Cats experience stress and anxiety just as humans do. For felines, stress is usually caused by change of any kind. Moving house, getting a new cat, or throwing a party can all cause cats to exhibit signs of stress.
Signs of Stress in Cats
Cats exhibit stress in the following ways:
- Restlessness and agitation; pacing back and forth
- Unusual sluggishness and indifference
- Excessive defensive meowing
- Excessive shedding and grooming; may pull out fur, causing bald spots
- Problems evacuating or failure to use the litter box; the cat may spray despite neutering, or urinate or defecate in inappropriate places
- Biting and scratching
- Dilated pupils
- Becoming withdrawn; hiding and refusing to interact with humans or other animals
A cat with high stress levels is at greater risk for developing depression, digestive problems, and other emotional and physical ailments. Stress can also have dire effects on elderly cats who already suffer from weakened immune systems.
Treating Feline Stress by Removing Stressors
The easiest solution in some situations is to remove the source of the cat's stress. This is most effective when the cat is obviously upset by a particular stressor, but remains calm and happy the rest of the time.
For instance, if the cat lives in a multi-cat household and the source of his stress is conflicts with the other cats, it may be time to move him to a different home where he will be the only pet. If the cat becomes anxious during loud parties, isolate him from the festivities in a quiet room. An even better solution would be to check if someone without pets might be able to host the party.
Home Remedies for Treating Stress in Cats
When the source of the cat's stress cannot be avoided (i.e, moving into a new house), it may help to try some of these home remedies for reducing anxiety.
- Massage: even cats who do not suffer from stress will enjoy receiving a massage.
- Vitamin B supplements: B complex vitamins are reputed to reduce stress. Brewer's yeast is a good source of B vitamins that many cats enjoy.
- Herbal remedies: Bach Flower Remedies carries herbal products that help reduce stress in animals and humans.
- Pheromonatherapy: Cats use their natural facial pheromones to mark their territory. Products that mimic these pheromones help promote a feeling of safety and well-being in cats.
- Behavioral conditioning: Use positive reinforcement to change the cat's attitude towards stressors. For example, if a new kitten in the house is causing stress for an older resident cat, rub the kitten in a towel to cover the towel in its scent. Place the towel on the floor and serve the older cat's food and water on it. The older cat will gradually associate getting fed with the smell of the new kitten.
In general, cats suffering from anxiety will appreciate extra love and attention from their owners. Vigorous playtime for twenty to thirty minutes a day can also provide the cat with a good outlet for stress and anxiety.
Vet Prescribed Stress Remedies
In some chronic or severe cases of anxiety, the cat may need medication. In these cases, the problem should be discussed with a vet. The vet may prescribe clomipramine (Clomicalm), a common anti-anxiety medication for pets. It is also safe to give cats diazepam (Valium) and fluoxetine (Prozac). All of these medications have potential side effects. Medication combined with behavioral therapies is more effective than medication alone.
A cat's emotional health is every bit as important as his physical well-being. Although it is impossible to keep any changes from occurring in a cat's life, it is possible to manage feline stress through a number of home remedies and behavior-modifying techniques.
