Mary Allen
Although cats are said to have pronounced independence, it can happen that fur noses miss their people. Depending on the cat‘s personality, the house tiger is more or less affectionate and people-related, but even very stubborn cats should not be left alone for too long. These tips will help you and your pet when you do have to go away.
Indoor cats in particular need to be occupied during your absence so that they don’t miss you. But those who are outdoors can also suffer if they don’t see their people for a long time. Here’s how to make it easier for your kitty to stay home alone:
Keep Calm & Avoid Stress
Avoid rushing and unrest before you leave the house. Otherwise, your cat will sense that something is different than usual and will be infected by your nervous mood. It’s best to behave normally, as you always have, and use this to convey to your sensitive furry friend that everything is fine and that there is nothing to worry about. Exuding security yourself will reassure your kitty and make her miss you less when you’re away.
Maintain a Routine for Cats
Maintaining the routine is especially important for a long absence on vacation or a weekend trip. If you drive to work during the day and your cats are left alone during the day, it’s usually not a problem. At least as long as your velvet paw isn’t bored and is used to spending the day away from her human, there’s no need to worry. If you are going away for more than 24 hours, it is advisable to maintain the routine anyway. The cuddly noses are creatures of habit and usually find changes unpleasant to frightening.
Plus, socialites are less bothered by your absence if your familiar scent is still around. So cats don’t miss their people so much when they are allowed to snuggle up on the bed or when there is a scarf, an old sweater, or something similar on their bed. In addition, meal times and other fixed “appointments” should be observed as best as possible.
Furry Friends, Who Miss Their People: Hire a Cat Sitter?
It’s easier to maintain the routine during a longer vacation if you have a cat sitter to look after your furry friends. Ideally, the cat sitter already knows your fellow animal companions and doesn’t just limit themselves to giving them their food. A good cat sitter will play, entertain and cuddle with the cats – if they want to.
Keep House Cats From Boredom
Sometimes cats just seem to miss their people and the truth is they get bored when they’re alone. It is therefore advisable, especially for indoor cats, to provide them with a four-legged companion. However, the choice of a cat or dog friend should not be random, and getting to know the two animals should not take place between door and hinge.
In addition, the house tigers need a great scratching post, their own litter box, toys, and climbing facilities so that they can occupy themselves alone. Outdoor cats appreciate a cat flap that allows them to slip outside or back into the house at will.
Separation Anxiety? When a Cat Psychologist Can Help
If your cat tends to behave abnormally when left alone, professional help may be needed. The first thing you should do to see your vet is if you seem like your cats are not only missing you a little but are tearing apart the home or getting messy once you’re out. Even if your furry friend never takes your eyes off you, follows you everywhere, and is overly clingy, this can indicate health or psychological problems. This doesn’t have to be the case, but it doesn’t hurt to have the unusual behavior examined by a veterinarian.
If the vet couldn’t find anything and the behavioral problems still persist, it’s best to contact a cat psychologist. Separation anxiety may be behind it, which should be reduced slowly and carefully.