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Cats are notoriously independent.

The way that they only let you stroke them on their terms, when they want love and affection, makes them seem like hardcore pets who can handle anything.

But actually, their level of emotional bonding with their human owner can cause some serious anxiety.

That’s right, if you leave your cat alone for a long time, it will miss you a lot. Probably.

Mashable outlines all the ways you can identify your cat’s level of separation anxiety, and all the things you can do to make their alone time as stress-free as possible.

Dr Erin Katribe, the medical director of Best Friends Animal Society, defines separation anxiety as a “stress response” or the panic that an animal might feel when they are separated from a person or other animal that they have formed a deep attachment to:

If you’re surprised that cats can have separation anxiety, you’re not alone. “While a belief exists that cats are less social than dogs,” said Katribe in an email exchange, “a newer understanding of feline behavior tells us that cats are, in fact, very social animals, particularly when it comes to pet cats and their owners.”

Katribe points to research published in PLOS ONE and the Journal of Veterinary Behavior Clinical Applications and Research that is teaching us more about our cat’s social proclivities.

In one study, 64% of cats showed a “secure attachment to their owner (as opposed to an ambivalent or averse attachment)” and were visibly distressed when left alone.

Although, as you can imagine, the way that they show this is nothing like a slobbering, yapping dog:

“Signs of stressed cats that may not be obvious to those familiar with dog behaviour include excessive hiding, feigned sleep, excessive grooming, and inappropriate elimination behaviour (urinating outside the box or on owners’ belongings or furniture).”

Katribe also added destructive behaviour, excessive meowing, and not eating or drinking when owners are away as some other common signs of separation anxiety in cats.

In these cases, you could reach out for professional help:

If your cat shows any of these signs, talk to your veterinarian; these behaviours could also indicate an underlying medical condition.

“Eliminating outside the litter box might be due to urinary tract infection or excessive meowing could be due to hyperthyroidism, as can a ravenous appetite,” said Dr. Bruce Kornreich from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Once possible medical issues have been ruled out, it is best to come up with a plan to keep your cat in a comfy state of mind.

One tip is to try to pick up your keys in a less obvious way or pick them up without leaving for a while so as to not trigger that stress response in your cat.

Otherwise, experts say it is critical that the cat has a safe place to go – usually somewhere elevated.

It is also important that your feline friend has all the mental and physical stimulation needed when you’re out; like puzzles, a scavenger hunt for treats or other rewards, interactive toys, cat-friendly TV, and access to an enclosed yard or patio.

There are also apps for cats if you’re really stretched for options.

In the worst-case scenario, you can hire a professional and get your cat on some kitty anti-anxiety meds – although that should be a last resort.

Hey, at least you know your cat loves you just as much as you love him/her.

[source:mashable]