning)
• Excessive grooming
• Overexcitement when you return home
• Attempting to escape

What are the causes of separation anxiety in cats?

Cats can experience separation anxiety for a variety of reasons - take a look below to pinpoint why your kitty might be suffering.

• They’re used to constant TLC from their caregivers.
• You’ve changed jobs, meaning you need to leave the house more often than before.
• You’ve adopted your cat and their new home is a change in lifestyle.
• They’re an indoor cat (while indoor cats can be perfectly happy and healthy, they need mental and physical stimulation daily).
• They’ve been orphaned and bottle-raised.
• They’re experiencing the loss of another pet.
• There is a lack of mental stimulation in the home.

Now you might have an idea why your feline is suffering, stick with us as we explore how to break separation anxiety in cats.

How to help a cat with separation anxiety

Make your arrival and departure a non-event

If your feline feels a heavy sense of reward when you arrive home, it may only increase their stress levels when you’re due to leave.

Make sure they have a safe place

Kitting out a comfy corner where your feline can feel safe can reduce anxiety in cats.

Leave the radio on a talk show station

When leaving your cat for longer periods, having some sort of human-like sound on can improve your cat’s environment, making it feel less lonely and more ‘normal’.

Curb boredom with enrichment activities

It’s always a good idea to provide enrichment activities for cats - puzzle feeders filled with healthy cat food encourage hunting instincts and provide mental stimulation, while scratching posts encourage exercise and the release of feel-good hormones.

Provide a watch point

If you didn’t know already, cats love to spy on the outdoors, especially birds. Providing a watch point - like a catio or perch - will keep your cat entertained before you return home and they show signs of separation anxiety.

Maintain a consistent routine

Cat separation anxiety is often caused by a change in routine, so from now on, try to keep things as consistent as possible. That means leaving the house at roughly the same time, and returning home as consistently as you can (especially while you’re dealing with your cat’s separation anxiety).

Reward calm behaviors

One great piece of advice we came across when getting clued-up on how to help cats with separation anxiety is to reward felines when they’re calm, and to resist reward (such as affection and cuddles) when they’re being overly clingy. This will encourage calm behaviors and help them to realize that there is nothing to fear when you’re absent.

Counter-condition causes of stress

The smallest actions - like picking up your keys - can be a trigger for fear if your cat associates it with you leaving the house. So, when you’re off out, heavily reward your feline so that they associate your departure with something positive. Don’t forget not to make a big deal of your leaving, though.

Consider a pheromone diffuser 

A pheromone diffuser can help to reduce stress, separation anxiety and destructive behaviors associated with your feline’s fear of being alone.

Welcome a loving cat sitter

Once your feline is settled and you’re planning a trip away, consider welcoming a cat lover to care for your feline at home, rather than sending them off to a cattery. Opting for an in-home cat sitter keeps your feline in the comfort of home, and in the routine that makes her feel safe.

Meet our veterinary expert, Hannah

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCV.

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in mixed practice for a few years before focusing on small animal work. Clinically, she worked in a busy, multi-center hospital practice until 2018, where she underwent training in advanced canine and feline dentistry and began working towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She then moved to a local independent practice to care for the pets nearby, allowing more time to focus on other career avenues, which include writing for a diverse range of pet websites, vet practices, drug companies, journals, and veterinary educators. 

How do cats choose their favorite person?

Ever wondered why you’re your feline’s number one? Explore our blog on how cats choose their favorite person.