Chat: Will the lifting of lockdown restrictions cause separation anxiety?

While cats are not known for their exuberant attachment to their owners, a study has identified potential separation anxiety issues in cats for the first time.   Although numerous studies have been conducted on separation anxiety in dogs, very few have focused on cats. While many people believe that cats are happy on their own for long periods of time, recent studies suggest that pet cats are actually very social and form strong bonds with their owners. The researchers sought to identify separation-related issues using a questionnaire distributed to cat owners, based on similar surveys conducted with dogs. They found that 13.5% of the cats included in the survey exhibited at least one problematic behavior while their owners were away. While destructive behavior was the most frequently reported issue, concerns regarding excessive vocalization, inappropriate urination, depression or apathy, aggression, agitation or anxiety, and inappropriate defecation were also noted. Cats exhibiting separation anxiety (as identified by the owner) generally appear to come from households without an adult female (or with multiple adult females), households with owners aged 18 to 35, households without other pets, or households without cat toys. While this questionnaire appears limited to owners’ interpretations, it nevertheless sheds light on certain signs of separation distress in cats that should not be overlooked. As we approach the lifting of lockdown restrictions—which will have a particularly noticeable impact on our pets—it is important to explore this topic further and better understand the stressors associated with isolation in both dogs and cats.