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Separation Anxiety

post #1 of 6
2/23/11 at 8:29am
Thread Starter 
My cat, Samantha (better known as Sam), is almost 9 and has the problem of separation anxiety. Her and her litter were actually thrown out with the trash by some IDIOT at a ripe old age of 3 weeks. I bottle fed her, weened her and socialized her as best as I could... but now she has full blown separation anxiety.

While I don't mind her absolute love and affection, I do mind when it becomes a problem for her. She gets so anxious when I'm gone, even for a minute, that she pulls out her fur. She grooms herself to death. It breaks my heart every time I see a clump of fur on the bed or see a bald patch on her body. The most recent case caused a good portion of her tail to go bald. Thankfully it grows back!

I don't have any money so I haven't been able to get her to a cat behaviorist. I have gotten her checked out for any other medical problems and other than being overweight, she's perfectly healthy.

Does anyone else have problems with their cat and separation anxiety? If so, how do you handle it without resorting to medications? I need all the advice I can get.

And, by the way, I've considered getting another cat for company while I'm gone, so she doesn't get so lonely, but I am afraid that she's really a lone cat and it would just make it worse? Any thoughts on this?
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post #2 of 6
2/23/11 at 10:15am
I recommend getting a second cat. If she's anxious when you leave, the best thing to do would be to get her a companion so she doesn't mind as much when you leave. I have heard of many older cats like yours getting along fine with a new cat after they've been alone their whole lives. Cats are pretty social animals, in nature they congregate in colonies. Since she is so old, I would recommend getting an older cat who has a similar temperment (ok, maybe not the anxiety part, but similar energy levels) as kittens and more rambunctious cats tend to stress out older resident cats. If you do get another cat and are worried about your cat accepting him, just be sure to take introductions very slowly over a couple weeks. Also, your cat is probably not a loner cat since she has this intense anxiety when you leave, which tells me she wants company.
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post #3 of 6
2/23/11 at 10:41am
What about trying some Feliaway???? That may help a bit as well. I'm not sure if adding a second cat would help or not.....I have a dog that suffered badly with separation anxiety. He is better now, but still suffers from it. I basically had to desensitise him over time by doing little exercises. Leaving for a few minutes at a time and slowly increasing the time. Obviously cats are different so I'm not really sure how you would go about treating her. I do know from my research/experience that having another dog did not help with my dogs separation anxiety. They are freaking out because they are separated from US. Not being alone necessarily. So another cat ....may or may not help. Considering you are limited on funds can you afford another cat at this time???? Just something to consider. I would definitely try those Feliaway plugs.
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post #4 of 6
2/23/11 at 10:53am
Thread Starter 
A second cat might help, and an older one would likely be easiest for the both of us to handle. I have a small apartment right now so I'm not sure if its the best solution immediately but when I move out and into a bigger place it is something I shall consider. When I have lived with other people her anxiety was less intense as at least there was someone around to look at.

I've heard about Feliway... does it really work to calm them down? Is it really worth the money?
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post #5 of 6
2/24/11 at 2:14pm
Getting another cat might help Sam so she won't be alone. My cat Lynxx was always an only cat for 9 years. We rescued Luna a 12 week old kitten, he didn't like her, and she wouldn't leave him alone. So we Midnight to keep her occupied. Only that other he turned out to be 3 weeks old, and none of them could be together. And someone had to always be watching to make sure neither kitten bothered Lynxx. It was very difficult, until Midnight got big enough to be able to play with Luna without getting hurt. Then by the time the 2 kittens could be together and leave Lynxx alone, it didn't matter anymore because he died.

So if you do get another cat, make sure you get 1 the same age as Sam. Or if you get a kitten, make sure you get 2 the same age, so they won't constantly bother Sam.

Feliway was worth it for us. We bought the spray. It worked for Lynxx. Even works for Luna. Only it has no affect on Midnight, never did.
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post #6 of 6
2/24/11 at 3:04pm
Yep, I agree with the other's here. Adding another cat as a companion for Sam will be a very good thing. Older at least six or so. This will solve alot of Sam's anxiety about being alone. I know many other's who have added another cat with a cat who has been alone for many years without any problems. Poor baby, she just doesn't like being alone.

Feliway is pricey but seriously works to producing the facial pheromones (friendly of cats. Helps them feel safe/secure. Let us know how you do!!!
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