Nobody likes coming home to shredded furniture and stained carpets, but before you assume your cat is naughty or “spiteful,” consider this: He may simply be lonely.
A new study by researchers in Brazil found that separation anxiety can lead to destructive tendencies, litter box issues, and other unwanted behaviors.
For the study, researchers polled 130 cat owners about their pets’ behaviors, interactions, body language, environment, and routine. The questions were based on previous studies on separation anxiety in dogs.
Out of 223 cats, 13.5% displayed at least one telltale sign of separation anxiety. Destructive behavior was the most common symptom, followed by excessive vocalization, inappropriate urination, apathy, and aggression.
Although commonly thought of as a “dog problem,” separation anxiety can also affect cats – who, despite their reputation for being aloof, are capable of forming deep bonds with humans.
“Unlike dogs, cats tend to be far more subtle in their preferences or about their stressors, making separation anxiety more challenging to detect initially,” says Dr. Lauren Jones, a veterinarian in the Philadelphia area.
Both cats and dogs who experience separation anxiety may become destructive when their owners leave the home, or become excessively clingy or vocal upon their return, says Jones.
While staying home all day isn’t practical, there are plenty of ways to reduce the stress of being alone. Jones offers the following tips:
When leaving the home, provide interactive toys, such as food puzzles, for entertainment and mental stimulation. (In the recent study, cats with behavior problems had access to fewer toys.)
When at home, make time to play with your pet to strengthen your relationship and bond.
Calming pheromone diffusers, sprays, or collars – such as Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs – can be beneficial for some pets.
Separation Anxiety and the Coronavirus Pandemic
Due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines, most of us are spending more time at home with our pets. And with pet adoption rates up, many people have recently brought home new quarantine buddies.
While this time together can be great for bonding, pets may experience separation anxiety when routines return to normal, cautions Jones.
“During these unprecedented times, when most pet owners are home all day, every day, it is important to take some time away from your pet,” says Jones.
Ensure that your pet spends time alone in the house each day. If you typically confine your pet to a room or crate when leaving the house, continue to do so, even if you’re simply sitting on the porch.
“This should help to ease some of the anxiety that might occur when we eventually go back to work,” says Jones.