Is Your Cat Feeling Stressed? Signs you can tell
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Is Your Cat Feeling Stressed? Here’s How You Can Tell
As loving and serene as our feline friends often appear, like us mere humans, they are not immune to stress. Cats can experience both anxiety and stress just like dogs, which can significantly affect their well-being. However, as many cat owners will tell you, cats can be quite secretive about their feelings. This can make it challenging for even the most attentive cat owners to detect when something isn’t quite right
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There are many signs of stress your cat may be experiencing, some of which you may have seen but not realised is stress related. To help, below is a quick guide that will help you identify this as well as some practical tips on how to help them cope and be much happier. Help your cat to live their best life and you’ll quickly see their stress melt away.
Recognising the Signs of Stress in Cats
Cats are masters of disguise when it comes to hiding discomfort or stress, so to make things that little bit trickier for owners, they may only show subtle changes in behaviour and physical health. You’ll need to be attentive so that if you can recognise the signs of stress such as separation anxiety in your pet early on, you can take action to help improve your cat's quality of life.
Behavioural Changes
One of the most noticeable signs of stress in cats is a change in their behaviour. A stressed cat might hide more than usual, avoid interaction with family members in the home, or suddenly show more feistiness towards people or other pets. They may also start scratching furniture more or not wanting to sit on your lap if they usually do this. You may also notice a reluctance for them to use their litter tray and instead go to the toilet elsewhere, or your cat may start marking territories inside the house by spraying.
Physical Symptoms
Physical signs are often a clear indicator of stress in cats, but again, they may not always be obvious like a physical issue such as limping or bleeding. Over-grooming is a common stress response, which might lead to bald patches or irritated skin. Other physical symptoms may include changes in appetite, such as eating more or less than usual, and changes to their regular sleeping patterns. You may find a stressed cat might sleep more or less due to unease and may hide away more to sleep somewhere more secluded.
Vocalisation
Not all cats are as vocal as others, so if you notice an increase or a change in how they vocalise, this could be another telltale sign they’re experiencing stress. Your cat might meow more frequently, more loudly, or in a higher pitch. This change is especially significant if your cat is typically quiet. Also, if they are hissing or growling more it could indicate they are struggling either with pain or the situation they are in.
According to cat behaviourist Lucy Hoile writing for Petsure, it can sometimes be difficult to separate symptoms of stress from a medical problem, so be sure to speak to your vet if you notice any of the above – it’s best not to self-diagnose your cat just in case there is a bigger problem.
What Can Trigger Stress for Cats?
Cats can naturally be sensitive to changes in their environment and routine, causing them to experience stress. Here are some common stressors to watch for:
Environmental Changes – Cats are creatures of habit, and any alteration in their living environment can lead to stress. For example, if you move to a new home, have work carried out around the house, or even rearrange the furniture that changes the layout they are used to. Introducing new family members, such as another pet or perhaps even a baby, can also be a significant source of anxiety.
Health Issues – Physical discomfort or illness can of course cause considerable stress in cats just like any other pet. Symptoms of disease may not be immediately apparent, so any sudden change in behaviour that you feel could be related to their health is best left to a vet to diagnose.
Conflict with Other Animals – Cats are territorial by nature, so the presence of other pets in the house, especially other cats, can lead to stress. This could be due to the increased competition for food, water, and litter trays, as well as coveted resting spots. Even cats outside the home visible through a window can trigger stress for your indoor cat. If your cat has always been the main pet, suddenly sharing the space with another animal can trigger stress.
How You Can Help Your Cat Manage Stress
Now that you have an idea of what may be causing stress for your feline and the symptoms they could be showing, what can you do to make things better for them?
Create a Safe Space
Every cat needs a safe, quiet place where they can retreat and feel secure. This could be a cosy corner on a bed or a perch in a quiet room. Make sure this area is accessible at all times and free from the sometimes hectic goings on around the house. As per advice from pet charity the PDSA, ensure you have everything your cat needs to be happy including plenty of water and food and keep their litter tray clean and in a separate location.
Maintaining a Consistent Routine
Cats thrive on routine, so keeping a regular schedule for feeding, play, and relaxed human interaction can provide a sense of security and predictability. Keep the times of day you perform these activities consistent to help reduce your cat's anxiety.
Engagement and Enrichment
Just like with a dog, interactive play is crucial for reducing stress and keeping your cat mentally stimulated. Use cat toys that mimic hunting activities, such as feather wands or laser pointers, to engage their natural instincts. Whilst it is good to interact, don’t overdo it as cats can become overstimulated. Give them space and allow them to choose when to interact with you too. Consider adding climbing structures or cat trees to your home to increase their personal space and provide new areas for exploration. The more variety they have, the less bored they will be which can be perfect for reducing stress.
Destress Your Cat For A Happier, Calmer Feline
Are you doing all you can to help your cat live its best life at home? Looking after a pet can be hard work, so don’t worry if the things you try above don’t work straight away when introduced. The first step is being able to recognise your cat is feeling stressed rather than ignoring their symptoms or hoping they will start feeling better on their own. Everyone, including your cat, can do with a little bit of help from time to time, so do speak to your vet if you have concerns.
If you’re looking to further support your cat's well-being or want to seek professional advice, you can find further information from the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), who have a network of experienced pet behaviour counsellors, as well as pet charity the Cats Protection who have a wealth of resources on cat care, including stress management.
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