I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar issue with one of their cats. Every time I leave, I say, "bye Misha" and she will come over like she wants to be petted and nip my hand.. :( This is the only time she will do this, so the vet feels that she is suffering from Separation Anxiety. If only Misha realized that I always come back home...the vet thinks she was probably abandon by either her "mamma" or previous owner..and that is why she stresses so much when I say bye...any ideas of what to do?

Dixie used to do the same thing. It got to the point in which she hid under the car waiting for someone to get in the car. But then I guess she got used to it and stopped. Try petting her before you leave to let her know that you will come back. Once she gets used to that, and you coming home, she might learn that you will never abandon her. I hope this helps!

Actually, I recommend exactly opposite advice as David. Sorry. ;) Cats are extremely good at picking up on our vibes and when we leave the house they pick up on our on anxieties at being separated. When I first got my cats I made it a point of just slipping out of the house without any fanfare, and slipping back in the same way, so the cats would see it as no big deal. And it works fine.

Cats are independent and self-reliant. Being left alone is not big deal for a cat unless they think there's something to be worried about, and they take this cue from their people. I disagree with your vet's evaluation, and I'm willing to bet your vet is a small-animal vet and not a cats-only vet, so he/she is probably more used to dogs' problems. Separation anxiety is pretty common in dogs but not so common in cats.

I think the best thing to do is to just begin leaving the house WITHOUT saying good-bye; without making any kind of a production about it. Either leaving, or coming back. Start with very short intervals. Just go out and come back in a few minutes later. Gradually lengthen the time so she gets used to you going out and she knows it's no big deal and that you'll be coming back shortly. I'm sure in no time she'll stop stressing at your departures. :)

PS - this is an excellent behavior topic, so I'll move it to the behavior forum. ;)

Very good advice Coaster!
No need to apoligize!

Thanks!! You're allright by me!! :thumbsup: :)

:wave:

Well, we have always said good-bye to our kitties if they are downstairs....give them a quick pet, maybe a kiss. We usually leave a radio on, but not so much anymore because we all need to conserve energy (but, that's another topic).... We say "ok see you in a little bit"....

When we get home, BOY do we get a great greeting from them!!! Oh...we love them so!

I'm sorry about Misha....try either of these tips from us and see what works best for you. Maybe leave down a favorite toy...or give a treat before you leave.

:hug: to Misha!

Some great ideas out there...thanks! I like the idea of leaving something on maybe the tv turned to animal planet while I'm gone to work, :thumbsup: and not making such a big deal out of leaving makes sense too, it probably stresses her out...since posting this I've been doing my "homework" :) on this subject and here is what I've discovered. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Cats learn to forum attachments and to give and receive affection within the first weeks of life. If a human interacts with the kitten during those crucial weeks, the kitten is likely to enjoy human contact and even relish affection.

It's kind of funny when you think of it, there are cat owners who complain that their cats are too standoffish, not letting them hold them or sit on their laps. Then there are those (like Misha) who are constantly needy, clingy and crying for attention.

It's worth mentionting that if your cat suddenly becomes more "clingy" or if you have a senior kitty, you should consult with your vet to rule out health issues. Senior cat may experience cognitive dysfunction-similar to dementia in humans. These cats often get "pesty" There is treatment available for this condition sometimes it is as simple as a change of diet rich in anti-oxidants.

Another reason of too much attention seeking goes back to a kitten being taken much too early away from his mother and siblings. At around 2 to 3 weeks. The cat is seeking the comfort she was deprived of by being taken from her mother too soon.

Sometimes it comes down to personality. some cats are more clingy and demanding than others. They will pick out one particular member of the family to follow around, while other cats will target anyone who is nearby-even vistors.

I know with Misha, I run into the problem of her always being under foot, and almost tripping over her. Shuffling my feet has helped and at night she wears a glow in the dark, breakaway collar.

You can try what I do, gently putting her down on the floor each time she jumps up on you, the computer keyboard or your office paperwork. After several times, she may get the idea. Try giving your cat attention every day, I try to make more play seesions with Misha. It's hard sometimes because we all get so busy...letting your cat sit on your lap when your reading or watching tv.

Cats enjoy motion, they love it when we play with them, even sometimes really simple stuff like dangling a string or your shoelaces for a few mintues...

rewarding our cats is the best choice, sometimes you need to take some harsher action. To prevent your cat from entering the bedroom because they keep you awake you can try SSSCAT-it's an automated cat repellent. A motion detector tht uses compressed air to "hiss" at your cat when she tries to enter your bedroom. You will need to keep the device in front of your bedroom door even when you no longer need to turn it on. Or a squirt bottle, although some cats don't mind getting wet.

Although our cats can sometimes be a bit annoying, they also give us so much joy...and remember, there's no greater love than the love of a cat.. :luv1:

That's a great post. :thumbsup:

thanks! :)

Anna, I have missed hearing about sweet little Misha so much! She's always been an unusual little cat. I've always loved her. She's very special.

You've done such a great job with her. I remember how hard you worked to help he to be a happy, content little cat. It seems to have paid off for you both. :luv1:

Lisa, thanks! :hug: Misha has come a long way, as you can recall those "early" days with her...she still has her well semi-sweet days though less and less it seems...