Cats have a reputation for being independent. It sounds tidy. But if you have ever watched your cat shadow you from room to room, you might feel a different truth. Some cats worry when we walk out the door, and the quiet house starts to feel too quiet.
At Dogtown in Gloucester, MA, we meet quite a few cats who struggle when routines shift. We see the shy ones and the bold ones. We see the clingy ones too. It is not rare, and it is not your fault.
Why cats can miss you
Science gives us a nudge here. In a small study of time apart, research in Animal Cognition found that cats purred and stretched more at reunion after 4 hours away compared with a 30 minute break. It hints at attachment. It says you matter.
Other work paints a clearer picture. In a retrospective study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 136 cats showed dog-like separation signs. Of those, 96 had inappropriate urination, 48 had inappropriate defecation, 16 vocalized too much, 12 were destructive, and 8 over-groomed. Three out of four cats that urinated out of place did it on the owner’s bed. That detail sticks, I know.
A PLOS ONE questionnaire survey with 223 owners found that about 13.5 percent of cats showed at least one separation-related behavior, with destructive behavior the most common. Lack of toys and living without other animals were linked with higher risk, as were some household factors. So the environment matters too.
Signs that could mean separation anxiety
Not every mess or meow points to anxiety. But patterns do. Common clues include:
- Urinating or defecating outside the box, especially on beds or laundry.
- Excessive vocalization, often right after you leave or as you return.
- Destructive scratching on doors or frames, sometimes carpets.
- Over-grooming or bald patches that were not there before.
- Clinginess before you go, then an intense greeting when you get back.
These align with guidance from Dr. Loukia Agapis, who notes vomiting, appetite shifts, and exuberant greetings as possible signs. Stress can also look quiet. As outlined in Veterinary Clinics of North America, cats under stress may withdraw, hide, or groom less, which is easy to miss. I think the soft signs are sometimes the loudest.
Stress hides in small habits.
What increases the risk
Some cats cope fine. Others seem to wobble with change. The PLOS ONE work linked problems to lack of toys and being the only pet. Based on that survey and Dr. Agapis, watch for these factors:
- Recent schedule changes, like new work hours.
- Rehoming or past instability.
- No access to toys or enrichment.
- Little vertical space or safe hiding spots.
- Being the only animal in a quiet home, or sometimes a very busy one.
Simple steps that help
Small changes stack up. Try a few and keep a diary. Progress can be slow, then it suddenly clicks.
- Make goodbyes boring. Cue calm exits. No big speeches. Jacket on, keys in pocket, treat on a mat, then out.
- Build a safe station. Offer a quiet room with a window perch, a box to hide in, and a sturdy scratching post.
- Use food wisely. Feed part of meals in puzzle toys right before you leave. Longer chew tasks mean less time to spiral.
- Leave your scent. A worn T-shirt in the bed can be soothing.
- Practice tiny absences. Step out for 30 seconds, return before your cat escalates, and repeat. Go slow.
- Set sound and light. Soft music or a talk radio station can mask street noises. Timers for lights help evening transitions.
- Keep the box perfect. One box per cat, plus one more, with low scent litter and easy access.
- Groom for comfort. Mats pull at skin and can add stress. Gentle upkeep through cat grooming helps many anxious cats settle.
If your home includes dogs too, Dogtown’s full grooming options can simplify care for the whole crew. Less friction at home often means a calmer cat.
When routine care is part of recovery
Sometimes you have to travel. Or you just need a day to reset the house. Consistent care and gentle social time can be part of the plan. At Dogtown, our team sets cats up with quiet spaces, play breaks, and respectful handling. For trips, calm boarding suites and daily check-ins keep routines steady. If your dog needs an outlet while you focus on your cat’s plan, our supervised day camp takes the edge off the household energy.
We also offer free pre-enrollment assessments, and you can schedule easily from the Dogtown app. It is a simple way to make a calm plan together.
A quick vet check
Pain and illness can look like behavior. If your cat starts peeing outside the box, see your veterinarian to rule out urinary issues. The JAVMA study helps us map patterns, yet each cat’s health story is personal. Once your vet clears medical causes, training, enrichment, and routine care can do a lot. And if you need support, Dogtown’s trainers can build a gentle, stepwise plan that fits your life.
Conclusion
Separation anxiety in cats is real, but it is manageable. Add structure, soften stress, and meet needs before they shout. If you need a hand, we would love to help. Meet our team in Gloucester, tour the space, or book your cat’s assessment through the Dogtown app. Start small today so tomorrow feels lighter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is separation anxiety in cats?
It is a pattern of stress when a cat is left alone or anticipates being alone. Signs can show before you leave, during your absence, or at reunion. The bond is strong, and some cats struggle with change.
How to tell if my cat has it?
Look for a cluster of behaviors tied to your departures. If symptoms settle when you are home and return when you leave, that points toward separation-related stress. A vet exam helps rule out medical causes first.
What are common signs to look for?
Frequent signs include inappropriate urination or defecation, loud meowing, scratching doors, over-grooming, or an over-the-top greeting. Studies in JAVMA and a PLOS ONE survey outline these patterns.
How can I help my anxious cat?
Create a calm routine, use food puzzles, offer safe hides and vertical space, and practice short absences. Keep litter boxes pristine and consider gentle grooming support. For structure and care, Dogtown can guide next steps and provide boarding when needed.
Can separation anxiety be treated?
Yes. Many cats improve with routine changes, enrichment, and gradual training. Some may also need veterinary input for medical issues and, in select cases, medication. Progress can be slow at first, then steady.
