Sudden Cat Urinating Outside: Possible Causes and Solut

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a common occurrence in our children.

It is a severe anxiety response in children due to the fear of being separated from their loved ones. Interestingly, this anxiety is also observed in the natural world, among various species such as birds, dogs, cats, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, cows, and whales.

How Can You Tell If My Cat Has Separation Anxiety?

If your feline displays the following behaviors, it's a strong indication of separation anxiety.

These include inappropriate elimination, such as urinating or defecating on beds or sofas, scratching at doors, or destroying items in the home; not eating or drinking, excessive grooming, and wailing as soon as you leave their sight.

How Can You Soothe Your Cat?

Separation anxiety in cats can be improved through practice.

Cats with separation anxiety often have a strong connection with their owners. For instance, when you start picking up your bag or preparing to change your shoes, your cat may start meowing loudly or holding onto your leg to prevent you from leaving. Most owners tend to comfort their cats while petting them, delaying their departure. However, this can actually worsen the symptoms of separation anxiety.

Leaving Training

If your cat suffers from separation anxiety, it's essential to help them understand that leaving home isn't as stressful as they might think. When you pick up your keys or put on your coat, don't actually leave the house but instead go to the bathroom. This way, they become aware of your departure.

After picking up the keys, put them down, open and close the door, and walk out and back in. Gradually increase the time you spend outside, so your cat learns that these activities are normal and not something to be anxious about.

Don't Interact When Leaving

When you leave, if you pay too much attention to your cat, it can exacerbate their separation anxiety, as you're essentially telling your cat that your departure is a big deal.

The correct approach is to avoid any interaction with your cat when leaving. When you return home from outside, wait a few minutes before interacting with your cat.

Reward Your Cat's Independence

If your cat has separation anxiety, reward them when they display independent behaviors, such as calmly lying on a high spot or entertaining themselves with toys.

By rewarding independence, your cat will feel motivated to be selfreliant rather than constantly cling to you.