Going back to work or school? Learn how routine changes can affect your cat, the signs of separation-related stress and ways to help them cope.

September often brings a change in routine. Whether you’re going back to work after the summer, returning to school, college or university, or simply spending more time away from home, your cat might suddenly find that their routine changes too.
If your cat meows when you leave, seems full of energy when you return or starts behaving differently after spending more time alone, you might find yourself wondering whether they have separation anxiety.
While cats aren’t generally known to experience separation anxiety in the same way as dogs, changes in routine and spending long periods without enough stimulation can affect their behaviour and wellbeing. Learn what separation-related behaviour can look like, what might be causing it and how you can help your cat adjust to a new routine.

What is cat separation anxiety?

The term ‘separation anxiety’ is often used to describe any behaviour an animal shows when they are left alone. However, there is an important difference between true separation anxiety and separation-related behaviour.
True separation anxiety involves intense distress associated with an attached person leaving. This can begin as soon as they leave, or even beforehand if the animal recognises the signs that they are about to go.
Cats are not generally known to show this type of separation anxiety. Instead, behaviour that owners notice after their cat has been alone is more likely to be related to factors such as boredom, frustration or a change to their usual routine.
For example, a cat might vocalise because their usual mealtime has been delayed or because they cannot go outdoors while their owner is away. This is different from becoming distressed simply because a particular person has left.

Do cats get separation anxiety?

True separation anxiety in cats is thought to be very uncommon. Cats are generally more independent than dogs and are less likely to become distressed simply because their owner has left.
However, this doesn’t mean that cats should routinely be left alone for long periods.
Cats still need company, stimulation and opportunities to express their natural behaviours. Even if your cat doesn’t appear distressed when you leave, having a trusted caregiver around and plenty to keep them occupied can improve their quality of life.
A cat who spends long periods alone without enough stimulation may become bored or frustrated, and this can affect their behaviour and wellbeing.

What causes separation-related behaviour in cats?

Behaviour that appears when a cat is left alone isn’t necessarily caused by separation anxiety. More commonly, cats may become bored or frustrated if they are regularly left without enough stimulation.
A change to their normal routine can also play a part, particularly after a period when you have been at home more often.
It is therefore important to consider what has changed or which of your cat’s needs may not be met, rather than assuming that being separated from you is the cause.

Signs of separation-related behaviour in cats

If your cat isn’t coping well with the amount of time they spend alone, you might notice changes in their normal behaviour, including:

• changes to eating or drinking
• changes in toileting
• changes to sleeping patterns
• increased vocalisation
• unusually high energy or frantic behaviour when you return
• other changes in their usual behaviour when you come home

Context is important. Many cats naturally spend a lot of time sleeping while their owner is away and may therefore have more energy when they return. This doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem.
But if your cat is regularly spending long periods without company or stimulation and their behaviour becomes particularly intense or unusual, it could be a sign that their needs aren’t being fully met.

Why does my cat cry or meow when I leave?

Hearing your cat meow as you leave can be upsetting, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they have separation anxiety.
Some cats simply dislike closed doors or want to follow you into the space you have just left. Others might vocalise because your departure has disrupted something they were expecting, such as food or access to the outdoors.
Pay attention to how quickly your cat settles. If they vocalise briefly and then return to their normal activities, it is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
If your cat continues to show intense vocalisation or signs of distress for the first 15 minutes or more after you leave, speak to a qualified behaviourist for advice.

How can I tell if my cat has separation anxiety or is bored?

Timing can provide an important clue.
With true separation anxiety, distress is directly linked to the person leaving. It can start before they leave, when the animal notices cues associated with their departure, or immediately afterwards. It is not dependent on how long they are gone.
Behaviour caused by boredom or frustration is more likely to develop as the cat spends longer without enough stimulation.
For example, a cat who is relaxed when you leave but becomes increasingly restless after spending many hours alone is more likely to be experiencing boredom or frustration than separation anxiety.
If you notice a change in your cat’s usual behaviour more generally, including while you are at home, speak to your vet. Changes in behaviour can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical problem.

How to help a cat with separation-related behaviour

Providing plenty of opportunities for your cat to express their natural behaviours can help prevent boredom and frustration.
Try introducing enrichment little and often throughout the day. Depending on your cat, this could include:

• interactive play before you leave and when you return
• puzzle feeders or other ways to make feeding more engaging
• scratching posts and places to climb
• comfortable hiding and sleeping places
• toys and activities they can safely use while you are away
• access to windows or other safe places where they can watch what is happening around them

Avoid regularly leaving your cat alone for long periods with little to do. If you are going to be away for longer than usual, consider whether someone your cat knows could spend time with them.

How can I prepare my cat for a change in routine?

Cats often thrive on predictability, so sudden changes to their routine can affect their behaviour.
If you know you are going to start spending more time away from home, make changes gradually where possible rather than suddenly moving from being home most of the time to leaving your cat alone for long periods.
Make sure they continue to have regular opportunities for play, enrichment and interaction, as well as things to safely occupy them while you are away.

When to speak to your vet

If your cat shows a sudden or significant change in behaviour, speak to your vet first. They can check for medical problems that could be contributing to the change and advise you on what to do next.
If your cat appears to experience intense distress specifically when you leave, seek advice from a suitably qualified cat behaviourist. True separation anxiety would require specialist behavioural assessment rather than simply treating the behaviour at home.
For most cats, however, behaviour associated with spending time alone is more likely to be linked to boredom, frustration or changes in routine. Providing plenty of stimulation, interaction and opportunities to behave naturally can help keep your cat happy while you’re home and while you’re away.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my cat excited when I come home?

There’s nothing nicer than being greeted by your cat when you return home. But being excited to see you doesn’t necessarily mean they were sad or distressed while you were away.
Cats can form strong bonds with people and may be pleased when a familiar person returns. However, they have probably spent much of your absence sleeping or quietly occupying themselves, rather than feeling distressed because you had left. This is different from the intense distress associated with true separation anxiety.

Can cats get separation anxiety at night?

Cats may vocalise or behave differently when separated from their owner at night. However, this may simply be because they dislike being shut out of a room rather than because they are distressed about being separated from a particular person.
If your cat’s night-time vocalisation is new or persistent, speak to your vet first to rule out an underlying medical cause. This is particularly important for older cats, as yowling at night can be a sign of cognitive dysfunction, sometimes known as dementia.

Are some cat breeds more likely to get separation anxiety?

There is no good evidence that particular breeds, ages or types of cat are inherently more likely to develop separation anxiety.
You may see claims that certain cat breeds are particularly prone to it, but there is currently no credible evidence to support these generalisations. Every cat is an individual, so it is more useful to pay attention to changes in your own cat’s behaviour and circumstances.

Can cats recover from separation anxiety?

True separation anxiety is thought to be very uncommon in cats, so if your cat appears intensely distressed when you leave, it’s important to seek professional advice rather than trying to diagnose or treat separation anxiety yourself.
A qualified behaviourist can assess your cat and their individual circumstances and recommend appropriate ways to help them.