Problem Behavior When Left Alone

Cats rarely develop separation anxiety problems that are so common in dogs. Most cats aren’t bothered by your routine, daily absences. Your cat may take these opportunities however to do things you don’t allow her to do when you are home, such as getting on the counters, looking for food in the trash or lying on furniture she shouldn’t. You may be able to prevent these behaviors by using harmless “booby-traps” such as SSSCat™ and/or by providing her with a more enriching environment .

Cats sometimes are fearful, anxious and distressed when left alone for longer times, such as when you go on vacation or away for the weekend. Your cat may not eat well, may hide from the person you’ve arranged to come in to care for her, may meow a lot or not use her litterbox reliably.

Because these signs can also be indications that your cat is ill, you should have her checked thoroughly by your veterinarian. Check with your cat caretaker to be sure that this person is keeping the box just as clean as you would if you were home. If she isn’t, that’s most likely the reason for your cat’s soiling behavior.

Your cat is not relieving herself outside the box because she is mad at you for leaving her. Animals don’t do things for mean-spirited reasons.

We don’t recommend jumping the gun and acquiring a new cat to keep your present cat company. Your cat may not be the type to enjoy having another cat around, and if the cats don’t get along you haven’t helped your cat.

PRODUCTS THAT WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND, PREVENT AND RESOLVE PROBLEMS WHEN YOUR CAT IS LEFT HOME ALONE

To learn how to provide an enriching environment for your cat and to prevent problems such as climbing on things, elimination and destructive scratching problems, get our DVD Helping Kitty Be Good. Here you’ll learn what cats want and need to be healthy and happy in your home.

The Ssscat Automated Cat Repellant delivers a harmless but effective puff of air whenever your cat gets near it. Place it on counters or other places or near things you don’t want your cat near.