Do cats experience separation anxiety?

Cats have plenty of different personality types, and while some of them may seem to be independent and self-sufficient, many of them do experience separation anxiety; this is particularly true for cats who once upon a time were orphaned kittens.

With so many of us going back to work these days after working from home for quite some time, it’s a good idea to be able to recognize the signs of separation anxiety in our cats.

RELATED: Do cats miss their owners?

While every cat has a different personality, the most common signs of separation anxiety in cats are:

• Excessive meowing, crying or moaning
• Eating too fast or not eating at all
• Excessive self-grooming
• Elimination outside the litter box
• Destructive behavior
• Excitement upon returning from home that’s out of the ordinary
• Vomiting food or hairballs
• Trying to escape

Some of these undesired behaviors can be truly frustrating, particularly the elimination outside the litter box.

Many cat owners have found a little smelly “gift’ (cat poop!) on their beds or shoes when they get back home.

RELATED: Why do cats freak out after they poop?

This isn’t necessarily a sign of “bad behavior” it could simply mean that your cat is trying to mix his/her scent with yours.

As crazy as this may sound to you, cats also seem to believe that by doing so they can help you “smell” your way home!