Stress in cats is more common than many feline owners might think. Stressed cats can develop health and behavioral problems if not addressed properly. In this article, we’ll teach you how to calm a cat and provide valuable information about cats and stress symptoms in cats so you can identify the problem in time. You'll also discover signs cats are stressed, how to calm a cat and prevent future stress episodes in your pet.
What is stress in cats?
Stress is a natural reaction to new, dangerous, or uncomfortable situations. Like humans, stressed cats can suffer both physically and emotionally. Cats are territorial animals and very sensitive to changes in their environment or routine. It’s essential to learn how to relax a stressed cat, take preventive measures to avoid chronic stress in your feline and know the signs and symptoms of a stressed cat.
Main signs and symptoms of stressed cats
Recognizing stress symptoms in cats is crucial to take timely action and provide the support they need. You can observe two main types of symptoms of stress in a cat: behavioral and physical changes.
Behavioral changes
One of the first signs of stress in cats is a change in their usual behavior. Some cats may become more aggressive or, on the contrary, hide and avoid contact with their owners. It’s essential to look out for signs like:
- Excessive territory marking
- Avoidance of the litter box
- Excessive grooming or neglect of personal hygiene
- Changes in eating habits
These changes are a sign that something is wrong with your feline and may indicate that he needs you to know how to relax a stressed cat.
Physical changes
Stressed cats may also show physical symptoms, which are less obvious than behavioral ones but equally important to observe:
- Sudden weight loss
- Frequent diarrhea or vomiting
- Increased hair loss
- Breathing difficulties or panting
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it is crucial that you research how to calm a cat and take steps to relieve its stress.
Common causes of stress
Stress in cats can be caused by multiple factors. Understanding the causes will help you better prevent and treat the problem. Here are two of the most common causes of stress in cats.
Changes in the environment
Cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment. Major changes, such as moving to a new house, adding new furniture or even moving their litter box, can stress them out. That's why it's important to keep their litter box clean, dry and odour-free. Thanks to our range of clumping litter, your cat will maintain his daily hygiene and feel comfortable without having to change his litter every day.
Social changes
The arrival of a new family member, whether a person or a pet, can cause stress in your cat. Cats value their territory and routine, so a new addition can be perceived as a threat.
How to calm a stressed cat?
Several strategies exist to calm a stressed cat. Here are some recommendations that can help you about how to calm a cat:
- Provide a safe place: Cats love having a space where they can hide and feel protected.
- Play with them: Playtime is a great way to reduce stress.
- Use pheromones: Products that mimic the pheromones cats release when they feel safe can help create a more relaxed environment.
- Maintain a routine: Cats feel safer with a set routine.
Preventing stress in cats
While it’s crucial to know how to calm a stressed cat, the ideal approach is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Importance of routine
Keeping a consistent daily routine is essential to reduce stress in cats. Regular mealtimes, playtime, and rest schedules should be maintained.
Other tips
- Offers environmental enrichment: Provide toys, scratching posts and elevated places where your cat can climb and explore. This will reduce boredom and stress.
- Keep their space clean: Make sure their cat litter is always clean and accessible.
- and accessible.
- Consult a veterinarian: If you notice persistent symptoms of stress, it is important to have your cat evaluated by a veterinarian and offer additional solutions.