Cat sitting for cats with separation anxiety

Updated 11/12/2023

Cat sitting for cats with separation anxiety can make some sitters, well, anxious! If a pet parent makes you aware their fur baby suffers from cat separation anxiety, it’s important to know what to expect and how to prepare. Cats with anxiety will easily be stressed by changes to their routine - like their pet parents going on vacation - but, as an expert cat sitter, you can arrive at your sit understanding how to help and keep that kitty calm.

To help you, we have some knowledge-boosting tips on recognizing cat separation anxiety, how to help a cat with anxiety, and realizing that pet sitting for an anxious pet isn’t as scary as it may seem.

Cat separation anxiety symptoms

Before we brush up on cat sitting cats with separation anxiety, let’s make sure we spot some of the symptoms beforehand. Many pet parents will prep their pet sitter beforehand on any important pieces of kitty info, including if their furry family members suffer from separation anxiety.

However, there could be a chance their pet parents aren’t aware they have a cat with separation anxiety - perhaps working from home is the norm, or they’re rarely out of the house. So, just in case, here are some signs of separation anxiety in cats to be aware of.

Going to the bathroom outside of their litter box

This is a major red flag for any change in kitty behavior. If you notice your sitting sidekick has decided to do their business away from their litter box this is a clear sign they are stressed. One of the causes of this stress could the cat is experiencing separation anxiety, particularly if this happens after the pet parents have left.

Destructive behaviors

Although our kitty companions enjoy a good scratch on a cat tree, cat post, or scratch mat, if they suddenly turn their talons to the carpet, furniture, or other household objects, this could also be a sign of stress and, therefore, separation anxiety. Similarly, excessive biting of objects is another coping strategy for cats.

Excessive hiding

This behavior will be most noticeable for long-stay cat sitters. If you’ve been cat sitting for a few days and haven’t seen your kitty companion, that is a clear sign they are nervous, stressed, and do not want to be interacted with. Although cats love to have their own safe space at home, if they’re refusing to move from there, this could be a cause for concern. If they’re too anxious to move, it means they won’t be eating or drinking properly, which is a serious concern.

Lack of appetite

Similar to the point above, if a kitty isn’t eating their food, it’s safe to say they aren’t the happiest of kitties. Always keep an eye on their food levels, just in case they prefer snacking without being watched.

Overeating and vomiting

On the flip side, if a cat is overeating, or eating too quickly, this is another sign of stress. Both overeating and fast consumption can upset their stomachs, causing vomiting. As a cat sitter, if you ever notice your fur friend has been ill, you must contact their vet immediately.

Being overly vocal

Whilst some cats hide, others with notify you of their distress vocally. Excessive meowing or yowling can mean more than simply wanting more food. Cats meow to alert humans they need something - this could mean they’re demanding more food, but if this behavior continues even after dinner, the other reason could be distress. Cats with separation anxiety can meow as a way of expressing their sadness.

How to calm a cat with separation anxiety

Like when cat sitting a recently rescued feline, there are some essential steps to follow and try even before you’ve started pet sitting a cautious kitty. 

Keep arrivals and departures low-key

Cat owners and cat sitters all know how low-key our felines like things to be (unless they decide otherwise). When you first arrive for your sit, especially if you know you’ll be caring for a cat with separation anxiety, keep it as calm and chilled as possible. No large greetings or loud noises, keep things gentle and relaxed from the start. A calm cat is a happy cat.

Make sure they have an area they feel safe in

Every cat has their own set of safe spaces at home. As a cat sitter, you know these areas are where the cat is most comfortable and feels safe. Always respect their areas, even more so if you’re sitting a cat with separation anxiety. Ask the pet parents to leave behind an item of clothing that smells of them to put in their fur baby’s safe space, this will help to comfort them.

Leave the radio on a talk show station

Cats have incredible hearing abilities, but it means they’re super sensitive to sounds. However, a great way to help a cat with separation anxiety is to leave a gentle soundtrack of human voices. Talk show radio channels are an excellent way to calm a kitty who is missing their humans. Keep the volume relatively low so that it’s more of a gentle hum, it’ll help them feel less lonely.

Spend time with them if they’re showing signs of affection

Always respect a cat’s purr-sonal space and boundaries. But, if they decide to poke their noses out and look for love, be sure to spend time with them. A simple head scratch or hand sniff may be enough to gain their trust, while others may look for a full-on cat nap with you.

When to be a concerned cat sitter

Cats can act weirdly from time to time, all fur fans know this. But any sudden change in a cat’s behavior should never go unnoticed. If they’re moving about slowly or close to the ground all the time, or they’ve gone from being the center of attention to always hiding in a particular cupboard, this is something all pet parents and cat sitters need to be aware of.

Even if you’re unsure your new feline friend should be acting in a certain way, you must always contact the pet parents straight away. If their humans aren’t available, make contact with their vet. All TrustedHousesitters members with a Standard and Premium membership automatically have access to our free 24/7 Vet Advice line. Never hesitate to contact a vet.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Want to see where your next cat sitting adventure will take you? Check out the latest house sits available around the world and near you. If you aren’t a member yet, but you’re thinking of joining our pet-loving community, you can still peruse our fabulous sits just by signing up for free today!