Curbing your new feline's separation anxiety while you're away from home

It's kitten season, which means that animal shelters all over the country are experiencing an influx of felines young and old. If you're one of the many people who decide to adopt a cat during this time of year, getting him or her adjusted to your home is one of your top priorities. As your cat starts to adjust to your daily schedule, you may start to notice that your furry friend can be a bit destructive or will begin to whine once you leave. These could be the telltale signs of separation anxiety, but there are ways to prevent it. Here are a few tips to get started.

1. Address the unwanted behavior. As much as you may want to spray your furry friend with a water bottle after he or she scratches a pillow or furniture, it's important to get to the heart of why your cat is acting that way. CatChannel.com reports that providing enough mental stimulation is one of the best ways to prevent boredom and potentially destructive behavior. Use interactive toys like puzzle boxes, ping pong balls and other engaging items to give your cat something to do during the day.

2. Cat furniture. Your home may not be the most enthralling environment when you first bring your cat home from a New York animal shelter, so it may be wise to invest in cat furniture. Consider purchasing a cat tree that can be placed near a window. This will give your cat a better view of his or her domain indoors, as well as a chance to watch the wildlife outdoors during the day.

3. Put your clothing in sleeping areas. Scent is a very important element to consider when dealing with separation anxiety, as your smell can help him or her feel more secure. Try placing a T-shirt or towel in your cat's sleeping area that you've recently used. This will lessen the feeling of abandonment that your feline may experience, and it can limit the amount of anxiety he or she feels on a daily basis.

Last but not least, Quality-Cat-Care.com reports that adopting another cat could be a great way to keep your feline stimulated throughout the day. While this may not work in every situation, you may find out that your current cat is far more social than you expected, and the two of them could become lifelong pals.