It’s easy to make fun of cats’ chilly and distant personalities. After all, Fluffy is known to bite for fun, and she has a history of leaving us dead animals as a thank-you present for all of the food, toys, treats, and lap space we provide. But despite all that, cats are really quite sensitive little animals. They, too, can experience loneliness, sadness, fear, worry, and stress. This article by a local Longwood, FL veterinarian examines stress in cats.
How Can I Tell If My Cat is Stressed?
Fluffy cannot tell you how she feels, but if you pay attention, you may get a sense of your cat’s overall attitude and state of being. You’ll want to watch for behavioral indications.
Some of these include the following:
- Hiding
- Not wanting to be touched or petted
- Litterbox difficulties
- Excessive grooming
- Eating non-food (Paper, carpet, etc.)
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Unusual or excessive vocalization
- Clinginess
- Pacing
- Nervousness
- Aggression
- Spraying
- Weight Loss or Gain
You may also learn from Fluffy’s posture and body language. Anxious cats typically have dilated pupils and may lick their noses. They may also hold their ears flat against their head and pull their whiskers back, and their tails may droop or be kept tucked tight to their bodies. Fluffy may also stoop or hunch over, and she may sit in a loaf position rather than drape herself over the back of the couch the way a cheerful, calm cat would. She also probably won’t feel safe enough to lay on her back and expose her belly, which is her most vulnerable spot.
It’s crucial to remember that many of these symptoms might also indicate illness. Fluffy should be evaluated by her veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.
How Can I Calm a Stressed Cat?
There are steps you may take to make Fluffy feel more at peace. Of course, you’ll need to determine the core reason for your cat’s fear. A frightened rescue kitty that is just starting to trust humans may require a different approach than a feline who is scared of the dog next door.
If you have other pets and know or believe there is tension among them, you may need to take extra precautions. One critical thing here is guaranteeing that there are enough supplies for all of your animal friends. Make sure Fluffy does not have to compete with her roommates for food, water, toys, attention, or litterbox space.
Contact your veterinarian for further information.
How Can I Make My Stressed-Out Cat Feel More At Home?
First and foremost, make sure your cat is receiving excellent care. A proper cat care regimen includes proper food, fresh water, a clean litterbox, and regular veterinary care. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Aside from that, making your home pleasant and enjoyable for Fluffy will go a long way. You’ll need to create a setting in which your worried furball feels safe and comfortable. Lucky for you, it’s not hard to turn your house into a palace for cats.
Comfy Napping Spots: Provide plenty of comfortable sleeping locations for your pet. Kitties are not choosy about their bedding. Store-bought beds are wonderful, but Fluffy is also quite pleased to cuddle up on a folded blanket or cushion in a wicker basket. (She may also sleep on your laptop, but that’s another topic.)
Hiding Places: Nervous cats frequently seek refuge in safe and secure places. Cats often prefer small, confined settings because they feel safer when nothing can sneak up on them. Fluffy may like a kitty condo or a cat tower with enclosed areas. You can also provide boxes and create small nooks and crannies for your pet below the bed or behind the couch.
Kitty Comforts: We suggest giving your pet a cat tower with vertical space. Fluffy doesn’t have a good perspective from ground level and frequently feels safer from a higher vantage point where she can observe what’s going on around her. Paper shopping bags with the handles cut off, as well as boxes, will appeal to your pet. Small gestures, such as keeping a lamp and radio on while you are away, can also help your feline pal feel more at ease.
Scratching Posts: Scratching is a normal kitty activity. Fluffy has an instinctual urge to take care of her claws. After all, she relies on them for survival in the wilderness. Scratching can also be quite calming for cats. Provide a tower, pole, or board for your kitty friend to do her nails on.
Window Seat: One simple but crucial thing you can do to keep that little motor running is to provide your feline companion a window seat with a good view. Fluffy gets to enjoy three of her favorite activities: sunbathing, resting, and viewing local animals.
Toys and Playtime: Both entertainment and physical activity can help cats cope with stress. For one thing, running after that elusive red dot or pouncing on that catnip mouse will let Fluffy expend any nervous energy she may have. She’ll naturally feel calmer after that, as she’ll be tired. (This is comparable to someone going for a run to relieve tension after a hard day.) Also, when you take the time to hold a string toy for your feline friend, she will realize you’re doing something just for her. This will make her feel cherished and protected.
Playing can also help your pet build confidence. Cats do have to concentrate to coordinate those complex run/pounce combos. Mastering a difficult pounce might give your shy kitty a great boost of self-esteem.
Positive Feedback: Cats may act inappropriately due to stress and anxiety. For example, a scared cat may urinate outside of the litterbox. We know, this is frustrating, but punishing your cat may worsen her nervousness and cause her to avoid using the litterbox even more. That’s the last thing you would want in that situation.
It is also important to recognize that cats are naturally fearful. (We understand that some of our feline friends are rather brazen and fearless, but even courageous kitties may be spooked easily.) Always use positive reinforcement and make sure each interaction with you is pleasant and peaceful for your furry friend.
Calming Products: Pet-calming products, such as treats and sprays, may also be beneficial. Contact your veterinarian for particular advice and recommendations, and follow the package directions exactly.
Medication: Some of our feline companions may benefit from medicine. Consult your veterinarian about your cat’s stress and behavior, and ask for advice. Never give Fluffy anything unless her doctor recommends it.
Consistent Routine: Cats have less on their daily agendas than dogs. Fluffy will not need to be walked, and she will manage her 43 daily naps on her own. However, you should try to maintain a consistent routine for mealtimes and playtime. Kitties are very much creatures of habit!
Finally, make sure your kitty companion feels loved. You don’t want to force attention on her, but doing simple things like giving her a forehead boop as you go by, chatting at her, offering her treats, and allowing her to snuggle up with you at night can all make her feel comfy, safe, and loved.
What Are The Major Causes Of Stress In Cats?
Fluffy may feel stressed about a lot of issues. Big changes are a major concern. Moving, bringing a new pet into the house, and changing ownership are all stressful experiences for cats. Fluffy may also be scared because of previous hurts or experiences. Loud noises might disturb our feline friends. Conflict with other pets can be a serious concern for pets as well. Even boredom and loneliness may have an impact on your kitty companion. If you’re not sure why your pet appears anxious, see your veterinarian.
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