Our feline pals are definitely very unique and interesting little pets. After all, Fluffy does like to bite for pleasure, and she has a history of leaving dead animals as a thank-you gift for all of the food, toys, treats, and lap space we provide. Don’t be fooled, though. While we may be able to poke fun at kitties for being cold and aloof, the truth is that cats are extremely emotional little furballs. They, like people, can experience loneliness, grief, fear, worry, and general tension. In this story, a local Haddon Township, NJ vet explains stress in cats.
Why Do Cats Get Stressed?
Fluffy can grow anxious over a wide range of issues. Boredom and loneliness can both be detrimental to your kitty companion. Major changes, conflict with other pets, medical issues, discomfort, trauma, and phobias can also stress Fluffy out.
If you are unsure why your pet is stressed, consult your Haddon Township, NJ veterinarian.
How Do I Know if My Cat Is Stressed?
Fluffy cannot tell you how she feels, but if you pay carefully, you can get a sense of your cat’s overall mood and state of mind. Look for behavioral cues.
Here are a few examples:
• Hiding
• Not wanting to be touched/petted
• Litterbox issues:
• Overgrooming
• Eating non-food items.
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Respiratory Issues
• Unusual or excessive meowing
• Clinginess
• Pacing
• Nervousness
• Aggression
• Spraying
• Weight Loss Or Gain
Fluffy’s posture and body language can also be informative. Anxious kitties frequently have dilated pupils. They may lick their noses, press their ears flat on their head, or pull their whiskers back. Their tails may droop or be tucked tight to their bodies. Fluffy may stoop or hunch over tensely, rather than draping herself over the back of the couch like a calm, relaxed furball would. She might also refuse to lie on her back, which would expose her tummy.
It’s critical to recognize that many of these symptoms might also be indicative of illness. If you notice any of these things, it’s best to have Fluffy examined by her Haddon Township, NJ veterinarian to ensure there isn’t a medical problem to blame.
How Do I Calm a Stressed-Out Kitty?
There are things you can do to make Fluffy feel more at peace. The first thing you’d want to do is determine the source of your cat’s fear. This will definitely affect how you will want to go about addressing the issue. You may need to take a somewhat different approach with a timid rescue cat that is just beginning to trust than you would with a feline who is afraid of your dog.
If you have other pets and know or think there is friction between them, you might need to take extra precautions. First and foremost, make sure that there are enough supplies for all of your pets. Fluffy should not have to compete with her housemates for food, water, toys, or litterbox space. You’ll also need to be careful not to play favorites.
For more information, speak with your Haddon Township, NJ veterinarian.
How Can I Make My Stressed Kitty Feel More At Home?
Making your home pleasant and entertaining for Fluffy isn’t hard, but can really go a long way. You’ll need to create an environment that will help your worried pet feel safe and comfortable. Fortunately, it’s simple to transform your home into a kitty luxury palace.
TLC: First and foremost, ensure that your kitty receives excellent care. A good kitty-care regimen includes good food, fresh water, a clean litterbox, and frequent veterinary visits.
Napping Spots: Give your pet plenty of comfortable napping locations. Kitties aren’t choosy about where they sleep. Fluffy is perfectly satisfied to curl up on a folded blanket or a pillow placed in a wicker basket.
Hiding Places: Nervous cats frequently seek refuge in safe, secure areas. Cats prefer confined settings because they feel most protected when nothing can sneak up on them. Fluffy may like an enclosed kitty condo or a cat tower with enclosed sections. You can also provide boxes and create little nooks and crannies for your pet beneath the bed or behind the couch.
Kitty Comforts: While you don’t have to go all out and transform your home into a luxury kitty palace, there are a few simple things you can do to make your place more comfortable and fun for her. One thing we suggest is offering Fluffy a cat tower that provides vertical room. Your feline pal doesn’t have much of a view from ground level, so it’s no wonder that she feels safer from a vantage position where she can see what’s going on around her.
Your pet will also like items such as paper shopping bags with the handles removed and, of course, boxes. Small gestures, such as leaving a light and radio on when you are going to be out for a while, can also help.
Scratching Posts: Scratching is a natural cat behavior. Fluffy is hardwired to care for her claws. After all, she is reliant on them in the wild. Scratching may also provide some relief for cats. Provide a tower, post, or board for your kitty companion to practice her nails on.
Positive Feedback: Anxiety can occasionally drive cats to misbehave. A scared cat, for example, could urinate outside the litterbox. Punishing your cat may increase her anxiety and cause her to avoid the litterbox even more. It’s also crucial to recognize that cats are naturally fearful creatures. (We know some of our feline friends are fearless, but even the bravest kittens can get rattled by the sound of a kitchen pot banging.)
Always strive for positive reinforcement and try to make every interaction with you enjoyable and relaxing.
Calming Products: Calming products, such as treats and sprays may be beneficial. Follow the package directions exactly, and ask your vet for particular advice and recommendations. Some of our feline friends may also benefit from medicine. Consult your veterinarian about your cat’s stress and behavior and request recommendations.
Routine: Cats have fewer daily activities than dogs. Fluffy won’t need to be walked, and she’ll manage her 43 daily naps on her own. However, it’s best to maintain a predictable mealtime and playtime schedule.
Window Seat: One simple but crucial thing you can do to keep that little motor running is to provide your feline friend a window seat with a good view. Fluffy gets to do three of her favorite things simultaneously: sunbathing, napping, and viewing the local wildlife.
Playtime: Playing might also help your pet friend develop confidence. Cats certainly require concentration to coordinate those complex run/pounce combinations. Mastering a complex pounce might boost your pet’s confidence. Plus, chasing that elusive red dot or pouncing on that catnip mouse will allow Fluffy to expend any worried energy she has. She’ll undoubtedly be calmer afterward. This is similar to going for a run to relieve stress after a rough day. Furthermore, when you take the time to hold a string toy, your pet will understand that you are doing something for her. This will make her feel cherished and safe.
Last but not least, make sure that your feline buddy feels loved. You don’t want to force attention on her, but doing simple things like giving her a forehead boop as you walk by, talking to her, giving her treats, and allowing her to curl up with you at night can make her feel appreciated.
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