How to Reduce Your Cat's Anxiety and Stress: 12 Veterinary Recommended Tips
- NATURAL KITCHEN
- May 25, 2024
- 6 min read
Anxiety and stress can damage your cat's physical and mental health. Anxiety is a sense of restlessness and fear due to the anticipation of danger, while stress is the cat's rapid response to a potential threat. A cat that is anxious or under too much stress can be very detrimental to its well-being and can also affect your relationship with the cat.
In this article, you will learn about some signs of cat anxiety and stress, as well as some possible causes or triggers. You will also learn how to effectively reduce your cat's anxiety and stress, helping it to live a happier and healthier life.
Signs of Anxiety and Stress in Cats
Physical manifestations of anxiety and stress in cats include:
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Avoiding eye contact
- Dilated pupils
- Trembling
- Drooling
- Increased grooming behavior
- Hiding
- Ears laid back
- Inappropriate elimination habits (refusing to use the litter box or spraying)
- Stiffness or attempts to escape
- Hair standing on end
- Destructive behavior
- Aggression
貓的焦慮和壓力的原因及後果
通常，焦慮是通過將過去創傷性經歷與貓生命中的早期聯繫起來發展的，或是通過打亂貓的既定日常習慣。因為貓是習慣的動物，有時它們環境中最小的變化或日常習慣的改變都可能導致焦慮和壓力。新的聲音、新寵物、搬家、貓砂或食物的改變，以及去獸醫診所的旅行都是貓焦慮和壓力的公認原因。
一個焦慮和壓力過大的貓會發展出異常行為，社交困難，容易生病，並且處於不健康狀態。作為貓主人，我們的目標應該始終是貓的幸福和福祉。如果你注意到你的貓焦慮和壓力過大，最好在問題升級和變得更難逆轉或給你的貓造成任何身體問題之前開始處理這個問題。焦慮往往是進性的，所以強烈建議盡快處理這個問題，而不是拖得更久。
Cat Anxiety and Stress Management
Managing a cat's anxiety and stress typically involves behavior modification techniques, changes to the cat's environment, and in some cases, the use of natural therapies and medication.
The first step is to identify the cause of the cat's anxiety and plan to implement necessary changes. This varies in each situation and there is no one-size-fits-all solution; however, there are some tips that can help reduce your cat's anxiety and stress, which may be very helpful and worth trying.
1. Rule Out Any Medical Conditions
Pain and discomfort can lead to stress and anxiety in cats. Therefore, the first step is to ensure that your cat is not in pain or ill. A thorough physical examination is needed, and some blood tests and diagnostic imaging may also be necessary to rule out potential medical issues causing the cat's anxiety. If your cat exhibits sudden behavioral changes, a visit to the veterinary clinic is essential.
Ensuring All Your Cat's Needs Are Met
This may sound obvious, but you might be surprised at how many cat owners are not aware that their cat's needs are not being met.
Basic cat needs include:
- A nutritionally rich, adequate, and appropriate diet for cats, suitable for your cat's life stage and activity level.
- Unrestricted access to clean and fresh water.
- One or two litter boxes that are large enough, located in a safe and quiet place, and always kept clean. Your cat should like the litter, which should not have any unpleasant odors or textures.
- A comfortable and safe place to sleep. Cats like places that provide shelter and comfort while still being able to observe the environment.
- A place to scratch, helping to maintain the optimal condition of the claws.
- Physical and mental stimulation, which can easily be provided through a variety of toys. Regularly changing your cat's toys helps to keep them interesting and appealing.
- Love and affection. Although cats may seem indifferent, they, like other creatures, need your love and affection. However, be mindful of your cat's limits and do not overwhelm them. If your cat seeks attention and cuddles, do your best to provide them.
- Most cats are solitary animals and need their own private space. Children constantly circling around them or sharing space with other pets can cause a lot of stress for cats. Ensure that cats can always get some private time and space when needed.
