Help with the "needy kitty" (furniture, litter, hair)

[mishigas73]

I have two cats, 12 and 7. Have been with me since both were about 6 weeks of age.

I really wouldn't have posted this, except, in my brief time here, I've seen that there are some real kitty lovers here...

So, my 7-year old has become tremendously needy over the past year or so. And, it's come to the point that, if I leave the apartment for only about 10 minutes, I come up the stairs and hear him crying from the other side of the door.

I leave my place during the day, and have done so for all of his life. I also leave for weekends. Of course, making sure that they're taken care of (food, water, litter). I've done that for YEARS.

So, why NOW?

It makes me feel horrible to hear him mewing at the other side of the door when I come back.

It's actually "so bad" that my next-door neighbor (who shares the stairs) confronted me about it. In a nice way....but, STILL.

Ugh. Is there anything I can do about this?

Any suggestions, other than a "kitty sitter", would DEFINITELY be appreciated.

[cleosmom]

Your cat has separation anxiety. You said it's only been going on for a year now? Have there been any changes in the past year in the home? New working hours? New room mate? New furniture? Anything?

Do you leave the TV or stereo on while you're out? I know by doing so that can help them.

[littlelou]

You're right about leaving the radio/tv on. When I first moved to Charlotte, living in an apartment with an upstairs neighbor who worked at home, my cats were freaked out!!! I remembered I left the radio on in Atlanta on a talk station, so it sounded like someone was in the house and the cats never were like that. Started leaving the radio on and no problems!!! Even do it when I leave them overnight or longer...the petsitter says she recommends this to her clients now. She sees how the hairballs are calmer!