Typically, cats have the reputation of being independent, and anyone who has owned a Cat they can tell you cats can be pretty aloof. Despite what seems like an autonomous existence, some cats do experience separation anxiety when apart from their owners. These cats can often have a troubled past, were orphaned or weened early. There is nothing wrong with your cat but they might require some special attention to make sure they feel secure in your home whether you are home or not. So what are the signs and symptoms your cat could be experiencing anxiety?

Common Signs and Symptoms

Incessant Meowing- This is probably the most common and widely understood sign of distress in cats. Similarly, to dogs suffering from anxiety the only way they know how to communicate with humans is through meowing or barking. If your cat is meowing as you leave the home, you can hear them before you enter the home, or continue to meow after you have entered the home for a prolonged amount of time. The Cat may be experiencing some anxiety around your presence in and out of the home.

Litter Box Issues- If you find your cat going outside of the litter box or even on your bed, that is a definite sign of stress in the feline. Cat’s self-sooth by mixing their smell with yours. They do this in a variety of ways, commonly rubbing their body against your leg and other typical happy cat behaviors. If you cat is relieving themselves on your belongings especially your bed this is a sign that they are trying to self-soothe or some researchers believe trying to help you find your way home.

Changes in Eating Habits- Any change in eating habits and subsequently weight can be a sign of concern for pet parents and often a sign of something deeper. Cats can avoid food altogether and barely touch it or overeat when they are stressed. Cat’s fell as though they need to ration their food because they can’t determine when you will be returning, or they feel if they eat all their food you will be back to fill the bowl Eating habits can be a symptom of very serious medical concerns as well, if you notice a change in your cat’s eating it’s advised to discuss with your vet to ensure there isn’t another underlying cause for the change.

What can you do?

There are a couple things you can do behaviorally to ease your cat’s nerves when it comes to coming and going. The first thing is to not make leaving a production when you are leaving the home no matter for how long you don’t want to give it much attention. If you address your cat every time you leave and draw their attention to it they will be more aware instead of just walking out the door.

Another thing that you can do to ease separation anxietis to makeke sure your cats environment is stimulating. Cat houses, puzzles, toys, and even cat television shows you can find online will distract your cat from your absence and keep them engaged.

If you have done the following options and still struggling with a stressed cat there are products on the market to help ease anxiety. CBD Cat Treats are a great option. They utilize the non psycho-active ingredient in the hemp plants to naturally calm nerves. CBD has been proven to have benefits in humans and pets and the reviews speak for themselves.

You have to leave your home eventually and having a pet that is affected by that is difficult. Hopeful,ly some of these symptoms can help you diagnose your cat’s behavior, and treatments can help your cat feel better. If you have any other suggestions for treating cat anxiety feel free to leave a comment!

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