11 Ways To Prevent Separation Anxiety In Cats
Separation anxiety in cats can be a frustrating and heartbreaking condition to deal with.
So it’s important to learn how to prevent or minimize your cat from developing separation anxiety in the first place.
Separation anxiety in cats is a legitimate problem that can cause serious behavioral issues.
Read more about the 9 Top Signs Of Separation Anxiety In Cats.
If you suspect your cat is suffering from anxiety, here are some ways to help them overcome it:
Hire a cat sitter
Hiring a cat sitter is an option for many pet owners, but it’s not the only one.
If you’re considering hiring someone to take care of your cat while you’re away, here are some things to consider:
- What kind of person do they sound like? Do they seem trustworthy and knowledgeable? Are they willing to answer questions about their experience with cats and dogs in general?
- How much do they charge per week/month? This will depend on whether or not he or she has other clients as well; if so, then expect a higher rate (and don’t be surprised if it’s even higher than what you would have paid someone else).
- You should also consider whether or not this person has any special skills related specifically toward caring for pets—for example, maybe he or she knows how much food each type needs per day depending on its age/size, etc., which could make all the difference when planning out meals during those nights away from home!
Get them a companion
When it comes to cats, most of us know that they love to be around their people.
However, some cats may develop separation anxiety when their people are away from them for an extended period of time.
If you’re one of those cat owners who worry about your feline friend when you’re not around, consider getting a second pet to help take the pressure off of your first pet.
A second pet can help to keep your cat occupied and happy, and can also provide a sense of security for your cat when you’re away.
If you’re interested in adding a second pet to your home, be sure to do your research first and choose the right pet for your cat.
The benefits of getting a companion for your cat include:
They’ll be able to talk and interact with each other, which will help them feel less alone and lonely.
It’s also good for their health, as it allows them to exercise more often and enjoy the company of others.
You can find companionship in many forms—from toys (like mice) or plush animals (like cats), to even just being around another human being!
Read more about the 9 Most Common Traumatized Cat Symptoms.
Play calming music for your cal while away
Play calming music for your cat while away to help them feel comfortable and safe.
Try out some of these songs and see how they make your feline friend feel:
- “Soothing Sounds for Cats” by Dr. Elsey
- “A Happy Place” by Wildflower
- “Kitty’s Kitten Song” by Tami Neil
- “Soothing Sounds for Pets” by Dr. Elsey
- “Feline Medley” by Tami Neil
Choose soothing classical or jazz music, not fast-paced pop.
Find a CD that you can play on repeat until you return home—you want to make sure your cat knows what to expect when you arrive back home, so this will help ensure they’re feeling safe and secure.
Provide scratching posts and cat trees
Provide a scratching post and cat trees for your cat to use. Cats like to scratch, and it’s important to provide an area where they can do so.
Make sure the post is tall enough and sturdy enough for your cat, as well as away from any food or water bowls (your cat may want to use these as “scratching” posts).
Another option is an open-air playpen; these are great for indoor cats because they provide a large space in which your pet can stretch out and play without having access to other people or pets around your house.
Some cats love to climb when they are boiled so make sure you provide cat trees for your cat.
Read more about the 9 Top Reasons Why Your Cat Runs Away From You.
Give your cat something to do while you’re away
One of the best ways to prevent separation anxiety in cats is by giving them something to do while you’re away.
If possible, let your cat explore the house while you’re gone, as this will help keep him or her occupied and distracted from feeling lonely.
If that’s not possible with your pet, there are other options:
- Catnip toys can be used in place of human interaction when it comes down to it—they provide an outlet for your cat’s natural instinctual behavior. Be sure not to leave any treats within reach if there are young children around (as they may eat them) but otherwise, catnip toys should be fine!
- Puzzle feeders are another way for kitties (and their humans) alike; they require some mental effort from both parties involved as well as some physical activity from one member alone (or two members together). In addition, these types of toys encourage interactions between pets themselves which helps prevent boredom while away from home for too long!
Encourage independent living for your cat
One of the best ways to prevent separation anxiety in cats is to make sure they have access to a window and some form of exercise.
Your cat should be able to see the outside world, which will help them feel less isolated.
If you have more than one cat and they’re sharing a home with each other, consider giving all of them their own areas where they can hang out together.
You could also put up signs around your house or yard so that cats know what’s off-limits for them (like certain rooms).
This might include things like:
- Litter boxes – Some animals enjoy using these better than others do! Make sure there’s enough litter available at all times (and maybe even an extra one just in case), but don’t overdo it by giving every single kitty their own set aside as well…unless you want all sorts of messes everywhere because everyone wants his/her own special spot where he/she feels most comfortable while doing his/her business…which isn’t always pleasant when someone else gets into it first!
