As our lives become increasingly hectic, the number of pet owners in China is also on the rise. Pets bring many benefits to our lives when they accompany us, but do you know how much they miss you when you leave them alone at home to go to work? They experience sadness and loneliness just like us.

Most pets are social animals and thrive in the company of humans or other animals. However, due to factors such as their owners' work schedules or other commitments, pets may not receive enough time and attention, leading them to feel lonely, aggressive, depressed, lethargic, and prone to overeating. These behaviors can lead to serious health and behavioral issues such as obesity and depression, with cats being more prone to obesity and dogs to aggression and other behavioral problems.

All these issues stem from a condition called "separation anxiety," which manifests in symptoms such as excessive vocalization, irregular heartbeat, drooling, irregular elimination habits, and destructive behaviors like scratching and chewing to escape confinement—cats or dogs attempting to flee from their solitary, enclosed homes.

When a cat doesn't have any other physical health issues but exhibits the aforementioned behaviors or to prevent them, the following seven methods can help reduce your pet's loneliness when you're away. Note: In this article, pets refer specifically to cats, dogs, and horses, as they generally have a need for outdoor exploration.

7 Ways to Reduce Pet Loneliness:

Let them see outside

Pets are highly visual creatures. They enjoy watching birds flying outside the window, even if they can't chase them. Just visual stimulation alone can greatly satisfy their senses, especially cats. When cats watch birds fly by the window, they will often chirp incessantly.

Keep them busy

Ensure they have plenty of toys to keep them busy and distract their attention while you're away. Familiar items they like, such as toys, blankets, and cushions, can be used. If you have a cat, make sure there are enough scratching posts/cat trees at home. For dogs, consider training them to sleep in a crate from a young age. Sometimes, I'll put peanut butter in a dog toy, freeze it overnight, and give it to them the next day before leaving, which can distract their attention and teach them that it's not necessarily a negative experience when their owner leaves.

Play music or television

Both visual and auditory stimuli can make pets feel comforted and distracted as long as the volume is at a reasonable level. Studies have shown that cats enjoy classical music, especially violin performances, while dogs prefer a mix of environmental sounds like other dogs barking and human voices. However, playing any type of music generally works.

Provide companionship

Consider getting another pet if it's appropriate and within your means. Ensure it's for the well-being of your pet, not just for your convenience. If your veterinarian believes your pet is healthy enough to live with others, and you have the financial means and time to care for multiple pets properly, then getting another pet can be a good option. Generally, it's recommended to have two cats but only one dog, as explained in the next point.

Consider pet socialization

Cats are solitary animals by nature and can live alone or in groups. However, domestic cats fed by humans don't need to worry about food, so their social tendencies become stronger. Currently, there's very little socialization training for cats in China, so they often feel lonely. Having two cats at home can provide them with excellent companionship, even when the owner is away, allowing them to play together. Dogs are highly social animals and most need exercise. Therefore, they already participate in socialization when they're taken for walks every day. Similarly, finding a consistent playmate for your dog is beneficial and also facilitates socializing for the owner.

Return home more often or seek alternative products/services

If you live close to home and have long lunch breaks, try to come home more often. For cats and dogs, one day feels like 6 to 7 days for humans, so every moment of separation feels like a long time for them. If frequent returns aren't possible due to work commitments, consider using technology products like the Zalebot pet companion robot to interact with them remotely. It's a pet camera that can move indoors, allowing you to find and view your pets anytime, anywhere via your phone and talk to them. When pets hear your familiar voice, they'll feel less anxious.

Exercise them before leaving

Take your dog for a morning jog or walk around the house or play games with your pet. If they've expended a lot of energy earlier in the day, they'll be tired and less worried about you leaving because even if you're gone, they'll be resting. More importantly, they'll start looking forward to the joyful times they spend with you in the morning rather than worrying about you going to work.