While cats often have a reputation for fierce independence, they form incredibly strong bonds with their human families. Compared to dogs, who might be better known for being excited when we get home and missing us as soon as we leave for work, cats have a reputation for being more aloof about their owners.
When that bond becomes a source of extreme stress during your absence, it can manifest as separation anxiety. This is a recognized medical and behavioral condition that requires compassionate, evidence-based management. In this guide, we explain separation anxiety in cats, why cats may get separation anxiety, and how common of an issue it is.
Do Cats Really Get Separation Anxiety?
Research shows that a significant portion of cats exhibit behaviors meeting the criteria for separation-related problems (SRP).
When separated from their primary caregivers, susceptible cats can experience a spike in stress hormones, leading to distress that can escalate the longer you are away. This distress isn’t your cat acting out or trying to “punish” you; it is a genuine panic response.
So yes, cats can absolutely have separation anxiety.
Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats
Because cats are experts at hiding pain and distress, it is crucial to recognize the clinical signs of separation anxiety. These may include:
- Urinating or defecating outside of the litter box (often on the owner’s bed or clothing)
- Excessive vocalization, such as yowling or growling
- Carrying a favourite toy in the mouth while vocalizing
- Destroying things in the home
- Excessive or compulsive grooming (which can lead to bald patches)
- Hyper-attachment (in need of constant contact with the owner when they’re together)
Why Do Cats Get Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety often stems from an intense hyper-attachment to a primary caregiver. We saw this with pandemic-era pet adoptions, where animals got accustomed to being around their owners for almost 24 hours a day. Once people started having to leave for work and other outings, many animals started to experience more intense separation anxiety.
Even if lockdowns aren’t a factor, cats can easily become overly attached and develop separation anxiety over time. Female cats, for instance, are more likely to be diagnosed with separation anxiety than males. There are a few other common causes and extenuating factors, including:
- Living Indoors: Though we strongly recommend restricting your cat to being indoor only for their health and safety, it may increase the likelihood of your cat developing separation anxiety.
- Only Having One Caregiver: Cats with just one human caregiver tend to attach strongly to that person, leading to more intense separation anxiety when they’re apart.
- No Other Pets: Cats that live with other animals seem to be less likely to develop separation anxiety.
- Early Life: Cats that were orphaned, weaned too early, or bottle-raised are more likely to have separation anxiety.
You may also see increased signs of separation anxiety when there are changes to your lifestyle and routine. These include:
- A change in ownership of the cat
- Re-homing
- Moving to a new home with the same owner
- Changes in the owner’s daily schedule and routine
Diagnosing Separation Anxiety in Cats
Many of the symptoms of separation anxiety—such as inappropriate elimination or lethargy—heavily overlap with serious physical medical emergencies, like a urinary tract infection, urethral obstruction, or metabolic disease.
This is why your veterinary team will always begin with a thorough medical examination. A definitive diagnosis requires ruling out underlying physiological conditions first. Your veterinary team will recommend comprehensive bloodwork and urine testing to check for internal organ function, urinary health, and systemic issues.
Only after these tests confirm physical health can a behavioral diagnosis of separation anxiety be safely made.
Helping Your Cat with Separation Anxiety
In alignment with Fear Free protocols, proactively managing your cat’s environment is the first step. Provide environmental enrichment, such as puzzle feeders or hiding small portions of their daily diet around the house, to encourage natural foraging behaviors and keep their minds engaged while you are away.
Maintaining a highly predictable daily routine can also help lower their baseline stress levels.
How a Vet Can Help Your Cat with Separation Anxiety
Anxiety is a medical condition, and lifestyle adjustments alone may not be enough. Your veterinary team can help you implement species-specific environmental management tools, such as Feliway (a calming pheromone diffuser).
Depending on your specific cat and their behaviour, your vet may suggest different strategies. If your cat’s anxiety is severe, your veterinary team may recommend simple anti-anxiety medication (such as Gabapentin) to administer before you leave, helping them stay below their emotional threshold for the short-term. Long-term daily medications can also be discussed for chronic cases.
Please note that while your veterinary team can diagnose and assist with the medical management of anxiety, Hastings Veterinary Hospital does not provide behavioural training. In cats with severe chronic and/or complex anxiety disorders, we strongly recommend considering consulting a board-certified veterinary behaviourist (animal behaviour specialist).
Managing chronic anxiety disorders can represent a financial investment in your pet’s health. Using comprehensive pet insurance allows you to pursue the necessary diagnostics and long-term medications to provide the highest standard of care without causing financial stress.
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