Cats suffer from separation anxiety when left alone by their owners.
Cats suffer from separation anxiety
According to new research, more than one in ten cats exhibit behavioural issues when apart from their humans.
Reported behavioural problems include aggressiveness, depression, excessive vocalisation and inappropriate urination and defecation.
The new study concluded that despite their distant reputation, cats' social nature means that they can develop bonds with owners.
The author of the study, Daiana de Souza Machado of Brazil's Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, said: ''This study provides information about behavioural signs consistent with separation-related problems (SPR) in a sampled population of domestic cats.''
She also suggested that the study could help further exploration into the mindset of the animals.
Machado explained: ''The study identified that about 13 per cent of cats may have signs consistent with SRP according to their owners' reports, and therefore, it could be a promising tool for future research investigating SRP in cats.''