Helping Kitty Cope: Stress In Cats

It’s easy to make fun of cats’ chilly and distant personalities. After all, Fluffy is known to bite her humans just for fun, and she has a history of leaving dead animals as a (rather rude) thank you gift for all of the food, toys, treats, and lap space we provide. However, cats are extremely emotional little animals. They, too, can experience loneliness, grief, fear, anxiety, and stress. We’re focusing on the latter two in this article. This essay by a local Askov, MN veterinarian examines stress in cats.

How Can I Calm a Stressed Cat?

There are steps you may take to make Fluffy feel more at peace. Of course, it’s always best to address the underlying cause. A frightened rescue cat that is just starting to trust may require a different approach than a feline who is terrified of your dog. Try to determine the root cause of your cat’s fear.

If you have other pets and know or believe there is conflict between them, you may need to take extra precautions to soothe tensions. Making sure that all of your pets have what they need is very important. Fluffy should not have to compete with her housemates for food, water, toys, litterbox space, or your attention. Contact your Askov, MN veterinarian for further information.

How Can I Make My Stressed-Out Cat Feel More At Home?

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. Fortunately, it is not difficult to transform your home into a kitty luxury palace.

TLC: First and foremost, make sure your cat is receiving excellent care. Proper food, fresh water, a clean litterbox, and routine veterinary treatment are all essential components of a proper cat care regimen. Healthy cats are happy cats!

Simple Comforts: While you don’t have to go overboard and transform your home into a luxury kitty palace, there are a few things you may do. Fluffy doesn’t have a good view from ground level and often feels safer from a higher vantage point where she can see what’s going on around her. Offer your pet a cat tower with vertical space. Boxes and paper shopping bags with the handles cut off will appeal to your pet. Small gestures, such as leaving a lamp and radio on while you are away, would also score you some purrs. Ask your Askov, MN vet for more information.

Scratching Posts: Fluffy has a natural need to take care of her claws. After all, she relies on them in the wilderness. Scratching may also be calming for cats. Provide a tower, pole, or board for your kitty friend to sharpen her nails on. (This will also help spare your furniture.)

Napping Spots: Provide plenty of comfortable napping locations for your pet. Kitties are not choosy about their beds, to say the least. Store-bought ones are wonderful, but Fluffy is quite pleased to curl up on a folded blanket or pillow in a wicker basket.

Hiding Places: Nervous cats frequently seek refuge in safe and secure environments. Kitties prefer confined settings because they feel safer when nothing can sneak up on them. Fluffy may prefer an enclosed 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.

Window Seat: One simple but crucial thing you can do to keep that little motor running is to give your feline companion a window seat with a good view. Fluffy will get to enjoy three of her favorite activities: sunbathing, napping, and viewing local wildlife.

Toys and Playtime: Both entertainment and physical activity can help cats cope with stress. For one thing, rushing after that elusive red dot or pouncing on that catnip mouse will allow Fluffy to release any anxious energy she may have. She’ll naturally feel calmer afterward. (This is similar to someone going for a run to relieve tension after a hard day.) Furthermore, when you take the time to hold a string toy, your pet will realize you’re doing something for her. This will make her feel more cherished and safe.

Playing might also help your feline companion build confidence. Kitties do have to concentrate to coordinate those complex run/pounce combos. Achieving a complicated pounce could boost your furry friend’s confidence.

Positive Feedback: Cats may act out occasionally due to stress. For example, a scared cat may urinate outside of the litterbox. Punishing Fluffy may worsen her nervousness and cause her to avoid using the litterbox even more. It is also vital to recognize that cats are naturally fearful. (We understand that some of our feline friends are rather brazen and fearless, but even courageous kitties can be spooked easily.) Always make each interaction with you pleasant and peaceful.

Soothing Products: Kitty-calming products may also be beneficial. Follow the package directions exactly, and contact your veterinarian for advice and recommendations.

Medicine: Some of our feline companions may benefit from medicine. Consult your veterinarian about your cat’s stress and behavior, and ask for recommendations.

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 playtimes.

Finally, make sure your kitty companion feels cherished. You don’t want to draw attention to her, but doing simple things like giving her a forehead boop as you walk by, talking to her, offering her treats, and allowing her to curl up with you at night can help her feel appreciated.

What Are The Causes Of Stress In Cats?

Fluffy can grow stressed over a lot of issues. Medical problems are of course one possibility. 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 can also disturb our feline friends. Conflict with other pets can be a major issue. Even boredom and loneliness can have an impact on your kitty companion!

If you’re not sure why your pet seems stressed, consult your veterinarian. You’ll want to rule out possible health issues.

How Can I Tell If My Pet Cat is Stressed?

Fluffy cannot tell you how she feels, but if you pay attention to her mannerisms and behavior, you can get a sense of your cat’s overall mood and state of being.

Here are some signs of kitty stress:

• Hiding
• Not wanting to be touched or petted
• Litterbox difficulties
• Excessive grooming
• Eating non-food
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Rapid breathing
• Unusual or excessive vocalization
• Clinginess
• Pacing
• Nervousness
• Aggression
• Spraying
• Weight Loss or Gain

You can also learn quite a lot from Fluffy’s posture and body language. Anxious cats typically have dilated pupils and may lick their noses. They may also hold their ears flattened against their head and pull their whiskers back. Their tails may droop or be kept tucked tight to their bodies. Fluffy may stoop or hunch, rather than drape herself over the back of the couch as a relaxed kitty would.

It’s crucial to remember that many of these symptoms might also be indicative of illness. have Fluffy evaluated by her veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.

Book An Appointment At Our Askov, MN Pet Clinic

Do you need to schedule an appointment at our pet hospital? Contact your Askov, MN animal clinic today!