People often make fun of cats for being cold and distant. Fluffy does bite for fun, and she often leaves dead animals for her favorite people as a thank you for all the food, toys, treats, and lap room they give her. However, our feline pals are actually very sensitive little furballs. They can feel lonely, sad, afraid, anxious, or just stressed out, just like people do. A local Lawrenceville, GA vet talks about stress in cats in this piece.
How Can I Tell If Fluffy Is Feeling Stressed?
Fluffy can’t tell you how she feels, but if you pay attention, you can get a sense of how she’s feeling in general. You should keep an eye out for signs in their behavior.
The following are some of these:
- Hiding/Withdrawal
- Not wanting to be petted or touched
- Clinginess
- Litter box problems
- Overgrooming
- Consuming things that aren’t food
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Unusual vocalization
- Gain or Loss of Weight
- Lack Of Appetite
Fluffy’s posture and body language can also be quite revealing. Cats that are scared or stressed often have dilated pupils. Your pet may lick her nose or flatten her ears back against her head. Sometimes, stressed cats let their tails hang down or keep them tucked close to their bodies. And while a happy, calm cat may drape herself over the back of the couch, an anxious one may hunch or crouch a lot instead. She won’t lay on her back either, which would show her belly.
It is important to know that many of these things can also mean your feline pal is feeling sick. If you notice any of these, schedule an exam with your vet to make sure there isn’t a health problem going on.
How Do I Calm Down A Cat That Is Upset?
You should also try to figure out why your cat is so stressed. You might need to take a different approach with a stray cat that is still getting used to people than you would with a cat that is scared of dogs.
If you know or think that your furry pals don’t get along with each other, you may need to take extra steps. Making sure that all of your pets have what they need is very important. Fluffy shouldn’t have to fight with her roommates for food, water, toys, or the bathroom. To find out more, talk to your doctor.
You will need to make sure that your nervous cat feels safe and secure on your property. Lucky for you, it’s not hard to turn your house into a palace for cats.
Here are the basics:
TLC: Make sure your cat is getting lots of love and attention first. Good food, clean water, a litter box, and regular trips to the vet are all important parts of taking care of a cat.
Beds, Beds, Beds:
Give your animal friend lots of cozy places to sleep. Cats don’t care what kind of bed they sleep in. Fluffy is happy to curl up on a folded blanket or a pillow put in a wooden basket, but she also likes ones you can buy at the store.
Hiding Places: Cats that are feeling scared like to hide in safe places. Many of our feline pals naturally like small areas. They feel safest when no one can sneak up on them. A kitty house with walls or a cat tower with enclosed levels may be a good safe place for Fluffy. You can also give your pet boxes and fill the space under the bed or behind the couch with fun holes.
Kitty Comforts: As you may have noticed, our feline pals really relish feeling comfortable. It’s not a bad idea to get your cute pet. We suggest making sure your pet has a cat tower with high space. Looking down from above doesn’t give Fluffy a good view, so she feels safer when she can see what’s going on around her. Also, things like paper shopping bags without handles and, of course, boxes will be good for your pet. Pets also like small things, like it when you leave a light and radio on when you’re not there.
Scratching Posts: Fluffy is hardwired to take care of her claws. In the wild, she relies on them for survival! Offer your furry friend a tower, post, or board to clean her nails on.
Room With A View: Give your kitty a window seat with a good view. This is a small but important thing you can do to keep that little motor working. Fluffy can do three of her favorite things at once: lay out in the sun, take a nap, and watch the animals in the area.
Entertainment: Stimulation is crucial to your kitty’s health and well-being. Running after that elusive red dot or pounce on that catnip mouse will help Fluffy get rid of any stress she may be feeling. She’ll be better afterward on her own. This is like going for a run to get rid of the stress of a bad day. You can also hold a string toy for your pet, which will let her know that you care. She will feel safe and loved.
Your animal friend can also feel better about himself by playing. Kitties have to concentrate to accomplish those tricky run-and-pounce combo moves! Your pet will feel more confident if she nails that tough pounce.
Positive Feedback: Just making sure that every interaction with you is pleasant can go a long way. This goes double when you are addressing bad behavior. Cats can act up sometimes when they are stressed. A scared cat, for example, might pee somewhere other than the litterbox. We understand how annoying this is, but if you punish your cat, she might associate your reaction with the litterbox, which would make her avoid it even more. If you need to correct something, stomp your foot or clap your hands instead of yelling at your pet.
Calming Products: Since we’re talking about things that calm you down, these may also help. Ask your vet for recommendations and follow the steps on the package exactly.
Medication: Some of our feline friends might do better with medicine. Of course, you should never give Fluffy anything unless her doctor recommends it. Talk to your vet about your cat’s behavior and stress and ask for advice.
Routine: Cats don’t have as many things to do here as our canine pals: Fluffy will not need to be walked, and she will plan her 43 daily naps on her own. But try to keep the same times for meals and play times every day.
Love: Finally, make sure your cat friend knows you love him. Giving her a forehead boop as you walk by, talking to her, giving her treats, and having her curl up with you at night can make her feel loved. That doesn’t mean you should force attention on her.
What Sort Of Things Stress Cats Out?
Many things can make Fluffy nervous. Moving, getting a new owner, new household pets, and even schedule changes are all big changes that are hard on cats. Also, Fluffy might be scared because of things that happened in the past. Even being bored or alone can be bad for your furry little friend’s mental health. Talk to your vet if you don’t know why your pet seems stressed.
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