They’re Not Loners: An Introduction To Separation Anxiety And Its Management In Cats
Author: Dr. John Abbass
DVM M.Phil (Veterinary Microbiology), University of Edinburgh
Cats are cute and lovable creatures. Just like humans, they also undergo some psychological complications such as depression and anxiety. There are many questions which are usually asked by the cat owners about the separation anxiety in cats and its reasons. Cat is just your family member, so this is your top responsibility to take care of her psychological and emotional needs.
Here we will discuss the separation anxiety, its signs and symptoms and tips to manage it in cats.
WHAT IS SEPARATION ANXIETY?
This type of anxiety occurs in cats when she is away from her owner, alone at home or separated from her companions (like other pets with whom, your cat has a strong bond/affiliation).
Remember, cats easily get attached with their owner. When a cat is left alone for a longer period or you can’t manage time to give her lots of attention which she actually needs, then she becomes anxious.
SIGNS:
There are a number of signs which an anxious cat shows. But for the better understanding, we have summarized a few key signs below:
- Cat shows destructive behavior
- Frequent urination usually at unsuitable/random places
- Anorexia (off-feed)- Not usually eat or drinking when owner is not around
- Excessive vocalization (meowing, moaning and crying)
- Excessive vomiting (usually food and hair are present in the vomit)
- Frequent self-grooming and exuberant greetings when owner returns home
Note: This has also been observed that cats suffering from separation anxiety will try to come between the owner and door when the owner leaves home.
MANAGEMENT OF SEPARATION ANXIETY:
Being a responsible owner, if you find any of the above given signs in your cat, contact your veterinarian on emergency grounds. Your vet will help you better in dealing with the situation according to the current status of your cat.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT ENSURES MENTAL ENRICHMENT
The following things should be done to help your cat out of the anxiety.
REFERENCES
Fatjó J (co-author) (2013) Terminology, pathology and the Pageat (French) approach to behavioral disorders. In: Landsberg G and WL Hunthausen, Behavior problems of the dog and cat (3rd Ed.), Elsevier
Horwitz DF, Mills DS (2009) Bristish Small Animal Veterinary Association Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine (2nd ed.). BSAVA, Gloucester.
McNaughton N, Zangrossi H (2008) Theoretical approaches to the modelling of anxiety in animals. In: Blanchard RJ, Blanchard D, Griebel G and Nutt D (eds.) Handbook of Anxiety and Fear, Academic Press, Amsterdam, 11-27
van der Staay, FJ (2006) Animal models of behavioral dysfunctions: basic concepts and classifications, and an evaluation strategy. Brain Res Rev, 52, 131-159.
https://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.2003.222.1526?journalCode=javma
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