The short answer is yes, cats do experience separation anxiety. However, there's more to learn about the way cats process separation and the symptoms they may display if they have separation anxiety, too. Read through the article below to find out more about cat separation anxiety and how it may be affecting your pet.
Separated kittens are more likely to suffer from anxiety, aggression, and other temperament problems as well as have reduced learning abilities later in life.
As in humans or dogs, separation anxiety in cats is an emotional response of stress, fear and/or sadness when they are away from the person or other animal with whom they are bonded and feel safe, secure and loved. Separation anxiety can range from mild to severe and be harder to spot in cats.
Kitten separation anxiety happens when your kitten becomes distressed when you leave home. Kittens are quieter about their distress, and they aren't likely to bark, howl or chew like dogs do. Read on to learn more about the signs of kitten separation anxiety and what steps you can take to help your kitten.
Though not often talked about in cats, separation anxiety can occur just as it does in dogs. This can prove quite traumatic for both the owners and the feline involved.
"It is normal for a kitten to be distressed at first after being separated from their mom and litter mates, so a little crying at first is normal but excessive crying is a cry for help.
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.
In the case of attention-seeking, try your best to wait it out and ignore the kitten crying. Once they stop, reward them with a treat or affection. Eventually, your kitten will make the connection that meowing will not achieve the attention they want.
Single kitten syndrome is the idea that young kittens, when raised with other young kittens and cats and then adopted into a home by themselves, can become aggressive, anxious, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues like inappropriate chewing/scratching and inappropriately using the litterbox.
6 Months to Adulthood
As your kitten approaches adolescence and adulthood, they'll start to settle down and chill out.
If they're very attached to each other-always stay together, sleep snuggled up against each other, have the same behavior habits, etc. -I'd say they're close pals and shouldn't be separated. It would take a great deal of adjustment for each cat to adjust to life without his best friend.
If two bonded cats were to be separated from each other, they would likely end up suffering from depression, leading to other behavior issues. A study has shown that cats who are bonded together are more socially adjusted and live longer, happier lives.
The truth is, though, cats have plenty of different personality types, and many of them do experience separation anxiety. This is particularly true of cats who were orphaned. And with many of you going back to work if you haven't gone back already, it's a good idea to know the signs of separation anxiety in cats.
It is a common misconception that kittens can be separated from their mothers as early as 8 weeks old. However, kittens separated at this time are still at risk for developmental, social, and health issues. Instead, kittens should remain with their mothers until they are 12-14 weeks old.
Weaning is the process of graduating a kitten from milk to solid foods, and that she has learned everything she can from her mother. Once a kitten is eating on his own, that is usually a tell-tale sign that he's ready to be separated from his cat mama.
Fading Kitten Syndrome refers to a kitten's failure to thrive during the period between birth and when they wean from their mother or from a bottle for hand-fed kittens. This period lasts about four to five weeks (when a kitten is most vulnerable to sickness).
This means they hiss, spit, swat and smack trying to get the other cat to back off. Alternatively, these cats are often extremely overzealous players to the point of being obnoxious. They do not learn how to interpret body language, how to physically play and when to stop the game of play (i.e. when enough is enough).
Possible causes include viral or bacterial infections, parasites, genetic conditions and malformations, low birth weight, maternal neglect, malnutrition, and hypothermia. If you suspect that your kitten might be fading, be sure to seek urgent veterinary treatment, as your pet can get sicker and pass away very fast.
Sleeping alone is good for your kitten.
It's also important for him to be willing to stay off the bed or out of the room when you don't want him there. The earlier you teach this lesson, the more likely it is to stick.
Your kitten will sleep best if they have a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed while life goes on around them. Although adult cats like to climb and sleep on high perches, such as on top of furniture, it's safest for young kittens if their beds are low down to begin with.
Can I leave my kitten alone while I sleep? If you don't want your kitten in your room, they can be left alone whilst you sleep – give them a soft, warm and secure place to rest and they should be happy. If you do choose to do this, close the door so they can't hurt themselves whilst you sleep.
Kitten-Proof Your Home
Kittens between two and four months of age should only be left alone four to six hours at a time, not a full workday. When they're a little older, around six months, you can be gone all day. But they'll certainly be happier if you can check in on them at lunchtime or ask a friend to stop by.
If you leave your cat alone for too long it can cause boredom, stress, separation anxiety, and unwanted behavior – not to mention the risk of accidents or illness. Kittens need more care and shouldn't be left alone for longer than 4 hours.
In general, a kitten between 8 weeks to 4 months can be left alone for about 4 hours. After 6 months, they can spend close to 8 hours on their own.