- Food dishes – Dogs tend not only to eat from their bowl but also drink directly from it too; however, cats are many different animals here because instead, we see them eating food scraps directly off their dish without any water involved whatsoever–so maybe try offering some milk instead? This would definitely make things easier for both parties involved since now instead of having multiple bowls around town would only require one container per animal type instead–and no need to worry about whether someone else has already finished theirs before ours arrives on time either since ours won’t arrive until tomorrow morning anyway.
Read more about the 9 Top Reasons Why Cats Bite Explained.
Monitor your cat’s movement using pet cameras
Pet cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your cat while you’re away.
They can help ensure that your pet is safe and healthy, as well as monitor their behavior and activity.
Pet cameras allow you to see what your cat does at all times, even if you’re not home.
If there’s a problem with one of these devices, it’s easy for someone who knows how they work—or has another device like this—to fix the problem without calling an expert or having them come over again.
Play with your cat before you leave
The first thing you should do is play with your cat to tire them out before leaving.
This can be done at home or in the yard, but it’s important that you spend at least 15 minutes playing with them.
Your cat will probably want to play immediately after you leave, but this isn’t a good time for them to do so because they are still stressed out from being alone and scared of abandonment.
Time spent playing helps their stress levels lower and makes them more sociable again—so don’t worry if your kitty falls asleep during their nap!
The next step is to try new things when you get back home again (even if it’s been like 10 minutes since we left).
Desensitize anxiety triggers
Desensitization is the process of exposing your cat to the source of its discomfort.
This may mean exposing them to the sound, smell, or sight of something that causes them stress.
For example, if your cat seems fearful when he hears loud noises like breaking glass or fireworks.
Then you could try having him listen to music while you’re out one day and see if this helps him relax when there’s no real danger around him (e.g., no windows being smashed).
You could also try putting some calming scents in his room (such as lavender) and leaving these lights on throughout the night so that he associates these with positive feelings instead of negative ones like fearfulness.
Invest in puzzle feeders and toys
- Puzzle feeders, toys, and pet cameras can provide an alternative to the owner.
- Give them something to do while you are away.
- Provide a distraction from your absence by providing them with something to chew on or play with.
- Give them somewhere safe and secure where they can hide from others (like in their crate). This will help prevent separation anxiety because it gives cats an opportunity for solitude when their owners aren’t around – which is essential for this type of disorder!
Provide enrichment activities for your cat before leaving
Providing enrichment activities for your cat before leaving can help reduce anxiety.
Enrichment means providing stimulating activities that keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated, such as playing with toys or treats, chasing yarn or string, or lounging on a comfy bed.
You can provide enrichment activities for cats in many different ways:
Try using kitty-specific toys (ones that are designed specifically for cats) instead of generic ones like balls and stuffed animals.
These types of toys tend to be more engaging because they give the cat something new to play with each time you visit.
Use an old cardboard box as part of their own personal space by putting soft blankets inside it, so they feel like they’re sleeping in their own bed when you’re gone!
How to diagnose separation anxiety in cats
If you think your cat may have separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to diagnose the problem.
First, take note of any changes in your cat’s behavior when you leave the house.
Does your cat seem anxious or agitated? Do they meow excessively or pace back and forth?
You can also try leaving your cat alone for short periods of time to see how they react.
When they become agitated or vocalize excessively, it’s likely they have separation anxiety.
If your cat seems fine when you’re gone, it’s less likely to be separation anxiety.
If you’re still not sure, you can consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
They can help you diagnose separation anxiety and develop a treatment plan.
Separation anxiety in cats is a condition that can be treated. It’s more common than you think, and it can be dangerous for your cat if left untreated.
If your cat displays signs of separation anxiety, start by talking to them and asking them what they like best about your house or the place where they live.
Try to get them used to being separated from you for short periods of time (for example: just long enough for you to take out the trash).
This will help them learn how much fun it is when their human family members are around!
How to treat separation anxiety in cats
If your cat is experiencing separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help ease their anxiety.
First, try to create a routine for your cat. Set specific times for feeding, playing, and spending time together.
This will help your cat know what to expect and when to expect it.
Secondly, try to create a safe space for your cat. This could be a room with their food, water, litter box, and bed.
Make sure this space is free of any potential hazards.
Finally, try to keep up with your cat’s exercise routine.
This will help them stay active and distracted from their anxiety.
Read more: 20 Most Important Cat Care Tips.
Conclusion
Separation anxiety in cats affects both the owner and the cat. There are many things you can do to prevent this issue.
But it is important to remember that there is no cure for separation anxiety in cats.
You need to encourage your pet to be independent so they won’t feel as anxious when left alone.
This may take a while and require patience on both sides, but if you stick with it long enough then success is sure!