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Cat With Separation Anxiety

TREATMENT FOR CAT WITH SEPARATION ANXIETY
By Tess Thompsom

Separation anxiety disorders in cats were only discovered recently due to some research conducted by animal behaviorists. The symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs are prominent and easily observed.

Cat separation anxiety is difficult to identify and it requires a keen eye to be able to notice symptoms of separation anxiety in cats. Identification also requires an insight into cat behavior and mannerisms. Cats are less destructive when they suffer anxiety. In most cases, they tend to follow their owners and indulge in self grooming. Sometimes the excessive licking and cleaning can cause psychogenic alopecia.

It is unfortunate that a large majority of the cat separation anxiety cases are caused due to ignorance on the part of cat owners. People tend to encourage behaviors that involve a show of exhilaration on the return of the owner since it is seen as a sign of attachment. They fail to realize that excessive attachment and over dependence is the basic cause behind separation anxiety.

Treating cat separation anxiety is important because it can aggravate to undesirable behaviors. The first step is to check whether the anxiety is occurring from an underlying ailment. In case the anxiety is due to a physical ailment treating the condition can solve the issue.

If it has been established that your cat suffers from separation anxiety, you may have to strike a balance between medication and behavior modification and training. Medication includes prescription anti-depressants, over the counter formulations, herbs and homeopathic remedies.

Behavior modification is a simple but time-consuming technique that involves building confidence by relieving stress in pets. It also helps in training your cat to be independent. Some of the tips that you can follow are:

Ignore your cat for some time before leaving the house.
Hide some food that your cat likes at places she is likely to find in your absence.
You can make some contraptions that dispense food when played with. Such toys are also available in stores.
Ear mark a favorite toy of your cat for bringing out and distracting her when you have to leave. Hide this toy on your return.
Ignore the cat for some time after you return.

You can also try to desensitize your cat to the actual act of leaving and returning home. Start with making a parody of leaving and returning – open the door and close it without actually going out, go out and return in a couple of seconds and repeat. Gradually increase the time that you spend away on each occasion.

Even when noticed, cat owners tend to ignore symptoms of cat anxiety believing that they will go away on their own. Anxiety of any type is likely to lead to physical illness. The emotional aspect too cannot be ignored. The frustration that separation anxiety causes to pet owners is one of the most common reasons behind pets being put to sleep. And there are many steps that you can take so as to ensure that such a situation does not arise.

References:
http://peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1310&articleid=2372
http://petplace.com/cats/separation-anxiety-in-cats/page1.aspx
http://1800petmeds.com/solutions.asp?ID=BH2
http://associatedcontent.com/article/31561/separation_anxiety_in_cats.html