Did you know that cats can suffer from stress? It’s easy to make light of cats’ chilly and distant personalities. Fluffy, after all, does bite us just for fun, and she has a tendency to leave dead animals as a thank-you gift for all of the food, toys, treats, and lap space we provide her. However, at the end of the day, our feline friends are highly emotional. They can experience loneliness, grief, fear, worry, and simply tension. In this article, a local Bel Air, MD veterinarian addresses feline stress.

What Do Cats Stress Over?

It may seem like our feline pals have it pretty easy. After all, they lay around all day, looking cute and lounging about. However, they can get distressed about things. 

Fluffy might become stressed for a lot of reasons. Moving, bringing a new pet into the house, and changing ownership are all quite stressful for cats. Fluffy may also be afraid owing to past injuries or experiences. Loud noises might cause anxiety in our feline companions. Conflict with other pets can also be a significant issue. Boredom and loneliness can also be detrimental to your kitty friend. Senior kitties may be upset over age-related changes. Consult your veterinarian if you don’t know why your pet is stressed.

What Are The Signs Of Stress In Cats?

Fluffy can’t tell you how she feels, but if you pay attention, you can get an idea of your kitty’s overall mood and state of being. You should keep an eye out for warning signs.

Some of these include:

• Hiding
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fast breathing
• Excessive or unusual vocalization.
• Clinginess
• Pacing
• Nervousness
• Aggression
• Spraying
• Weight Gain or Loss
• Lack Of AppetiteNot wishing to be touched or petted
• Litterbox problems
• Overzealous grooming
• Consuming non-food items

Additionally, you can gain insight from Fluffy’s posture and nonverbal communication. Anxious cats sometimes have dilated pupils and may lick their noses. They may also keep their ears flat on their head and their whiskers pulled back. Their tails may droop or be tucked up close to their bodies. Fluffy may stoop or hunch frequently rather than laying herself over the back of the couch as a joyful, calm cat would. She also may not want to lay on her back, exposing her vulnerable belly.

It is critical to recognize that many of these symptoms can indicate illness. It’s essential to have Fluffy examined by her veterinarian to ensure that there isn’t a medical problem.

How Do I Calm My Stressed-Out Cat?

You can do things to make Fluffy feel more at peace. Of course, determining the underlying cause of your cat’s fear is critical. You may need to take a somewhat different approach with a scared rescue cat who is still learning to trust than you would with a feline who is terrified of your dog.

If you have other pets and you know or believe there is conflict between them, you may need to take further precautions. One important consideration is having enough resources for all of your pets. Make certain that Fluffy does not have to compete with her roommates for food, water, toys, or litterbox space. For more information, consult with your veterinarian.

How Do I Make My Stressed-Out Cat Feel Safe?

Creating a comfortable and enjoyable environment for Fluffy can go a long way. You’ll need to create an environment in which your worried pet can feel safe and comfortable. Fortunately, converting your home into a kitty luxury palace is simple.

First and foremost, ensure that your cat is receiving proper care. A healthy kitty-care routine includes adequate food, fresh water, a clean litterbox, and frequent veterinary care.

That aside, here are some other suggestions:

Napping Spots

Make sure your pet has plenty of cozy napping locations. Kitties do not have a preference for beds. Fluffy is perfectly satisfied to curl up on a folded blanket or a pillow placed in a wicker basket, but store-bought ones are equally acceptable.

Give Fluffy Hiding Places

Nervous cats tend to seek refuge in safe, secure environments. Cats prefer tiny settings because they feel protected when nothing can surprise them. Fluffy might like an enclosed kitty condo or a cat tower with enclosed areas. You can also provide boxes and create nooks and crannies for your pet beneath the bed or behind the couch.

Provide Small Comforts

As you may have noticed, our feline pals really relish feeling comfortable. While you don’t have to transform your home into a luxurious cat palace, there are a few things you can do. We strongly suggest having a cat tower that provides vertical space. Fluffy has limited vision at ground level and often feels safer from a vantage position where she can see what is going on around her. Boxes and Paper shopping bags with the handles cut off will be beneficial to your pet. Small gestures, such as leaving a lamp and radio on while you are away, would also be appreciated by your furry friend.

Offer A Good Scratching Post

Scratching is a necessary feline activity. Fluffy is programmed with an instinctual need to take care of her claws. After all, she relies on them in nature for hunting, escaping danger, and defense. Scratching can also be calming for cats. Give your feline companion a tower, pole, or board to do her nails on.

Window Seat

One simple way to keep that little engine running is to give your kitty companion a window seat with a good view. Fluffy is able to combine three of her favorite activities: sunbathing, napping, and viewing local wildlife.

Toys and Playtime

Both entertainment and physical activity can help cats relax. For starters, racing after that elusive red dot or pouncing on that catnip mouse will allow Fluffy to expend any worried energy she has. She’ll be naturally more relaxed afterward. This is similar to going for a run to relieve the stress of a terrible day. Just making an effort to hold a string toy for Fluffy to pounce on lets your pet realize you’re doing something for her. This will help her feel loved and secure … which is really what all kitties want.

Playing can also boost your pet’s confidence. Cats must concentrate in order to execute those intricate run/pounce maneuvers. Achieving a difficult pounce might boost your pet’s confidence.

Positive Feedback 

Always prioritize positive reinforcement and make every interaction with you enjoyable and soothing. 

Anxiety can sometimes lead to cats misbehaving. A scared cat, for example, may urinate outside the litter box. Punishing your cat for this may worsen her fear and lead her to avoid the litterbox even more. 

It’s also crucial to note that some cats are naturally fearful. (We know that some of our feline friends are pretty daring and fearless, but even courageous kitties can get startled quickly.) 

Calming Products

Kitty-calming products may also be useful. Follow the package instructions exactly, and consult your Bel Air, MD veterinarian for advice and recommendations.

Ask Your Vet About Medication 

In many cases, seeing to the other things we’re listing will make a huge difference. Some of our feline companions may benefit from it. This is something you’d need to discuss with your vet. Never give Fluffy anything unless her doctor approves it! 

Routine 

There isn’t as much to do on a daily basis with cats as there is with dogs. Fluffy won’t need to be walked, and she’ll handle scheduling her 43 daily naps on her own. However, attempt to keep a predictable mealtime and playtime schedule.

Last but not least, make sure your kitty friend knows she is cherished. You don’t want to force attention on her, but doing small things like giving her a forehead boop as you walk by, talking to her, giving her treats, and letting her curl up with you at night can make her feel appreciated.

Schedule An Appointment At Our Bel Air, MD Pet Clinic

Do you need to book an appointment at our animal hospital? Please contact us at your nearest Bel Air, MD animal clinic right away!