Despite a prevailing myth, cats can consider their owners as a source of security and safety, and they can indeed suffer from separation anxiety.
We’re seeing this more and more, given the situation with the COVID virus, as people return to work and kids to school, having spent so much time alone with their furrs before. Yet, separation anxiety remains under-diagnosed.
COVID’s disrupted our own emotional, physical, even mental lives. Not surprisingly, our cats are also feeling the effects. They respond to changes in our inner selves, as well as our schedules. Also, increasing numbers of cats are being adopted as more people stay at home, working or not. (We can hope those cats stay as appreciated and respected and owners stay as committed to their care when those humans return to work or school.)
Indications of the Problem
Is there increased vocalizing when left alone? (a recording or a listening neighbor might help, here.) Is Noodles over-attached to you, following you from room to room, perhaps eating better only when you’re standing by the bowl? Is she showing stress when you’re going through the routine before leaving the house? (Putting on a jacket or shoes, getting the car keys, etc.) Is he over-enthusiastic greeting when you come home? Eliminating near the door you leave from, or even on your bed?
Possible Causes
- Recently adopted a cat who isn’t used to someone not being at home, not used to your routine?
- Changes in work or school schedule?
- Returning to work after a hiatus (COVID, unemployment, temporary break)
There are solutions.
By making changes to the environment, some behavioral adjustments, even systemic support can be of tremendous help–to all of you.
As a professionally-trained, specifically cat behaviorist with 40 years of experience, I also manage other problems and fears; the aging cat, the feral cat and the stray cat can present special challenges of their own. These are the types of issues that require the skills of an experienced cat behaviorist.
*FOR THE FASTEST RESPONSE, PLEASE EMAIL ME DIRECTLY (JANE_EHR@ HOTMAIL.COM), INSTEAD OF USING THE FORM. (It’s more reliable; I don’t always get form submissions!) *Also, as my Paypal account uses another email address, please use the form. Thank you!
Book a Separation Anxiety Consultation
***Regarding the COVID virus:
I do home visits if you are vaccinated (as I am), but happy to do phone consults, if you prefer. We can ‘video conference’ (via Skype, FaceTime, Messenger, etc.) where we’ll discuss the problem, observe cat’s behavior live or video, and then we can work out a plan.
Initial Telephone Chat: Complementary (Contact to Book) Let’s discuss the issues.I can ask you some questions, and we can schedule the appropriate consult.
Short Consultation (30+ mins): $95.00
After initial consultation (the more information I have, the better I can help), we can discuss certain problems that may not need a longer consultation.
In-Depth Consultation (60+ mins): $195.00
This includes in-depth questioning during a one-hour-plus telephone call; follow-up email report, with recommendations. Telephone/email follow-ups for 60 days included. Especially useful for national and international consults.
In-Home Consultation: $425.00
This includes extensive questioning by telephone, a one- to two-hour visit to your home for in-depth discussion and observation of your cat’s environment, and e-mail/phone follow-ups with further recommendations for next 60 days included.