Study the Environment
Try to determine if any identifiable changes in the cat's environment could be causing their anxiety. New pets, children, changes in food, noise? Any changes in routine or the environment should be planned with the cat and introduced gradually. Cats are very sensitive to change, but if they suffer from anxiety, their sensitivity to change is even greater. By identifying the specific situations that cause anxiety, you can manage them before the crisis begins.
For multi-cat households, you need to ensure that there is no chasing or attacking behavior between the cats. Each cat should feel safe and have their basic needs met, including access to food and water and a safe place. Hormonal changes can lead to changes in a cat's social interactions, and as a responsible multi-cat owner, you should always observe the interactions between the cats to ensure that each cat feels safe. If you notice chasing and attacking behavior, separating the cats and starting some positive socialization training will be necessary.
Recognize Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a relatively common issue among pets. If you have to work all day, try leaving entertainment and interactive toys to engage your cat. Do not make a big deal when you leave or come home. If these methods do not work, consider finding a pet sitter or a second cat to keep your lonely cat company so it does not feel alone when you are away.
Use Pheromone Diffusers
Synthetic pheromone diffusers work by sending a calming signal to cats, helping them to relax, feel safe, and at home. There are different formulations available depending on whether you have a multi-cat household. Pheromone diffusers may take some time to work, but they are a very effective option for helping your cat feel calm, safe, and at home in various environments.
Try Cat Calming Sprays
There are several options for cat calming sprays on the market. Some contain a blend of relaxing herbal mixtures, while others are similar to pheromone diffusers. If you already use pheromone diffusers at home, a spray from the same brand may be very useful for travel and outings. It can be sprayed on a transport crate, car, or hotel room blanket to help your cat feel calm and at home wherever they are.
Try Some Calming Music
Indeed, calming music can work wonders for some cats suffering from anxiety. It's worth a try to create a more congenial environment for your anxious cat.
Plan and Use Training and Desensitization Methods
Travel can be a bit stressful for cats. Training your cat to enter the travel carrier voluntarily and establishing a positive association with it can greatly help build their confidence and comfort within it. Typically, cats should be rewarded multiple times for entering the travel carrier. These rewards will help the cat feel more confident.
10. Use Calming Supplements
L-Tryptophan, Alpha-Casein Tripeptides, L-Theanine, and Inositol are some supplements that can help your cat cope with anxiety.
L-Tryptophan and Alpha-Casein Tripeptides have been proven effective in reducing anxiety in cats. Alpha-Casein Tripeptides are bioactive peptides derived from the milk protein casein and have anxiolytic effects similar to benzodiazepines. L-Tryptophan is an amino acid that is important for the production of the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.
L-Theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves and has been shown to have anxiolytic effects in both humans and animals. Inositol is a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and a sense of well-being.
11. Try Calming Herbal Mixtures
Valerian root, catnip, passionflower, and licorice root are some herbal mixtures that have calming and pleasurable effects on cats. As a scented toy or as a tea, this herbal mixture might be just what your cat needs to calm down and cope with anxiety. If you plan to use these herbs for specific events (such as travel), we recommend using them in advance because you can study their effects and duration. Some cats do not respond to certain herbs at all.
12. Discuss the Possibility of Anti-Anxiety Medications with Your Veterinarian
If the above methods are not sufficient to help your cat cope with anxiety and stress, discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of using anti-anxiety medications for long-term or short-term use. Depending on your cat's specific needs, the veterinarian will be able to prescribe some medications that can help your little feline stay calm.
We recommend considering this as a last resort since most situations can be naturally resolved without the use of these medications. These medications may have side effects, and some can even lead to tolerance and physical dependence. They are effective as a last resort, but make sure you have exhausted all other options.
Conclusion
If your cat is suffering from anxiety and stress, it is best to take action early to avoid unnecessary suffering and complications. After ensuring that there are no underlying medical issues causing your cat's stress, there are several behavioral and natural methods to try before considering the possibility of anti-anxiety prescription medications.
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