Do cats experience separation stress?

Reviewed by: Dr. Robert Menardi, DVM

Cats are known for being independent and even a bit aloof, but they can get lonely and experience separation stress when they are apart from people. In fact, a study found around 13 percent of cats displayed at least one separation stress-related behavior. After a long period of increased time spent at home during the pandemic, more people are returning to the workplace in the last couple of years. This change in the home environment has contributed to stress-related behavior in our cats.

What causes separation stress in cats and how can you help your feline friend?

Table of contents 

• What is separation stress? 
• Identifying separation stress in cats 
• Causes of separation stress 
• How to help your cat 
• How can ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA help stressed cats? 

What is separation stress? 

Separation-related stress occurs when stress responses develop in a cat when they are away from their owners or caregivers. These responses are often more subtle in cats than they are in dogs, but cats do form strong social attachments with their families and can become stressed when they are absent, particularly for extended periods.

Research suggests that cats fall into one of two attachment styles, which can impact the way they deal with being separated from their people:  

• Secure attachment is when a cat has low stress levels while away from their owner and is happy to be reunited but doesn’t overly seek attention.  
• Insecure attachment comes in several forms:
  • Ambivalent cats are extremely attached to their owner and constantly seek attention from them.
  • Avoidant cats are more aloof and may even avoid their people.   
  • Disorganized cats display a mix of both attention seeking and avoidance. 

Cats that display insecure attachment behaviors are more likely to suffer from separation stress when they are left alone. 

Identifying separation stress in cats 

Signs of separation-related stress in cats can be grouped into behavioral and physiological symptoms:

Behavioral: 

• Excessive vocalization: cats might yowl or cry.  
• House soiling: cats feeling separation stress might go to the bathroom outside of their litter box, often in the most inconvenient places A study found that ¾ of the cats who peed outside of the litter box soiled their pet parent’s bed. 
• Excessive grooming: this is more common in female cats.  
• Destructive clawing: more common for males. 
• Clingy behavior and extreme attachment.  
• Reclusive behavior.  
• Unusual excitement upon your return home   

Physiological: 

• Changes in appetite 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 

As you can see, some indications that your cat might experience separation stress are more obvious than others. And some cats will exhibit symptoms in your presence, while others only do so when their owner is away. For example, your quiet companion may suddenly meow far more than normal, stop using the litterbox, or constantly follow you around the house. 

It is also common for cats with stress to groom themselves to the point of causing hair loss and skin issues, and either stop eating or eat too fast, making them sick. Separation-related stress can be severe and significantly impact your cat’s health and quality of life.   

Before you assume your cat is stressed when separated from you, take them to the vet for a checkup to make sure there are no underlying medical reasons for their behavior.   

Causes of separation stress 

Cats develop separation stress for many reasons, and it can occur at any time in their lives. Every cat is unique, so the reasons why cats have stress related to separation may differ from cat to cat, too. For example, some breeds like Siamese and Burmese cats are more prone to experiencing separation stress.  

Separation stress can also be triggered by specific events or experiences, including:   

• Change in environment or routine: moving to a new home or changing the hours that you are at home can lead to stress behaviors  
• Noise phobia  
• Extended periods of time spent alone, resulting in boredom  
• Exposure to stressful experiences during early socialization period  
• Cats who live exclusively indoors  
• Living with only one person  
• Being the only pet in the household  
• Lack of activity and stimulation  
• Lack of socialization  
• Being a female cat 

We may also unknowingly contribute to the cause of our cat’s separation stress when we are our cat’s sole source of social engagement. Reinforcement can take place when we reward needy and clingy behavior by giving affection or making a big deal out of our departures and returns.  Cats sense our emotions and if we’re stressed about leaving, our cat senses it, gets worked up, and makes negative associations with our departure.  

How to help your cat 

 To help minimize your cat’s separation stress, try:  

• Leaving the radio or television on a familiar station. 
• Keeping departures and arrivals lowkey. Don’t make a big deal of leaving your cat and stay calm when you return home. Wait until your cat is calm to give them attention.
• Remove departure cues. Try to break your cat’s association between certain behaviors and you leaving them. For example, if you always put on your shoes and pick up your keys before you go out, try to break the routine—jingle your keys but don’t leave the house, or step outside briefly and then quickly return. 
• Providing plenty of toys and puzzles, particularly food-dispensing toys, to channel their prey instincts and offer mental stimulation. 
• Creating a safe space for your cat like a perch or nook. This will offer a sense of comfort that can help soothe them while you are away. 
• Using a room diffuser or pheromones to provide a calming scent for your cat. Studies have found that these products can lead to positive behavior outcomes and reduced stress in cats.  
• Starting with shorter absences and gradually building up to extended periods of time. These shorter breaks allow your cat to recognize that they will not be alone for long when you leave the house. Eventually, they should grow in confidence that you will return soon. 

For more severe cases of separation stress, some cat parents will opt for hiring a pet sitter or asking friends or family to stay with their cat if they’re able. This, of course, is only a management technique and does not help cats overcome their stress. 

How can ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA help stressed cats? 

Unfortunately, stress when separated from their people can negatively impact quality of life.   

ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA feline oil , paste, and soft gels can support cats during stressful times and help them return to a normal state of balance. By calming without sedating, CBD + CBDA helps cats relax when they experience situational stressors, such as being apart from their owners.  As always, consult your veterinarian if your cat shows signs of stress.