The road to separation and sadness is indeed a long one. Cats are known to be incorrigibly stoic when it comes to displaying pain and suffering. This belief might give rise to negligence towards any form of stress or separation anxiety in cats. However, they are social or socialized creatures groomed in a domesticated environment. With all the love and affection, loss and hurt may also come.
What is Anxiety In Cats?
By definition, separation anxiety is born out of stress in an animal owing to detachment or estrangement from someone with whom they share a loving bond. Not all of us take well to changes. This theory extends to cats all the more. A slight or significant difference in the schedule of their parent or caregiver can induce severe anxiety in cats. Cats are said to be less social than dogs which might also be why it’s harder to detect the signs of separation anxiety in cats than in dogs.
Causes and Signs of it
As mentioned, impromptu routine changes can give way to separation anxiety. We all emphasize how change is inevitable but somehow ignore the part where it brings a stressful effect in life. Getting used to change is a lengthy and, at times, exhausting process.
Some widely observed signs of separation anxiety in cats include indulgence in unfitting habits like littering outside the box, instead on floorboards or furniture, cutting in eating and drinking, and displaying destructive behaviour. Consult an online vet for cats to get a detailed list of symptoms.
Helping your Cat
1) Encouraging Environment
We all have our own space where we want to hurry up, wrap ourselves in, hide away and shut down the world, even for a few solid seconds. Raised or a high-up space is where cats feel most at home, safe and sound. When things go low, we all hold on to our rocks. Provide your cat with an anchor to stay tethered to whenever they need it.
2) Stimulating Space
An effective way to keep your cat from trailing down the separation anxiety hole is to introduce a revitalizing activity, mental and physical alike. Make sure they are allowed plenty of playtimes. Don’t let your hectic schedule deprive them of stimulation. Please find a way to keep them engaged and invigorated even when you are away. Resort to puzzles, toys and pet cameras to let them stay entertained and not sway off into estrangement.
3) Prop it Up!
There are multiple brain-teasing and exciting products available out there that can aid your cat during playtime. Food puzzles, toys, and cat-friendly TVs are something that will pay heed to your plight. Keep your kitty energized along with mentally stimulated.
4) Have Faith!
The process of healing is of patience and love. Things can be overwhelming at times for you and your cat. But have faith that you are doing your bit and wait for the kitty to come around. It may seem forever, but most cases are manageable with perseverance and time. And once you are out of this conundrum, the mutual bond of love and care will be stronger than ever.
If the tips mentioned above do nothing to improve the situation, you should talk to your veterinarian and seek professional help. They might put them on medication, but your job remains that of prime. Walking your cat through this process is essential. It might not be a cakewalk, but it is no maze either; there’s a way out of it waiting at the end of the road. After all, “In the midst of turbulence, we hang on to hope.”