Think food puzzles to engage minds and bodies, vertical space for climbing and surveying their domain, scratching posts, safe outdoor access (like a catio), window perches and interactive play. “Play is an important part of relieving stress,” Delgado says. “It helps cats release those feel-good hormones.”
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.
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.
Signs of Emotional Trauma in Cats and Dogs
Trauma can also manifest as “shaking, hiding, urination and/or defecation when the trigger attempts to interact, howling, pacing, excessive vocalization, and panting,” says Pia Silvani, director of behavioral rehabilitation at the ASPCA's Behavioral Rehabilitation Center.
Creating a relaxing environment for your cat, with access to toys, scratching posts, and a safe space away from potential threats, can help reduce anxiety. Playing with your cat and providing them with interactive toys, such as wand toys and puzzle toys, can also reduce anxiety.
Signs of stressed cats can include: becoming more withdrawn or hiding more than usual. becoming less tolerant of people. hesitating or becoming reluctant to use the litter tray, go through the cat flap or sit on your lap.
Depending on their upbringing, it may take days, weeks, or months for a newly-befriended cat to trust you. Bonding with cats can occur naturally through feeding and daily interactions, but some cats need a little extra attention and time to feel safe. And keep an open mind about how cats might show trust.
Often owners may only notice something is 'not quite right' with their cats when they have already been stressed for some time. Cats may lose their appetite or be sick occasionally or behave in a way that owners have never seen before, such as spraying urine against the wall indoors or behaving aggressively.
Common signs of stress include:
Territorial marking behaviors. Excessive grooming or self-mutilation. Immobility (depression) and hiding. Redirected aggression toward people or other animals.
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!).
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are one possible option for treating chronic anxiety in cats. TCAs raise the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the body. These two hormones are involved in regulating mood and anxiety. Clomipramine (Anafranil) and amitriptyline are examples of TCAs used for cats.
Yes, you read that right: A recent study revealed that getting your pet's attention is as simple as speaking with a high-pitched tone and extended vowels, just like how you'd communicate with a human baby. Additionally, the study suggested that your cat can actually tell you apart from strangers.
Supplements, such as L-theanine, Zylkene (hydrolyzed milk protein), or other calming formulations for felines. Pheromone products like Feliway, which release calming cat scent signals. A Thundershirt or other body wrap, which provides comfort by mimicking swaddling. Herbal treatments such as Rescue Remedy for pets.
When you take on a cat or kitten it may be quiet and wary for the first few days or even the first few weeks until it gets used to you and its new environment. However, some cats remain very fearful despite a gentle welcome and time to settle in.
Cats alter their behavior when they mourn much like people do: They may become depressed and listless. They may have a decreased appetite and decline to play. They may sleep more than usual and move more slowly, sulking around.
Cons of Indoor Cats
Because cats enjoy roaming and exploring, keeping them inside can lead to boredom. Some indoor cats also experience depression and separation anxiety. To prevent these issues, you must take steps to meet your cat's needs.
PTSD in cats is an anxiety disorder that can develop following exposure to a terrifying event or situation in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. This disorder can cause cats to change their behaviors drastically.
Signs of shock include rapid breathing (which may be noisy), rapid heart rate with a weak pulse, pale mucous membranes (gums, lips, under eyelids), severe depression (listlessness), and cool extremities (limbs and ears). Your cat may vomit.