Cats are sensitive animals, but did you know that cats can experience stress and anxiety, just like people? If you suffer from anxiety, you know it’s no fun. And you definitely don’t want your cat to feel worried, stressed, or overwhelmed. Changes to their home or routine, new additions to the family, vet visits, or traveling can easily stress out your cat. In order to comfort them, you need to create a safe and comfortable environment while providing reassurance and predictability.
Common Stressful Situations for Cats:
- Addition of another person or pet to the family
- Changes to their daily routine
- Changes to their environment, such as moving to a new home or traveling
- Conflict with other cats, either other cats in the home or community cats in the area
- Lack of mental stimulation and enrichment
- Loud Noises like fireworks or thunderstorms
- Medical issues
- Sharing their litter box
- Vet visits
Common Signs of Anxiety in Cats:
- Aggression, such as hissing, swatting, or biting
- Changes in activity level
- Changes in appetite
- Change in litter box habits, such as Increased or decreased urination or defecation outside the litter box
- Changes in social behavior, either being more attention-seeking or more reclusive than usual
- Destructive Behavior such as scratching furniture or chewing cords
- Excessive meowing or yowling
- Excessive purring as a means of self-soothing
- Hiding
- Over-grooming, leading to fur loss or skin irritation
How to Calm an Anxious Cat:
Provide a quiet space where your cat can hide out like a bedroom, closet, or cozy nook with a bed, blankets, and toys.
Use pheromone diffusers or sprays like Feliway to help create a calming environment.
Play with your cat! Interactive playtime provides both mental stimulation and physical exercise. Playtime reduces stress and anxiety by redirecting your cat's energy toward something fun.
Try to maintain a consistent schedule for meals, playtime, and bedtime. Predictability and routines can help reduce anxiety. Cats love to keep to a schedule!
Spend quality time with your cat! Many cats feel safe when they are with their owners. Just make sure to let them come to you and avoid forcing interaction if they are stressed.
Use familiar smells, such as your scent on a blanket or T-shirt, to comfort an anxious cat, especially if they are away from the home like traveling in their carrier or at the vet.
Stress in cats can be related to health problems so scheduling a thorough examination with your veterinarian can help rule out any underlying medical issues. A vet can also recommend calming supplements or prescription medications as needed.
Recognizing the causes and signs of anxiety are crucial to developing an appropriate plan for managing your cat’s stress. Providing a safe space, maintaining a routine, offering mental and physical stimulation, and spending quality time together can help alleviate stress and keep your cat healthy and happy.
Love, Nala
