Quell a cat’s separation anxiety

#MiddleburyCT #Cats #SeparationAnxiety

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Here’s a weird one. I went away on a business trip for three weeks, leaving my 9-year-old cat, Jenks, with a friend. Since I’ve returned, Jenks will not leave my side. He clambers onto my lap while I have Zoom meetings; he follows me to and fro around the house; and he insists on sleeping on the bed at night. He also meows loudly if he can’t see me. This is a new behavior for him. What’s going on? – Claudio G. in Brooklyn

DEAR CLAUDIO: Jenks may have separation anxiety. Even though he never exhibited these behaviors before while you were away, it’s possible for a cat to develop this issue with no clear triggers.

Monitor his behavior patterns closely for a few days. In addition to meowing loudly when you’re out of sight, is he grooming his coat more than usual? Is he doing anything destructive like clawing up a new piece of furniture? Have his eating habits changed – eating too little or gulping his food? These can also be signs of anxiety.

Try the following and note if his behaviors lessen or normalize:

• Don’t make a big production out of leaving the house or coming home. Extra affection may make him more anxious.
• Leave the TV, radio or speaker on while you’re away, playing a program or music.
• Set up a cat perch near the window so he can watch the world.
• Create a den or nook where he can rest, safe and cozy.

If the behavior doesn’t improve, or it worsens, contact the veterinarian. They will recommend an exam to rule out any illnesses. They’ll offer advice on additional ways to help calm Jenks, and if necessary, will prescribe medication to reduce his anxiety.

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