Top 10 Tips to Help Your Cat With Separation Anxiety!

As someone who owns a cat, you likely know all too well the distressing noises and agitated actions your feline friend shows when they’ve been by themselves for a long while.

Cats are social creatures and can experience separation anxiety just like humans do. However, the good news is that you can do several simple things to ease your cat’s distress and help them feel more relaxed and content when you are away.

Here are the ten tips to help your furry friend cope with separation anxiety:

1. Consider Hiring a Cat Sitter

If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time and don’t want to leave your cat all alone by themselves, hiring a cat sitter is undoubtedly a great option to consider.

From providing them with much-needed companionship to feeding them and cleaning their litter box – they will take care of everything. Plus, you can even take regular updates and photos of your cat from them. As a result, you can have peace of mind knowing that your buddy is in good hands!

However, it’s important that you find a professional and trustworthy one who loves cats and knows how to do their job.

Luckily, nowadays, you will find several reliable cat sitters all over the country. So, whether you are searching for a cat sitter in Sacramento or Roseville, you are sure to find one in no time.

Just make sure to do your part of the research. So you can stay completely worry-free, no matter the distance and timeframe!

2. Leave the TV or a Radio on While You Are Gone

Cats are social creatures, and they often crave company and stimulation. So, if your cat is home alone for a long time, leaving the TV or radio on can give them some background noise – which will make them feel less alone.

You could try leaving a channel with nature sounds or classical music playing, as these can be soothing for cats. Additionally, leaving the TV on can give your cat something to watch and listen to, which can help to distract them from their anxiety.

And in case you are worried about leaving your electronics on all day, consider investing in a timer or smart plug that will allow you to turn your devices on and off at specific times.

This way, you can create a routine for your cat and ensure they have comforting sounds to help them cope with your absence. Just be sure to leave the volume low to not overwhelm your cat’s sensitive ears.

3. Start with Shorter Absences First!

If your cat is experiencing separation anxiety, it’s important to take things slow than directly imposing it upon them, especially when you are trying to help them overcome it.

One such way to do this is to start with shorter absences first and gradually increase the amount of time you are away. For example, you could try leaving your cat alone for just a few minutes and then gradually work your way up to longer periods. This, in return, will give your cat a chance to adjust to your absence and build up their confidence and independence.

And if you notice signs of anxiety, like excessive meowing or destructive behavior, it may be a sign that you need to take a step back and give your cat more time to adjust.

4. Try a Wi-Fi Camera that You Can Talk Through

Next up, we have a wifi camera!

This equipment is indeed a helpful tool to ease up all your worries. With a two-way audio camera, you can check in on your cat remotely and even talk to them through the camera. This can be a great way to reassure your cat that you are still there, even when you are not physically present.

You could also use the camera to play with your cat by moving a toy around or giving them treats. Just be sure to introduce and train your cat to the camera slowly, as it might take them some time to get used to it.

5. Position Furniture or Install a Kitty Perch

Cats – they just love to climb and perch up high. And providing them with a designated spot to do so can indeed be a great way to help your cat feel more comfortable and secure, despite you being away from them.

For instance, if you have bookcases or shelves, you could clear off a space for your cat to climb up to and rest on. Alternatively, you could install a dedicated kitty perch on the wall or in the corner of the room.

As a result, your buddy will get their designated spot where they can feel their safest and coziest. It will also give them a vantage point from which they can keep an eye on their surroundings.

Last but not least, having a designated spot for your cat to perch can help to reduce destructive behaviors like scratching or chewing on furniture.

6. Put Your Cat’s Food Inside a Puzzle Feeder

For many cats, mealtime is a highlight of their day. Hence, putting your cat’s food inside a puzzle feeder can make mealtime even more enjoyable and stimulating for them.

After all, this is what puzzle feeders are for!

That is, they are designed to dispense food slowly and require your cat to work for their meal, which can help keep them mentally and physically engaged. This can be especially helpful for cats with separation anxiety, as it can give them something to focus on and distract them from their worries.

Besides, you could even try filling the puzzle feeder with your cat’s favorite dry food or treats and then leave it out for them to discover later on.

This will give your cat a fun challenge to solve and will also help to distract them from their separation anxiety. Just make sure to choose a puzzle feeder appropriate for your cat’s age and skill level, as some feeders can be more challenging than others.

7. Provide a Stimulating Environment

Just like humans, cats need mental and physical stimulation to stay all healthy and happy. And providing a stimulating environment for your cat can help a lot to distract them from their separation anxiety and keep them occupied while you are away.

Don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to entertain them!

Such as, you could try setting up a window perch for your cat to watch birds and squirrels outside or provide them with some toys to play with.

A scratching post, cat tree, or tunnel can also be great additions to your cat’s environment. And in case your cat enjoys playing with water, you could even set up a small fountain for them to drink from.

8. Leave an Article of Clothing with Your Scent

Cats are very sensitive to scent, and they often find comfort in the familiar smell of their owners. And leaving an article of clothing with your scents on it, such as a t-shirt or sweater, can be another good way to help your cat feel more connected to you when you are away.

As they will get something familiar to smell and snuggle up to, which, in turn, can help to reduce their anxiety and make them feel more at ease. Just be sure to choose an article of clothing that you don’t mind your cat curling up with, as they may scratch or chew on it!

9. Consider a Room Diffuser or Pheromones

Various pheromone products can help reduce your cat’s anxiety and make them feel more comfortable when you are away. One such popular option is a room diffuser that emits calming pheromones into the air.

These pheromones mimic the natural pheromones that cats release when they are feeling relaxed and content and can help to create a calming atmosphere for your cat. Hence, try placing a diffuser in the room where your cat spends the most time, or spraying a pheromone spray on their bedding or favorite toys. Plus, you could also try using a pheromone spray or collar if your cat responds well to those products.

10. Provide Plenty of Cuddles and Playtime Once Home!

Finally, when you return home, give your cat plenty of love and attention. Cuddles, treats, and playtime can all help to reinforce the bond between you and your cat and can also help greatly to reduce their anxiety level in the long run.

Just take some time each day to play with your cat and engage in activities that they enjoy. This could be playing with toys, grooming, or just spending some quality time together. By providing them with plenty of love and attention, you will make them feel more secure and confident while helping to reduce their separation anxiety.

Conclusion

Separation anxiety can be a challenging issue for both cats and their owners.

However, with patience, love, and the top ten tips outlined in this article, you can help your furry friend feel more comfortable and secure when you are not around.

Remember, every cat is unique, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies to find out what works best for your furry friend.