Mention this offer to claim your pet's free first exam and get started with care designed around your pet.

Learn how to prevent Lyme disease in dogs, recognize symptoms early, and protect your pet from tick-borne illness with effective tick prevention.

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Learn why parasite prevention for dogs and cats is essential year round. Understand how fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworms affect pets and how veterinary preventive care protects their health.

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

Poison exposure is one of the most common and preventable causes of emergency veterinary visits. This guide outlines the most common sources of pet poisoning, warning signs to watch for, and steps you can take to protect your pet.


Poison Prevention in Pets: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Bad breath is one of the most common signs of dental and oral disease in dogs and cats. While it is often dismissed as normal, persistent odor from the mouth is almost always an indication of an underlying issue.

Bad Breath in Pets: What It Means and When to See the Veterinarian

Understanding how oral bacteria contribute to widespread health complications helps explain why consistent dental care is essential for long term wellness.

How Dental Disease Impacts Heart, Kidney, and Lung Health in Pets

Mon May 12 2025 19:49:47 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time)

St. Matthews Animal Clinic

about-us-page

our-history-section

our-teams-section

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care along with friendly, compassionate service.

why-us-section

app-download-page

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

career-page

careers-section

forms-page

form-section

landing-page

contact-us-section

cta-bar

emergency-branches

faq-section

footer-section

hero-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

Financial Aid:

Obedience:

Local Dog Parks:

Boarding Kennels In Our Area:

Microchipping:

Doggie Daycare in our Area:

Adoptions:

General Information:

links-and-resources

news-page

our-history-page

payment-info-page

payment-information-section

payment-section-3

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

pixel_google

pixel_facebook

Header Cookie Consent - 671f33c5d8e9f7c6b5f082c9

cookie_settings_1750955345987

<button id="ot-sdk-btn" class="ot-sdk-show-settings">Cookie Settings</button>
 

cookie_list_1750955346272

cookie_microsoft

<p dir="auto">We’ve all seen the memes since this <strong>COVID-19</strong> pandemic started about dogs who have had enough of you walking them, <em>thank you very much</em>. And in turn, the cat memes are all about them wondering when we are going back to work and giving them their much-needed personal space back. We get it. Dogs tend to be goofy and friendly, while cats are, ahem, a bit more discerning about their company. The truth is, though, cats have plenty of different personality types, and many of them do experience separation anxiety. This is particularly true of cats who were orphaned. And with many of you going back to work, if you haven’t gone back already, it’s a good idea to know the signs of separation anxiety in cats.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>What Are the Signs My Cat May Be Experiencing Separation Anxiety?</strong></h2><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>While every cat has a different personality, the general signs of separation anxiety in felines are:</strong></h3><ol><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Excessive meowing, crying, or moaning</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Eating too fast or not eating at all</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Excessive self-grooming</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Elimination outside the litter box</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Destructive behavior</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Excitement upon returning from home is out of the ordinary</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Vomiting food or hairballs</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Trying to escape</strong></p></li></ol><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">As veterinarians and pet owners, we know that some of these things can be frustrating, particularly the elimination outside the litter box. Many cat owners have gotten the “gift’ of defecation on the bed, in a shoe, or on an item of clothing. It’s important to remember that this isn’t necessarily a sign of spiteful behavior, but can often mean that your cat is looking to mix their scent with yours. Cats believe they are also helping you find your way home. Instincts run deep!</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>What Can I Do if My Cat Shows Signs of Separation Anxiety?</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">Thankfully, there are things you can buy and actions you can take to minimize the anxiety your cat may begin to feel when you return to work or other activities outside the house.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Some of the ways to minimize separation anxiety in cats are as follows:</strong></h3><ul><li><p dir="auto">Leave the radio or TV on a station that is often on when you’re there</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Keep arrivals and departures low-key (hint: Don’t announce, “Mommy is leaving!”)</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Create a nook, haven, or refuge for your cat that is their safe space</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Provide plenty of toys and/or puzzles for playtime while you are gone</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Channel prey instincts by hiding food in toys that make them work for it</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Start with shorter absences first</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Provide a perch or “catio” so that your cat can see their favorite views</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Consider a room diffuser or pheromones to provide a calming scent for your cat (check the safety of this with your vet first)</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Remove departure cues (ie, put your keys in your pocket a few minutes before leaving)</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Provide plenty of cuddles and playtime once home</p></li><li><p dir="auto">For more serious cases, consider having a sitter come for 1-2 play sessions during absences</p></li></ul><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">We cannot emphasize enough the importance of checking with your veterinarian when you see any change in your <strong>cat’s behavior</strong> before you chalk it up to separation anxiety, as early treatment of illnesses is crucial to <strong>cat wellness</strong>. For example, some cats go outside the litter box when they have urinary tract infections.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">In extreme cases, medication may be an option, but your vet will usually leave that as a final alternative. As the <strong>ASPCA</strong> notes, "Sometimes for cats, veterinarians will advise using pheromones or calming treats before prescribing medication. Always consult with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist before giving your dog or cat any type of medication or supplement for a behavior problem."</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">If you have any other questions about this or how to deal with anxiety in your cat, please don’t hesitate to <strong>give us a call</strong>.</p>

This is particularly true of cats who were orphaned. And with many of you going back to work, if you haven't gone back already, it's a good idea to know the signs of separation anxiety in cats.

8 Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats And What to Do About Them

gtm_67f290d153dc857452f08278

Please fill out the information below to get started.

stmatthewsclinic

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

Forms

Download App

Additional Services

General Services

Speciality Services

Compassionate and quality care for your pet.

Same-day appointments and walk-ins available.

Served over 10,000 fur babies and their happy families.

This accreditation is important as it exemplifies the standard of veterinary excellence.

<p>To help us provide the best care possible, payment is required at the time of service. We accept cash and all major credit cards, and we are happy to offer a deferred interest payment plan through CareCredit.</p>

CareCredit

Trupanion Pet Insurance

ScratchPay

Mr. Dog Training

Tree Frog Farm Personalized – Dog Training and Agility

Brunswick Maine Dog Park

Great Island Kennel

Pet Sitters of Maine

The Brown Dog Inn

Camp Bow Wow

Falmouth Happy Cats

Home Again

The Blue Dog Daycare

Happy Paws Unleashed

Midcoast Humane

Passion for Pets Rescue Organization

Coastal Maine Great Dane Rescue

VeterinaryPartner.com

The Indoor Pet Initiative

Feline Fix by Five

Traveling Out of the Country with Your Pet

AAHA Pet Health Library

Pet Poison Control

Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

Wellness Exams

Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

Dental Care

Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

Parasite Prevention

Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

Vaccinations

Comprehensive surgical services, from routine procedures to complex operations, all are performed with expert care.

Pet Surgeries

When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

Diagnostic Testing

When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.


Sheet title

8 Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats And What to Do About Them

Recent Blogs

Related Blogs

Why Do Cats Vomit Hairballs and How to Prevent?

How to Remove a Tick from a Dog?

Feline Leukemia: Symptoms and Treatments for Cats

FAQs

Sheet title

8 Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats And What to Do About Them

Recent Blogs

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

Poison Prevention in Pets: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Related Blogs

Why Do Cats Vomit Hairballs and How to Prevent?

How to Remove a Tick from a Dog?

Feline Leukemia: Symptoms and Treatments for Cats

FAQs

What should I do if my pet shows signs of illness?

Do you offer pet dental care services?

What is the best diet for my dog or cat?

What if I have questions about my pet's medications?

How often should I bring my pet to the vet for a check-up?

What are the most common health issues for senior pets?