Vacations are meant to be fun for people, but due to the change in routine, they can, unfortunately, be a cause of stress for cats and result in behavior problems and separation anxiety. Cat behavior problems can occur during the owner's absence, while being transported, or when the owner returns.
Cats are very social creatures and crave attention. They will miss you when you're away because you're the source of their love and affection. Kitties love to play and interact with their owners. They will miss playing with and chasing you when you aren't at home.
Changes in the Family's Schedule
Also, when you go away on vacation and your cat is either left with a pet sitter or sent to a boarding place, your cat has no way of knowing that you will come back for them, so they may experience depression.
Cats can have separation anxiety just like humans. If they were raised during the pandemic or got used to you being home a lot it is even more common. So, the following checklist should help keep your mind at ease when leaving your cat home alone!
Though they may seem antisocial at times, the fact of the matter is that your cat LOVES you, and really hates it when you're gone. Leaving your kitty alone for an extended period of time will likely cause serious anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior.
Emotionally, a cat might miss its human when she's gone, but he has more basic needs to worry about. With the sitter, these will be met, so there's no use in overthinking the situation for him. He's part of a species that set its own terms for domestication—you're likely underestimating him.
Cats might not know how many hours you leave them for, but they do know when you're away. They can get lonely, bored, and anxious.
They might not be as demanding of an owner's time and attention as dogs, but cats are social animals with important needs. In fact, when they are apart from the people they love, cats feel separation anxiety, just like dogs and other pets.
If you want to leave your cat at home while you are on vacation, a good option is to have a cat sitter come in every day to clean the litter box, provide your kitty with fresh food and water, and offer them some cuddles and quality one-on-one playtime.
The cats miss the owners whenever they are away or have been detached from the owner. They notice the absence of all the showered love their owners have left for them. Do cats miss us when we are gone? Although most cats are habituated with solitude, they may show signs of being happy when they return home.
If your cat is confident and spends a lot of time outside, it may be better to let them stay at home. Quieter, more nervous cats may feel like they've been left alone, and visits from people they don't know at random times could potentially add to their anxiety.
Like many other animals, cats are social and enjoy the presence of their owner and/or other cats. When you go on vacation and leave your cat alone, it can increase the risk that they'll become lonely from the isolation—especially if you're taking a long trip.
Although 72 hours is the firm maximum time you should leave your cat alone, the exact amount of time depends on their age, health, and personality. You should also consider the time of year and your home when deciding how long is appropriate for your cat.
Cats form attachments to their owners that are similar to those that dogs and babies form with their caregivers. You really are more than just a source of food to your cat: A study published Monday finds that cats see their owners as a source of comfort and security, too.
Symptoms of separation anxiety in cats include: Excessive vocalization. Your cat will be crying, moaning, or meowing a lot. Not eating or drinking when the owner is away.
Cats remember the time (for months or years) spent with owners, good or bad. However, a well-treated cat will miss its owner and can develop behavioral issues when its owners are away for a long. In addition, a well-treated cat will also accept the new owner easily.
Nothing…
If you leave the house for a quick errand or two, it's unlikely your cat will even notice that you're not home. A quick pet and a snuggle can remind your cat that despite your absence, you've got kitty on the brain!
Signs Cats Worry About Their Humans
Recent studies have shown that cats notice if their humans are absent, especially for a longer period of time than it takes to go buy milk. When the human returns, the cat who was so affectionate before may walk away or appear to sulk.
All in all, even the most aloof and brooding cat will be able to pick up on your warmth and devotion. Whether they choose to admit it or not, they can sense when a person loves them (and hates them). So always make sure you're emitting good, kitty-positive vibes, and your cat will be sure to indulge in the lovefest.
While leaving their pet, people may feel guilty for doing so. This is a normal feeling to experience and there are ways to combat that guilt. Understanding that your pet is probably okay while you are gone is a great place to start to reduce the guilt that is experienced when leaving your pet at home.
Position furniture or install a kitty perch so your cat can see the outside. Leave an article of clothing with your scent for your cat to snuggle with. Put your cat's food inside a puzzle feeder or treat dispenser to stimulate them and give them something fun to do while you're gone.
Most adult cats are fine being left home alone for up to 24 hours, under the right conditions (more on that below). If you need to leave for two or three days, a full week, or longer, you should make sure someone is coming over to care for your cat daily.
With nothing to do and no company all day, a bored cat might just find her own ways to entertain herself, from batting a roll of toilet paper to destroying your houseplants (2). In order to keep your cat out of trouble and free of anxiety, it's key to know just how long is too long when it comes to leaving cats alone.
Cats don't cry tears when they're sad or in pain. But Halls says whether your cat is experiencing emotional or physical pain, they'll exhibit behavioral changes that could include vocal crying. The sound of a cat crying is typically longer in duration and lower in frequency than day-to-day cat chatter.