If you see that your cat is getting stressed, then make sure they have a quiet, safe place to go indoors or in the garden. Spend some time playing with your cat, especially if outdoor access is restricted. Food activity toys are a great way for them to get mental and physical stimulation.
Lavender, which has natural sedative properties, may help soothe an anxious cat. Copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense are also considered safe for cats. Before using essential oils, even in the form of diffused scents, around your cats, check with your holistic veterinarian for recommendations.
Toys that can be chased, swatted, and batted should be provided. Species appropriate punishment such as “hissing” or the use of punishment devices such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, or hand held alarm are better than using any physical techniques since they are less likely to lead to fear and retaliation.
Given that catnip can have a calming, soothing effect, it can be used to: help reduce a cat's stress and anxiety when going to the vet, help reduce stress when traveling, help with urinary issues (note that stress is a major contributing factor to urinary obstruction in cats!).
Signs of Cat Anxiety
If your cat has anxiety, you may notice pacing or restlessness, hiding, decreased appetite, vocalization, hypervigilance, trembling, salivation, and excessive grooming.
In fact, a recent study that used university students (who are notoriously stressed) as subjects found that petting cats and dogs for 10 minutes decreased the amount of cortisol (a stress hormone) in their saliva. These findings are consistent with the notion that interacting with cats and dogs decreases stress.
Any sudden shift in your cat's environment—even a clean litter box that's not placed to your cat's liking— could cause cat stress and anxiety. Over time, if left untreated, chronic stress could lead to health issues like urinary tract problems, weight loss, and infections (2).
Cat anxiety may be caused by pain or illness, exposure to something toxic or infectious diseases that affect the nervous system. A psychological trigger may be to blame, like a traumatic experience, lack of proper socialization or a history of abuse or neglect.
The pheromones in cat calming collars mimic those that mother cats produce to calm and soothe kittens, and they can also help to calm adult kitties. Delgado says that cat calming collars work for some cats but have absolutely no effect on others.
Most cats react to catnip by rolling, flipping, rubbing, and eventually zoning out. They may meow or growl at the same time. Other cats become hyperactive or downright aggressive, especially if you approach them. Usually these sessions last about 10 minutes, after which your cat loses interest.
The transition to adulthood ordinarily occurs from 1 to 2 years old. At this time, and possibly after neutering, a cat may retain a lot of energy but should be notably calmer with it reaching full maturity at 2. From 3 to 10 years old, a cat is relatively calm but remains active.
The most common reason cats experience the zoomies is pent-up energy. Cats rest and sleep for a majority of the day to conserve energy for short, very active periods. Without intentional exercise and activity, your kitty will need to find a way to get that extra energy out, resulting in a case of the zoomies.
Catnip doesn't have to be a daily thing. While we might be tempted to offer our feline friends a little nightcap at the end of each day, it may be best to hold back. While there's no general agreed-upon consensus on how much too much, try to limit your kitty's exposure to catnip to once a week.
When sniffed, it acts as a stimulant, often causing cats to become very playful, rolling over on the ground and generally being hyperactive. But when eaten, catnip acts as a sedative, sometimes causing cats to drool, purr, or fall asleep.
For cats that have a positive experience with catnip, it can help reduce anxiety and even relieve pain. Some veterinarians have recommended using catnip to help with separation anxiety if your cat will be home alone for an extended period of time.
The feline facial pheromone is a comforting pheromone. It provides a sense of reassurance for cats in their environment. These 'happy messages' help cats feel safe and secure. FELIWAY CLASSIC Diffuser and Spray both mimic the natural feline facial pheromone.
Ultra-Soft Hypoallergenic Fabric - Made from ultra-soft fur. The material is specially designed to not cause allergic reactions & irritation for your cat. Its long fibers are soft, durable and machine-washable.
But, while you may love lavender and use it regularly in the bath, you might wonder if it can give your cat the same types of benefits. Unfortunately, the lavender plant and essential oils are toxic to cats and can lead to severe symptoms.
What causes stress in cats? Most cats are very adaptable, but they're also a very sensitive species, so changes to their life, owners and environment can affect their stress levels. Some common causes include a threat to their territory, such as another cat, or being stroked more than they would like.
The risk for exposure to fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes is also greater for cats who spend time outside. These pests can transmit the agents that cause diseases, such as feline infectious anemia and heartworm. Responsible pet parents must ensure that their cat receives appropriate parasite preventatives to stay healthy.