Separation Anxiety in Cats When You Go for a Vacation

Holidays are designed to de-stress people, but because of a change in environment, it can, unfortunately, be a source of stress for your pet cat and lead to behavioral problems and separation anxiety. A cat’s behavioral problems can occur during the owner’s absence. This, of course, does not always happen, but thanks to some of the steps that can be taken to reduce your cat’s stress during the holidays, you can prepare your feline friend to remain anxiety-free.

It can take your cat anywhere from five days to two weeks to adjust and accept the new environment. Some cats hide, defend themselves, or display unwanted behavior while you are away or when you come back from your vacation. There are several things that you can do as a cat owner that will make it easier and prepare your pet for your vacation.

Slow But Steady

If your cat stays at home while you go on vacation, ask a pet organizer to meet with them as often as possible, before your leave. The pet owner should give your cat a treat or let them play with its favorite toys. This will help your cat to integrate itself with something nice and fun.

Take out your suitcase at least a week before your vacation. Let your cat get used to it. Write down your daily routine and ask the pet organizer to follow it. The timing of food, playtime, grooming, seating sessions, and other important measures should be followed as closely as possible to reduce your cat’s stress. If you know the routine will change while you are away, apply some of these changes a few days before your departure so that your cat gets used to the changing routine without the added stress of your absence.

You can also leave behind a scented item like a dress that you’ve worn but not washed, for your cat. This helps your cat feel comforted. Some cats also appreciate your recorded voice to be played while you’re away but others become tense and upset, so test this before you go for your vacation to see how they respond.