Tips For Managing Your Cat’s Stress
As humans, we’re all too familiar with stress, but did you know your pets can experience it too? Cats can’t tell us when they’re feeling stressed, but they can definitely show it through their actions. If you notice your cat having behavioral changes such as becoming more aggressive, having inappropriate elimination, exhibiting new physical behaviors, changes in appetite or even meowing more often than usual, your cat could be suffering from increased stress or anxiety.
The best thing you can do for your cat if you notice symptoms of stress is to get ahead of it. Start by observing when exactly they show these behaviors — what their environment is like, who they’re around or what has changed around them recently. Take note of their habits as sometimes the slightest change can make all the difference.
Once you identify the behaviors and their frequency, there are a few things you can do for your cat to help ease their stress.
Add stimulation to their environment
One way to help your cat’s stress is by adding things to their environment that can distract them or take their mind off of the cause of their anxiety. Getting them a high-up cat tree or perch, new scratching posts or engaging toys can greatly relieve stress in your cat’s environment.
Be helpful and not hurtful
Be aware of how you’re responding to your cat’s behaviors when they’re stressed. It’s okay to try and soothe them, but don’t punish them for how they act out as a result of stress. Oftentimes, this will cause the poor behaviors to become worse towards the person administering the punishment and increase their fear response.
Simulate a comforting environment
If you notice your cat reacting more from separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to make them feel more comfortable while heading out the door. Try to make the space feel a little less empty by turning on the TV or radio — the sound of human voices might put your cat at ease.
Another way to reduce your cat’s stress is to not make a big deal about leaving them home alone. Although we love to wish our furry friends farewell, it might be doing them a disservice. When they’re familiar with your actions and which ones mean “goodbye,” it can cause them to act out or become distressed while you’re away.
Switch up their cat care products
Here at Dr. Elsey’s, we offer special stress-specific litter that helps to calm your cat when they’re feeling anxious. Our Stress Protection™️ Litter is infused with hydrolyzed herbs to create a soothing litter box experience for your feline friend. Unscented and dust-free, this litter can help contribute to calming your cat and decrease stress-related behaviors.
If you’re still having trouble managing your cat’s stress, consult with your veterinarian to learn about more options. Check out more tips on cat health and wellness by visiting our Instagram page!
