What Causes Stress in a Cat? Treatment Tips

Domestic cats can be very sensitive to their environment and humans around them. As a result, they might become frustrated, anxious, and stressed. Unlike with dogs, felines are very good at hiding signs and symptoms of being depressed. Because they are such private and isolated creatures, you might not notice that they are suffering from fright.

It’s the owner’s responsibility to remain vigilant and wary of all the external signs and physical symptoms that their cat might be stressed. This will give you the right tools to reduce stressful factors in their environment. When stressed symptoms are being neglected, your feline can become physically ill.

Signs of Stress in Felines

Here is a short list of physical signs and symptoms that your cat might be suffering from anxiety:

• Overgrooming that causes sores or large bold patches on the coat
• Eating and chewing items that aren’t edible
• Sudden loss of weight or weight gain
• Their fur is in poor condition even though they have nutritious meals
• Diarrhea
• Uncontrollable vomiting without being sick
• Loss of appetite
• Symptoms of cat flu like a runny and wet nose
• Eating too much food or drinking too much water

The above signs might also be indicators of a medical condition. But when they are combined with the following behavioral symptoms, it could most probably be stress related:

• Excessive shaking and trembling
• Meowing uncontrollably
• Changing from being very active and playful to being lethargic and unexcited
• Scratching and biting at furniture excessively
• Hissing and showing aggression towards family members
• Don’t want to interact with family or other pets, if they are known to be very sociable
• Hiding underneath furniture
• Disappears for hours on end

If your cat shows any of the above-mentioned symptoms, or act in any way out of their normal behavioral patterns, then it’s time to visit a vet.

What Causes Stress in Cats?

There are many factors that can cause anxiety and stress. If there have been any drastic changes in your home’s environment, then it could be the sole reason. Here are a few other causes:

• Moving; either between cities or to a new home
• Not handling your kitten correctly when picking them up or playing with them
• Constant circulation of new visitors
• Change in routine
• An influx of new cats in the neighborhood
• When there are too many cats in one home, the competition over food or sleep space
• A lack of correct nutrition, space, and other vital kitty requirements
• Home construction
• The introduction of a new family member

Cats don’t really like change. It’s important that you keep a well-balanced routine. When introducing new pets into the home, you should follow a calm procedure. For tips on how to introduce a new kitten or pet into the house, check out this guideline: https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/introducing-new-cat.

It’s important that we try and remove any stressful factors from the kitty’s environment. Here are a few other treatment tips you can implement to help your feline cope with the symptoms.

Visit the Vet

Because all these signs and symptoms can be an indicator of underlying medical conditions. It’s important to visit the vet as soon as possible. Vet’s can prescribe medication and recommend treatments.

CBD Oil

Cannabidiol oil products have become increasingly popular amongst pet owners. It’s because the product helps to calm the nerves and improve overall homeostasis in a pet’s body. A few drops of CBD oil over your cat’s food are enough to assist them in coping with many symptoms caused by medical conditions.

Many owners prefer CBD oil over chemically induced medication prescribed by doctors. This is because it’s a natural solution that hasn’t got any added preservatives or toxins. An all-natural supplement that is available in loads of different kitty-friendly flavors.

Add a Comfortable Sleeping Area

Especially in a home where there are multiple cats and family members, it’s important to provide your feline with a space where they feel safe. Incorporate either a high cat pole with their own sleeping perch at the top. Cats feel more secure when they have a spot high above the rest of the home. A spot that is out of reach of other dogs and children.

Studies have proven that cats who live in tall apartment buildings are more prone to cat anxiety and depression. To solve this problem, owners can place a sleeping perch next to the window. This will allow them the freedom to peer outside while pretending to be the king of the world.

Play Calming Music

If your little kitty is anxious, stressed, or ill, you can always consider playing it some soothing music. Studies have proven that soothing music can relax a pet’s mood. Especially if they are showing destructive behavior when you aren’t at home, put on some relaxing and calming sounds for them to listen to throughout the day. Listen to this music as a great example for relaxing sounds.

It’s our responsibility as owners to make sure our cats are comfortable and have everything that they need to live a long life. Stay conscious of your cat’s behavior and actions. The sooner you detect any signs and symptoms, the sooner you can treat them. Implementing the right kind of treatment methods will ensure your kitten lives a happy and healthy life.