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| Feline Separation Anxiety |
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Coco had a classic case of feline Separation Anxiety Syndrome (SAS). Separation anxiety is a well-recognized behavior syndrome in dogs but many people don’t realize that cats can experience it too. Conventional wisdom says that cats are too independent and apathetic to fret over a person’s comings and goings. Not so. In fact cats are highly social creatures with the ability to form deep attachments to humans and other animals. For some felines, this attachment becomes excessive and dysfunctional. When a treasured human is absent, these kitties can suffer true distress. DiagnosisFeline separation anxiety usually presents more subtly than it does in dogs, and therefore may go undiagnosed—or misdiagnosed—for years. The typical dog with SAS will bark, whine, pace, howl, and become overtly destructive. It’s hard to miss. While cats with SAS may be more demanding and needy, they’re equally apt to internalize their stress by becoming withdrawn, not eating, and literally pulling their hair out. The symptoms overlap with a wide range of health and behavior problems such as urinary tract disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and other causes of inappropriate elimination. Therefore is essential to consult with your veterinarian if your cat shows these symptoms. He or she will perform a full exam along with appropriate lab tests to rule out physical problems. A precise behavioral history is also essential to distinguish exactly what’s going in. To continue reading, please visit CatHealth.com Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at SuperHappyPets.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.
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