Signs and Management of Stress in Cats

Our wonderful feline friends can be very good at hiding how they truly feel – whether this be signs of pain or feelings of stress. Cats can be very sensitive to change and new experiences. Therefore, it is so important that we know what to look out for and identify when our cat is trying to tell us how they are feeling.

Sometimes, stressful things are out of our control. There are ways of ensuring our cats stress is minimised before the events happens. The key is to be prepared and accommodate to our cat’s needs.

Some stressful events can include but are not limited to:

·        Visiting the vet clinic

·        Travelling in the car

·        Moving house

·        A new pet or animal in the house

·        A change in routine

·        Loud noises

·        A new baby and/or visitors

Although some signs of stress in cats can be hidden, there are a few important signs we can look out for. The signs may vary from feline to feline, and some may have multiple signs at one time.

Signs of stress in cats can look like:

·        Gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and diarrhoea)

·        Inappropriate urination or toileting outside of the litter box

·        Over-grooming – this can cause painful sores and patches of lost fur

·        Inappetence or the opposite, overeating and drinking

·        Lethargy

·        Urinary issues – cystitis (pain when urinating, blood in urine), blocking* or infrequent urination and defecation, spraying

·        Frequently hiding and fearful behaviour

·        Scratching on furniture

·        Aggressive behaviour

·        Open mouth breathing

*Blocking or urinary obstruction in cats is when the urethra becomes blocked. This is most common in male cats and can be fatal. If you are worried your cat is blocked, go to the emergency veterinary centre immediately. 

There are several ways to ensure your cats stress levels are kept to a minimum, which is important for their health and wellbeing. Early socialisation and desensitisation to various experiences will assist in the development of your cat’s future behaviour and reactions. This means that we must respect the cats’ boundaries and what they are comfortable with while providing them with experiences early on.

Some examples of things we can do to minimise stress include:

·        Prepare for or avoid stressful events as necessary

·        Use positive handling from a young age

·        Provide each cat with 2 litter boxes in various locations throughout the house

·        Use Feliway within the house, car, and pet carrier

·        Provide soft blankets and treats in pet carrier

·        Thoroughly clean litter boxes daily

·        Provide appropriate toys and cat towers – cats feel safe when they are off the ground

·        Provide nurture and love to your cat – give them lots of love!

·        Create a calm and positive environment with environmental enrichment

·        Speak with your Veterinarian – some cats may need medications to assist with stress