Feline Stress

Our feline pals are definitely unique. One can easily laugh about how frigid and aloof cats are. Fluffy does, after all, have a tendency to bite us for fun. She also often leaves her preferred humans dead animals as a thank-you gift for all of the food, toys, treats, and lap space we provide. However, even if kitties are adorable serial killers, they are also really emotional, and can experience loneliness, grief, fear, anxiety, and basic stress just as people do. A neighborhood San Rafael, CA veterinarian addresses feline stress in this article.

How Do I Find Out Whether My Cat Is Under Stress?

Fluffy cannot tell you how she feels, but if you pay careful attention, you can get a sense of your cat’s overall mood and state of being. Stressed cats often give off some clear behavioral hints.

• Overgrooming
• Consuming Non-Food Items (Paper, Etc.)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Panting
• Unusual Or Excessive Meows
• Clinginess
• Hiding
• Not Wanting To Be Petted
• Litterbox Problems
• Pacing
• Lack Of Appetite
• Aggression
• Spraying
• Loss Or Gain In Weight

The way Fluffy stands and uses body language also teaches you a bit. Anxious kitties sometimes lick their noses and may have dilated eyes. Fluffy may let her tail droop or tuck it in close to herself. She may also sit in a hunched ‘loaf’ position Instead of draping herself over the back of the couch the way a content, laid-back cat would.

Many of these things can also be indicators of illness. If you notice any, have your pet examined by a San Rafael, CA vet. You want to make sure there’s no medical issue to blame.

How Can I Calm My Anxious Cat?

You may help Fluffy in feeling more comfortable in a few ways. You’ll want to start by determining the underlying cause of your cat’s nervousness. You might have to approach things somewhat differently with a kitty that’s afraid of your dog than you would With a timid rescue cat learning to trust humans after a bad experience.

If you have other pets and are concerned about conflict between them, take further precautions. One of the biggest things here is just making sure you have enough supplies for every one of your pets. Fluffy shouldn’t have to compete for food, water, toys, lap space, or litterbox space. 

How Can I Make My House Comfortable For My Stressed-Out Cat?

Above all, make sure your cat is getting first-rate treatment. Key components of a good kitty-care schedule are fresh water, good food, a clean litterbox, and regular veterinary care. Ask your vet for specifics.

Beyond that, providing Fluffy with a comfortable and enjoyable environment can have a significant impact. You need to create a setting that offers your nervous furball safety and comfort. Luckily, you can easily transform your house into a kitty luxury palace.

Lots Of Lounging Spots

Give your feline friend lots of cozy places to curl up for all those naps. Kitties are not very purrticular about their beds. Store-bought ones are good, but Fluffy is also quite happy to curl up on a folded blanket or cushion kept in a wicker basket. (She may also sleep in the bathtub, but that’s beside the point.)

Safe Spaces

Nervous cats sometimes prefer to withdraw to safe, secure environments. Small areas appeal to cats, since they feel safest when nothing can sneak up on them. Fluffy might appreciate a kitty condo or a cat tower with closed-in levels. You may even set up little nooks and crannies for your pet behind the couch or under the bed. Don’t forget to provide boxes!

Feline Comforts

Little gestures like leaving a light and radio on when you leave will also be appreciated by your pet friend. Catnip may also help get that motor going. Fluffy may also like having some plants to nibble on. Just be sure to stick with safe ones.

Scratching Posts

Fluffy is driven to take care of her claws, so she is hardwired to scratch. She relies on them in the wild, after all. For kittens, scratching can also be really comforting. Give your cat friend a tower, post, or board to use for nail-off work.

Giving your kitty friend a window seat with a beautiful view will help to keep that small but vital motor running. Three of Fluffy’s favorite activities—sunbathing, snoozing, and observing nearby wildlife—get combined.

Toys and Playtime 

Entertainment and movement can both help cats relax. Running after that elusive red dot or pouncing on that catnip mouse will, first of all, provide Fluffy a means to release any worried energy she has. She will naturally be calmer after, as she’ll be tired out. This is akin to someone running or hitting the gym to release the tension of a demanding day. Furthermore, when you spend time holding a string toy, your pet will realize you are doing something for her, and will feel safe and cherished.

Playing also helps your furry friend become more confident. Cats do indeed have to concentrate to master those intricate run/pounce combos. Your furball will also feel more confident after a complex pounce.

Positive Interactions 

Anxiety can occasionally cause cats to act a little mischievous. For example, a scared cat may pee outside the litterbox. This is annoying, but if you reprimand your cat, she can become more anxious, since she might then link your response with the litterbox and avoid it even more. Always keep every interaction with you peaceful and soothing.

Calming Products

You can also look into cat-calming products, such as treats and sprays. These have pheromones which mimic the hormones cats produce when they are calm and happy. Just be sure to ask your veterinarian for particular advice and recommendations; follow package instructions to the letter.

Medication

Some of our feline friends might benefit from anti-anxiety drugs. Talk to your vet, and ask if they have any recommendations. Just don’t give your pet anything unless your vet specifically recommends it.

Steady Routine

With cats, there is less to accomplish on a daily basis than there is with dogs. Fluffy will sort out her 43 daily naps on her own and won’t require walks. However, cats are creatures of habit, and prefer to keep on a steady schedule. For mealtimes and playtimes, though, try to keep a regular calendar.

Love 

Not least of all, make sure your feline friend feels cherished. You want to avoid forcing attention on your furry friend. Tiny gestures like giving her a forehead boop as you pass, chatting with her, treating her, and letting her curl up with you at night can help her feel cherished.

What Stresses Cats Out?

Fluffy can start to worry about almost everything. For kittens, major changes such as moving, a new pet entering the house, getting a new owner, or the loss or addition of a new pet are all quite challenging. Fluffy may also be upset from past trauma or injury. Those are just a few examples, though. Our feline pals can be disturbed by loud noises, age-related changes, and conflict with other pets. Cats can also suffer even from loneliness and boredom. If you aren’t sure why your furball is stressed, ask your San Rafael, CA vet for tips.

Schedule A Visit To Our San Rafael, CA Pet Clinic

Do you need to schedule a visit at our pet hospital? Get in touch with us here at your San Rafael, CA veterinary clinic anytime.