Separation anxiety is a dislike of solitude which is commonly seen in cat behaviour. While cat anxiety can be a challenging problem to deal with and it won’t magically go away overnight, it is by no means impossible to overcome. Many cat owners can tell you their cats can be pretty aloof but our evolving understanding of this remarkable species suggests they can form significant social bonds and some cats do seem to experience separation anxiety when apart from their owners. Repetitive behaviors like pacing, excessive grooming, or tail-chasing can also signal anxiety. An abnormal cat may show signs of urinating anywhere, especially on the owners’ bed. These doctors can diagnose the particular type of disorder that your cat suffers from and come up with a behavioral modification plan that will best suit your cat's particular needs. What causes cat anxiety? Pets that panic when left alone are frequently more stressed when they are confined. How to calm cat anxiety and stress. Stress isn’t always easy to notice in cats, and when our cats display certain signs of anxiety, we often misinterpret these symptoms as naughty or spiteful instead of a cry for help. Some cat anxiety symptoms are obvious, and others are easy to miss because they seem like they're related to something else. 1. Remember that the punishment causes stress and discomfort to your cat, something that can aggravate separation anxiety. Symptoms. Better use positive reinforcement, patience and affection. Cat separation anxiety is a condition where a cat displays the symptoms of anxiety when they are separated from their owners. While the symptoms of separation anxiety may differ from cat to cat, there are often some common symptoms that are displayed. Offer a variety of perching opportunities throughout the house to reduce arguments over ownership in multi-cat households. ANXIETY CAT ANXIETY CAT is the embodiment of our collective panic in cat form. For separation anxiety in particular, training your cat to associate your leaving with a positive association, such as a treat, will help condition your cat to no longer feel anxious about your absence. This can lead to behavioral problems. Changes in your work schedule, a vacation, or other lifestyle disruption could trigger separation anxiety. If your cat is anxious for a period of time, they may experience chronic stress. Feline anxiety can be common and may affect cats at any age. It’s a love that you look forward to seeing every time you come home and that you miss very much when you’re away. If your cat starts eating more or less than usual, this can also be a symptom of anxiety. Destructive chewing and scratching on the furniture or other house items. Keep an eye on your cat’s food habits and pay attention to any changes. Always call your vet right away if you notice your cat is not eating and drinking well. Another symptom that your cat may experience if suffering from anxiety is the famous feline hyperesthesia syndrome. Rate this article: Share via Email Share via Email Share on LinkedIn Share via whatsapp Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share this article: During these worrying times of COVID-19, everyone’s life is being affected, including your pets. To successfully address cat stress and anxiety symptoms, it would help to try to determine what’s causing anxiety in your cat. If you want to read more articles similar to Separation anxiety in cats – Symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you enter in our behavior problems section. The cat may also become very clingy. Cats with separation anxiety have an illness, no different than diabetes or kidney disease. Cat Anxiety Symptoms Cat anxiety symptoms may include vomiting, meowing, pacing, trembling, apathy (lack of interest in anything), excessive grooming, clawing furniture, anorexia (weight loss), shyness, loss of affection, and urinating or defecating in the house. Vomiting when the owner is not around. "It's kind of like with people. Keep in mind that cats do not behave out of spite. A cat with separation anxiety acts funny and abnormal behaviours in cats are normal. Listen for unusual vocalizations. Signs of Cat Anxiety. The anxiety may also manifest itself physically. Your cat may display the following symptoms due to feelings of extreme fear and anxiety: Hiding and withdrawal; Excessive grooming; Excessive vocalization; Changes in appetite; Weight loss or gain; Depression or lethargy; Visible shaking or trembling ; Soiling or spraying around house; Aggressive or destructive behavior; Top. HOW TO TREAT ANXIETY IN CATS Here are some of the best methods for treating cat anxiety. Behaviour signs of cat anxiety. Cat Anxiety Symptoms. Behavioral problems arise when there is a dysfunctional bond created between the cat and the humans. So it’s best to consult your vet. Cat anxiety symptoms may vary according to the severity of the condition and the causes of anxiety. Owning a cat will never let you slip into a deep, dark depression as your best friend will always be there with you.. Love that! Anxiety or distress before you are about to leave . Anxious cats may be fearful and hide often, or they might become aggressive towards other pets and people in the house—even their favorite humans. Excessive Grooming Cats are very clean animals and they spend around 30% of their lives grooming themselves to keep themselves clean! But no -- Every time he turns on the radio something crazy has happened! If medical problems are ruled out, try leaving a radio or television on when you leave home, which may help your cat feel less alone. Signs of anxiety in cats. Let’s look out for the signs of anxiety so you can help your kitty stay calm if they are suffering from this. It is essential as cat parents that we understand the symptoms of anxiety in your cat. Flower essence can also be used topically to help minimize anxiety symptoms, just rub a drop near their snout: If your cat skips the occasional meal but otherwise eats normally, then you should watch closely for trends. As prey animals, it’s quite normal for a cat to display some fear and occasional stress. The cat urinates on owner’s cloth or else on the bed when they felt being thrown. Animals may be afraid of different things such as fireworks, loud noises, and even children, but when we talk about the cats, they are sensitive creatures. ! When a cat’s attachment to its owner becomes dysfunctional, separation anxiety can become severe. ANXIETY CAT is just a regular cat trying to live a regular life in a world that has gone insane. If your cat stops eating entirely or is only eating tiny amounts, you need to get your veterinarian involved. Loss of appetite can be normal for cats but it still should not be ignored. Because cat anxiety symptoms can easily be interpreted as bad behavior, it’s important to know and understand your cat’s personality in addition to the causes and signs of cat anxiety. Cats experience anxiety because of psychological, physical, and environmental struggles. It is because they try to self-soothe this will help them to get you back. Major household events such as moving to another house, taking in a new pet, or the loss of a family member are a few examples of situations where cats have been known to show signs of anxiety. “A cat experiencing anxiety may eat less and lose weight, try to escape, or over groom [themselves], creating bald spots or even skin sores,” explains Dr Hermann. The symptoms I’ve mentioned above are some of the ways to tell if your cat has anxiety. However be aware, a cat could be displaying this behaviour for a different reason. These triggering factors should be isolated and eliminated, so that the cat stays healthy. Cats tend to stretch and scratch upon awakening, so placing scratch objects near resting spots can make kitty more comfortable as well. Cats can help you with your mild to moderate depression or anxiety is by giving and receiving unconditional love. Lack of eating for even a few days can lead to a serious problem called fatty liver or hepatic lipidosis. To treat separation anxiety in your cat, start by taking it to the vet for an examination, since many symptoms, like defecating outside the litter box and spraying on the furniture, can also be linked to a disease. This may be one of the most common symptoms of cat anxiety because urination is a natural way for cats, and other animals, to mark their territory.