My Pet World: How to comfort anxious dogs and restless cats

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Nov 19, 2025

Dear Cathy,

My 3-year-old rescue beagle, Millie, howls every time I leave the house, even if it’s just to take out the trash. My neighbors say she cries the entire time I’m gone from the house. I’ve tried leaving the TV or radio on, but nothing seems to help. How can I get her to feel calmer when I’m not home?

— Janet, Patchogue, New York

Dear Janet,

It sounds like Millie has developed some separation anxiety, which is common in rescue dogs who have experienced change or loss. There are several things you can do to help her feel more secure when you leave.

Start by making departures and arrivals very calm; no big goodbyes or excited greetings. That helps teach Millie that your coming and going is no big deal. You can also try leaving her with a stuffed Kong or puzzle toy with hidden treats, so she associates your absence with something positive. Gradually build her confidence by practicing short separations. Step outside for a few seconds, then return before she starts to howl, and slowly increase the time away. This teaches her that you always come back.

Anxiety wraps can help some dogs feel more secure, as can over-the-counter calming chews or pheromone diffusers. If those don’t help enough, ask your veterinarian about prescription anti-anxiety medication or short-term options to help her during training.

With patience and consistency, Millie can learn that being alone isn’t scary.

Dear Cathy,

I recently adopted two cats I had fostered more than two years ago. One, a male, cries at night when I close my bedroom door, and the female paws at it. I prefer they not sleep in my room or on my bed, but their nightly protests are keeping me awake. Any advice for helping them settle down? Also, I’ve read that cats can get dehydrated and should have multiple water stations. Do you recommend automatic fountains?

— Heidi M.

Dear Cathy,

Congrats on being a new cat mom. Yes, cats often don’t drink enough water, so multiple water stations are a great idea. Some love fountains, others don’t, so you will have to see what your cats prefer. Keep their water in a separate spot from their food. Many cats won’t drink when it’s located next to their meals.

As for the nighttime antics, cats naturally follow a rhythm of play, eat, groom, sleep. Try giving them a good play session before bed, something that lets them chase and pounce, like a wand or laser toy. Then, feed them right afterward. They’ll usually groom themselves and settle in for a nap.

Cats are naturally nocturnal, so it goes against their body clock to stay asleep all night. If you can afford it, I recommend buying a timed laser light and timed feeder that works with their microchip or tag. Set up the laser toy to go off at a certain time in the wee hours of the morning, which will engage their play routine again (while you remain fast asleep), and then time it so their feeder opens after that, prompting the same play, eat, groom, sleep routine. You can also introduce them to a puzzle toy that has treats in it that will keep them entertained — as long as you don't think they will fight over the food resources.

As they adjust to your home and routine, they’ll start sleeping longer stretches at night.

Dear Cathy,

To the woman whose dog is frightened by the motorcycle rally, I would advise her to check with the police about ending that. She and her neighbors are entitled legally to a peaceful home environment.

— Beth Long, Muttontown, New York

Dear Beth,

You’re right; I didn’t even think to mention calling the police. Several readers echoed your suggestion, noting that repeated noise complaints from neighbors might encourage law enforcement to increase their presence and discourage late-night racing or rallies. Thanks for the reminder that sometimes the best solution is a community one.

Follow-up question:

Meg, Papillon, Nebraska, followed up about her cat scratching the furniture. I had advised her to stop clapping or shouting when trying to distract the cat from scratching the furniture, as that can increase a cat’s stress. She asked what she should replace that with.

Instead, use a calm interrupter word, like “Hey” or “Ah-ah,” or toss a soft toy to redirect her, or call her over and reward her with praise or a treat. This creates a new pattern: “hear you, come to you, get rewarded,” instead of “hear noise, get scared, and hide from it."

Thanks for the follow-up.

_____

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)