When cats start avoiding the litterbox, meowing incessantly or cowering under the sofa, most owners worry that something might be wrong. But if the vet can't find any medical reason for a change in behavior, the problem just might be stress.
It’s important to recognize and deal with a stressed out cat, because it can cause other health problems if left untreated. When a cat becomes stressed, its body produces the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase the heart rate, increase blood sugar levels, and decrease the cat’s immunity to other diseases.
Recognizing the Stressed Out Cat
Litterbox problems are one of the most common signs of kitty stress. Other symptoms include excessive shyness and hiding, vocalizing more than normal, loss of appetite, aggression, and territorial behaviors. Be careful, however, not to automatically presume that any of these symptoms are stress-related, since they can all be caused by other medical problems.
De-stress the Cat's Environment
The basic cause of cat stress almost always stems from some change in routine. Cats are happiest when everything in their lives stays consistent.
The addition of new family members, whether human or feline, is one of the most common causes of cat stress. Even a strange animal prowling in the cat’s backyard, thereby invading the cat’s territory, can stress out kitty.
Something as simple as its owner starting a new job and coming home at an unusual time can turn a normally relaxed furball into a ball of feline stress.
Establishing and maintaining a regular routine can help alleviate any stress in a cat's life. Trying to eliminate as many sources of stress as possible can help kitty stay calm. Even when the cause is something that can’t be eliminated, like a new baby in the household, owners can work to establish a new routine the cat can rely on. The owners can feed the cat at the same time each day and dedicate a few minutes each day to pay attention to the cat.
Time for Relaxation
When it comes to cats that are already stressed out, sometimes the best answer is to allow the cat some time for relaxation. Giving the cat a room of its own will often reduce stress levels to an acceptable point.
Some vets suggest leaving the stressed out cat alone in a bedroom to allow it some downtime away from stressful influences.
Cat massage, touches therapy, or even a bit of extra playtime or cuddle time each day might also help reduce anxiety and relieve stress.
Natural Stress Relief
In natural-care circles, aromatherapy is a common remedy for cat stress that owners might want to try. Scents based on feline pheromones and flower essences have been shown to help reduce cat stress in some cases.
Feliway is popular in natural pet care circles. This pheromone product can be used as a spray or as a wall plug-in that releases its scent throughout the day to keep cats calm and happy.
Medication for Stress
Most vets and owners agree that medicating the cat should be a last resort, but sometimes nothing else seems to work. If medication is called for, vets typically prescribe the kitty version of Prozac or Valium.
Owners should watch out for increased appetite if the cat is on medication, since it can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
One non-sedative drug option is Buspirone, which relaxes the cat without causing sedation. This option may be good for cats with litterbox issues, since it allows the cat to relearn new behaviors while on the medication.
Whatever option the vet prescribes, treating and preventing cat stress makes the whole household happier.
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