Stress and anxiety can be bad for your cat’s physical and mental health, so that’s why we will go through all the ways to reduce cat stress and anxiety. Stress is a fast reaction to potential threats, whereas anxiety is a state of restlessness and apprehension brought on by the prospect of danger. Stress or anxiety in a cat can have a serious negative impact on its health.
You will discover various indications of stress and anxiety in cats in this article, along with some potential reasons or triggers. You’ll discover how to successfully lessen your cat’s stress and anxiety so they can enjoy a happier and healthier life.
Signs of Cat Anxiety and Stress
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Quick heartbeat
- Accelerated breathing
- Avoiding making eye contact
- Dilated eyes
- Trembling
- Salivation
- Hiding
- Ears in back
- Improper bathroom behavior (refusing to use the litter box or spraying)
- Either a piloerection or unruly hair
- A destructive attitude
- Aggression
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Cat Stress And Anxiety: Causes and Consequences
Anxiety typically arises from the linkage of earlier painful events or from changes to a cat’s established routines. Cats are creatures of habit, so even the slightest alterations to their usual surroundings or routines can cause them tension and anxiety. New sounds, a new companion, a move, a change in the litter or food, and a visit to the vet are all well-known triggers of stress and anxiety in cats.
An worried or disturbed cat will exhibit abnormal habits, struggle with socialization, be more vulnerable to illness, and be perpetually ill. Our cats’ pleasure and wellbeing should always come first as cat owners. Before the problem worsens and becomes more difficult to resolve or your cat experiences any bodily concerns, it is preferable to address your cat’s anxiety and tension. Since anxiety often worsens over time, it is definitely advised to address the problem as soon as possible.
Management of Cat Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and stress in cats are often managed using a combination of behavioral modification strategies, environment modifications, and, in rare circumstances, the use of herbal remedies and prescription pharmaceuticals.
The first step is to determine the source of the cat’s anxiety and make a plan to make the required adjustments. There is no one remedy that works in all situations, but there are some suggestions to help lower your cat’s tension and anxiety that could be very beneficial.
The 10 Ways to Reduce Your Cat’s Anxiety and Stress
1. Be sure to rule out any illness
An anxious or stressed cat will experience pain and discomfort. Therefore, the first step will be to ensure that your cat is neither hurt or ill. In order to rule out the possibility that an underlying medical condition is the root of your cat’s fear, a thorough physical examination of the entire body, possibly some blood testing, and diagnostic imaging will be required. If your cat exhibits abrupt behavioral changes, a trip to the vet clinic is essential.
2. Ensure That Your Cat’s Needs Are Satisfied
Although it may seem obvious, you’d be shocked at how often cat owners fail to recognize when their cats’ needs aren’t being satisfied.
- a diet that is nourishing, sufficient, and suitable for cats, appropriate for your cat’s age and level of activity.
- water that is always fresh and clean.
- a single or two clean, spacious litter boxes that are located in a calm, secure area. The litter should be pleasing to your cat and should not have any unpleasant flavors or textures.
- a cozy and secure place to sleep. Cats like locations that offer them protection, comfort, and a clear view of their surroundings. Look at the Hepper’s Pod Bed, which checks off every box.
- a location to scratch that will aid in maintaining optimum claw condition.
- A range of toys can easily provide both physical and cerebral stimulation. Toys for the cat should be changed frequently to keep them interesting and engaging.
- kind and caring. Cats may appear aloof and chilly, yet they require your love and compassion just like any other living thing. However, be mindful of your cat’s limitations and avoid overdoing it. Make an effort to give your cat the attention and cuddles she craves if she comes by.
- The majority of cats are solitary creatures that require their own space. It can be highly upsetting for cats to have children crawl all over them or to have to share a place with other animals. Make sure the cat has access to some private space and time whenever it needs it.
3. Observe Your Environment
Look for any obvious changes in the cat’s environment that might be giving it distress. new animals, children, new foods, and noises? Any routine or environmental change should be planned carefully and presented to cats gradually. Cats are quite sensitive to changes, but they become even more so if they are anxious. Before a crisis arises, you may control your worry by identifying the exact event that is creating it.
4. The Social Setting
You must make sure there is no displacement or violent behavior amongst cats in families with many cats. Each cat should have access to food, water, and a secure area where it can feel comfortable. As a good multi-cat owner, you should always be aware of the cat’s interaction to ensure that every cat may feel comfortable. Hormonal changes can alter the cat’s social relationships. Separate the cats and begin with some instruction in positive socializing if you observe hostility and displacement.
5. Understand Separation Anxiety
Pets often struggle with separation anxiety. Try leaving interactive toys and entertainment if you must be gone for the majority of the day at work to keep your cat entertained. Avoid making a big deal out of leaving or returning home. If none of these solutions work, you might want to think about hiring a pet sitter or adopting another cat to keep your lonely cat company while you’re away.
6. Put pheromone diffusers to use
Diffusers of synthetic pheromones help cats relax and feel secure by providing them a signal that makes them feel good. Depending on whether you have a single cat or a household with several cats, different formulations are available. Pheromone diffusers are a very powerful way to make your cat feel safe, secure, and at home in a strange environment, albeit they may take some time to start working.
7. Use a cat calming spray
Cat soothing sprays are available in a variety of flavors on the market. Some function as pheromone diffusers, while others feature calming herb mixtures. If you currently use pheromone diffusers at home, the same brand’s travel and on-the-go spray could be quite helpful. It can be applied to the blankets in the hotel room, car, or transport box and will make your cat feel secure and at home wherever it is.
8. Play some soothing music.
Yes, soothing music can be quite helpful for some anxious cats. Giving your cat, who is prone to anxiety, a more cat-friendly atmosphere is worth a try.
9. Plan and Apply Techniques for Desensitization and Training
For cats, traveling can be a little stressful. Gaining your cat’s trust and comfort in the travel box will be aided by teaching it to enter it on its own initiative and developing pleasant associations with it. The cat should typically receive a reward for repeatedly entering the travel box. The cat will feel more assured thanks to such treats.
10. Utilize tranquilizers
Choline, L-theanine, -casozepine, and L-tryptophan are a few vitamins that can help your cat cope with anxiety.
L-tryptophan and -casozepine have both been shown to be successful in lowering the anxiety in cats. A bioactive peptide derived from the casein protein found in cow’s milk, -casozepine has benzodiazepine-like anxiolytic properties. L-tryptophan is a crucial amino acid in the synthesis of serotonin, the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitter.
Tea leaves contain the amino acid L-theanine, which has been shown to have demonstrated anti-anxiety properties in both people and animals. Dopamine is a neurochemical that is associated to sensations of pleasure and well-being. Choline is a precursor to dopamine.
11. Ask the vet if cat antianxiety medications could be appropriate.
Consult your veterinarian about the option of long-term or short-term anxiety drugs if none of the aforementioned remedies prove effective in easing your cat’s worry and anxiety. The veterinarian will be able to recommend a medication to assist your cat relax based on its individual needs.
Since the majority of instances can be resolved spontaneously without the need of these medications, we advise saving this option for last. The drugs are often addictive and may have side effects. They are a useful last resort, but be careful to exhaust all other possibilities first.
Ways To Reduce Cat Stress And Anxiety: Final Thoughts
It is best to take action quickly if your cat experiences worry or stress in order to prevent needless suffering and case complications. Before considering the potential of anti-anxiety prescription meds, there are numerous behavioral and natural alternatives to try after making sure there are no underlying medical issues causing your cat’s stress.
Read more: 4 Ways to De-Stress Your Cat!