Cats can develop separation anxiety, particularly those with strong human bonds. Recognition and management prevents chronic welfare compromise.
Cats with separation anxiety experience genuine distress when left alone that compromises their welfare during their owners absence. The condition is often misidentified as deliberate problem behaviour rather than anxiety. Distinguishing separation anxiety from territorial marking or medical causes of inappropriate elimination requires careful history and sometimes video monitoring during absence. Graduated independence training, environmental enrichment reducing loneliness, and considering a second cat companion all reduce anxiety without the side effects of long-term medication.