10 Cats And 10 Dogs That Struggle The Most With Separation Anxiety

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Border Collie and an orange kitten lying together.
Onmeatandruin/Reddit

Separation anxiety is not limited to humans, it can deeply affect our pets as well. Both cats and dogs are capable of forming strong emotional bonds with their human companions, making prolonged periods of separation a challenge for some breeds. While separation anxiety can manifest in different ways, such as destructive behaviors, excessive vocalizations, or stress, certain breeds are more prone to this condition due to their temperament, energy levels, or social needs. Here, we explore 10 cat and 10 dog breeds that are particularly susceptible to separation anxiety.

1. Japanese Bobtail

Japanese bobtail
Cong H/Pexels

The Japanese Bobtail is a breed that thrives on attention and interaction, making it more prone to separation anxiety. With its playful and active nature, this breed requires regular mental and physical stimulation. Japanese Bobtails are known for their intelligence and love for games like fetch, often forming strong bonds with their human families. When left alone for extended periods, they may become restless and exhibit signs of distress. To prevent this, it’s crucial to provide plenty of enrichment activities, such as interactive toys and climbing structures. 

2. Turkish Van

Turkish Van cat with yellow eyes
BadMelody/Pixabay

The Turkish Van is an affectionate and adventurous breed that thrives on companionship. Known for their striking coats and unique eyes, these cats love spending time with their humans and can struggle when left alone. Turkish Vans enjoy activities such as leash walks and exploring new environments. However, their high need for attention can lead to separation anxiety if left unattended for long durations. To keep your Turkish Van happy, include them in as many activities as possible and ensure they have stimulating toys and opportunities for play. 

3. Bengal

Bengal cat with a collar
Pixabay

The Bengal Cat, with its wild ancestry and stunning marbled coat, is a breed that requires constant stimulation and interaction. Bengals are highly intelligent, energetic, and curious, often seeking activities that challenge their mental and physical abilities. When left alone for extended periods, they can become destructive or exhibit signs of anxiety due to their need for companionship. These cats thrive with active pet parents who can dedicate time to indoor or outdoor adventures, such as play sessions or leash walks. 

4. Ocicat

Ocicat
alexvol2014/123rf

The Ocicat is a playful and affectionate breed known for its wild-looking spots and people-oriented personality. These cats form strong bonds with their families, often favoring one person the most. Ocicats are energetic and vocal, requiring frequent enrichment and social interaction to prevent anxiety. When left alone for too long, they can become restless and exhibit behaviors like excessive meowing or destructive tendencies. Providing interactive toys, puzzles, and plenty of playtime can help keep an Ocicat content.

5. Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest cat with green eyes.
Kanashi/Pexels

The Norwegian Forest Cat, often referred to as “Skogkatt” in its native Scandinavia, is a majestic breed known for its dense, water-resistant coat and love for outdoor adventures. While they are independent in some ways, these cats crave stimulation and can experience separation anxiety if their environment lacks enrichment. Norwegian Forest Cats love climbing, observing wildlife, and engaging in playful activities. To keep them happy, provide cat trees, scratching posts, and interactive toys. They thrive in homes where they have opportunities for physical and mental engagement. 

6. LaPerm

LaPerm
Master1305/Freepik

The LaPerm, recognized for its curly, soft coat, is a breed that craves attention and thrives on interaction. Originating from a spontaneous mutation on an Oregon farm, these cats are active and curious by nature. They often form strong attachments to their owners and may become distressed when left alone for long periods. Providing a variety of toys, climbing options, and engaging activities can help alleviate their anxiety. LaPerms are best suited for families or individuals who can spend ample time with them.

7. Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex
Adrian/Pixabay

The Selkirk Rex is a unique breed with a plush, wavy coat and an affectionate personality. These cats are known for their laid-back temperament but can struggle with being left alone for extended periods. Selkirk Rex cats form strong bonds with their families, often seeking cuddles and close companionship. Their need for social interaction makes them prone to separation anxiety when left unattended. To keep them content, ensure a variety of toys, interactive games, and consistent engagement.

8. Somali

Somali Cat
grase/123rf

The Somali, a descendant of the Abyssinian, is a graceful and athletic breed known for its striking coat and energetic personality. These cats are highly sociable and thrive in households with plenty of interaction. Somalis form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy the company of other pets, making them less prone to anxiety in multi-pet homes. However, when left alone without proper enrichment or companionship, they can become stressed and exhibit destructive behaviors. To keep your Somali happy, provide climbing opportunities, interactive toys, and regular playtime.

9. British Shorthair

British Shorthair cat with grey fur and yellow eyes.
Gruendercoach/Pixabay

The British Shorthair is a calm and dignified breed known for its stocky build, dense coat, and charming personality. While they are generally more independent compared to other breeds, they can still develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods without proper mental stimulation. British Shorthairs thrive with consistent routines and enjoy having access to climbing structures or cat trees. While they may not demand constant attention, they appreciate the presence of their human family and can become lonely without it. 

10. Siamese

siamese cat
ubyquit/pixabay

The Siamese is one of the most affectionate and vocal cat breeds, known for its striking appearance and strong bond with its owners. Originating from Thailand, this breed thrives on interaction and attention, making it highly prone to separation anxiety. Siamese cats often follow their favorite person around the house and enjoy engaging in activities like playing fetch or solving puzzles. When left alone for extended periods, they may become anxious, vocal, or destructive. To keep a Siamese cat happy, consider providing a companion animal for additional company. 

11. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever playing with a ball in the water.
Thijs van der Weide/Pexels

Labrador Retrievers are among the most social dog breeds, known for their friendly and loving personalities. These dogs thrive in environments where they are surrounded by their human companions. Labs often struggle with separation anxiety because of their deep bond with their owners. When left alone for extended periods, they may exhibit behaviors like barking, chewing, or pacing. To prevent this, provide your Lab with plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Interactive toys and consistent exercise can help reduce anxiety.

12. Border Collie

Border Collie dog carrying a frisbee.
Brixiv/Pexels

Border Collies are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that require consistent mental and physical engagement. Their exceptional intelligence makes them quick learners, but it also means they can become easily bored when left alone. This boredom often translates into destructive behaviors, such as chewing or digging, as a way to cope with their anxiety. As herding dogs, Border Collies are naturally attuned to their environment and thrive on routine and interaction. To manage their separation anxiety, ensure they have access to puzzle toys, outdoor activities, and regular playtime. 

13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Doğan Alpaslan Demir /pexels

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate lap dogs bred for companionship, which makes them particularly prone to separation anxiety. These gentle and sociable pups thrive on human interaction and often become anxious when left alone for too long. Signs of their anxiety may include whining, barking, or pacing. To prevent this, provide a consistent routine and consider leaving comforting items like your scent or calming music when you’re away. Cavaliers do best in households where someone is frequently present or where they can share their home with other pets.

14. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier playing with colorful balls.
NickTrumblePixabay

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, energetic breed originally bred for hunting and working. These dogs have an instinct to stay busy and can become restless when left without a task or human interaction. Their high energy levels mean they’ll often resort to digging, chewing, or other destructive behaviors to alleviate boredom and anxiety. To keep your Jack Russell content, ensure they have plenty of toys, regular walks, and interactive games. Engaging their minds with activities like puzzle toys or training exercises can be highly beneficial.

15. German Shepherd

German shepherd
Gribouillle/Pixabay

German Shepherds are fiercely loyal and protective dogs that are deeply attached to their families. Their pack-oriented nature makes them prone to separation anxiety when left alone. This breed may exhibit behaviors such as whining, barking, or even destructive chewing when they feel isolated. German Shepherds, being intelligent and energetic, need regular mental and physical engagement to stay happy and healthy. Providing toys, structured exercise routines, and obedience training can help alleviate their anxiety.

16. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd sitting by a lake, looking confident.
Torstensimon/Pixabay

Australian Shepherds are smart and energetic herding dogs that flourish with routine and interaction. Their sensitivity to changes in their environment or routine makes them susceptible to separation anxiety. Aussies need consistent mental and physical challenges to stay happy and balanced. Without enough stimulation, they may become anxious and develop destructive behaviors like excessive barking or chewing. To manage their needs, provide plenty of exercise, interactive toys, and opportunities to learn new skills or tricks.

17. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise standing beside a person on a wooden staircase.
Erik Mclean/Pexels

The Bichon Frise is a friendly and sociable breed recognized for its affectionate nature. These dogs flourish in the presence of companionship and tend to form strong bonds with their owners. While their loyalty makes them wonderful pets, it also means they can struggle with separation anxiety when left alone. Signs of distress may include excessive barking, whining, or destructive behaviors. To help your Bichon Frise feel more secure, maintain a consistent routine and provide comfort items, such as your scent or calming toys. These dogs are well-suited for households where they can enjoy regular interaction.

18. Vizsla

Vizsla standing on a sandy beach with grass tufts
Martine552/Pixabay

The Vizsla, a Hungarian hunting breed, is known for its high energy and affectionate nature. 

Commonly referred to as “Velcro dogs” due to their strong attachment to their owners, Vizslas thrive when actively involved in family activities. Their need for constant companionship makes them prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. To manage their energy and anxiety levels, provide daily exercise, mentally stimulating activities, and plenty of affection. Vizslas thrive in active households where they can participate in outdoor adventures.

19. German Shorthaired Pointer

A German Shorthaired Pointer running across a frozen, icy surface wearing a colorful collar.
Gabe/Pexels

German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent and energetic hunting dogs that form strong bonds with their families. Bred to work closely with humans, these dogs often struggle with feelings of isolation when left alone for long periods. Separation anxiety in this breed may manifest as barking, digging, or other destructive behaviors. To keep your German Shorthaired Pointer happy, ensure they receive daily exercise, such as long walks or runs, and engage them in games that challenge their minds.

20. Toy Poodle

toy poodle
Satoshi Kawaguchi/pixabay

Toy Poodles are affectionate and intelligent dogs that have been bred primarily as companions. They form strong bonds with their owners and may become anxious if left alone for long periods. This breed may exhibit signs of separation anxiety, such as whining, barking, or attempting to escape confinement. To manage their anxiety, provide consistent interaction, regular mental stimulation, and comforting items like your scent. Toy Poodles are ideal for individuals or families who can spend ample time with them, ensuring they feel secure and loved.

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