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→Diagnosis
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Cats with attachment problems may follow their owners, vocalise and demand attention continuously. They may become anxious as the owner prepares to depart.
There are currently no specific diagnostic criteria for the feline equivalent of canine separation anxiety disorder, because the basis of this problem is not well understood. Cats with separation related problems may follow their owners, vocalise and demand attention continuously. They may become anxious as the owner prepares to depart. These characteristics are similar to those seen in dogs with separation anxiety disorder, but can arise for completely different reasons.
Assessment of cases should include:
* Lack of environmental stimulation and novelty
* Evaluation of the suitability of the cat's environment, and the ability of the cat to gain access to essential resources
* Lack of opportunities to exert control over resource access
* History of the cat's rearing experience (habituation and socialisation)
* Owner reinforcement of attention-seeking behaviour by the cat
* Assessment of sources of stress for the cat (resource access, competition with other cats, owner behaviour fear problems)
* Owner comforting of the cat or offering it security when it is fearful or anxious
* Observation of the owner's response to the cat's behaviour (reinforcement or soothing)
As with dogs, video of the cat when it is alone should form part of the assessment.
Cats have a uniquely direct relationship with their environment, being able utilise resources as and when they need. In a domestic setting, outdoor access and resources such as food are often under the control of the owner, with the cat only having access by negotiating with the owner. This can be frustrating and stressful, since owners are unpredictable and may spend long times away from the home. Attachment problems in cats are therefore often accompanied by [[Frustration-Related Feline Aggression Towards People|frustration related aggression]] and stress-related [[Indoor Marking - Cat|urine spraying]].
Cats have a uniquely direct relationship with their environment, being able utilise resources as and when they need. In a domestic setting, outdoor access and resources such as food are often under the control of the owner, with the cat only having access by negotiating with the owner. This can be frustrating and stressful, since owners are unpredictable and may spend long times away from the home. Attachment problems in cats are therefore often accompanied by [[Frustration-Related Feline Aggression Towards People|frustration related aggression]] and stress-related [[Indoor Marking - Cat|urine spraying]].