An anxious cat may have physical reactions such as increased heart and respiratory rates, panting, trembling, and salivation. The most obvious behavior changes are increased movement, hiding, destruction, and excessive vocalization.
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.
In a cat who's experiencing an increasing level of fear, anxiety or stress, his ears may be tucked back on his head or held low and rotated to the sides (aka “airplane ears”). His head will fall at or below the level of his shoulders, and his breathing may become very fast.
Yes, absolutely. Cats can provide a calming presence that helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and many other mental health issues. In fact, cats have been proven to reduce stress and blood pressure levels for their owners, as well as lower depression, feelings of loneliness, and anxiety.
Cats can absolutely suffer from anxiety, just like all animals. Although cats can't express themselves with words, they will show that they are suffering from anxiety through various signs and symptoms, and often through the development of destructive behaviours.
It appears that cats can sense human moods as well as depression. Cats are observant and intuitive, and this allows them to understand emotional cues from humans. So when you are depressed, they can sense that too. In particular, cats may come in closer proximity when their fur parents are depressed.
Like people, cats can suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Find out how you can tell if your cat is struggling emotionally and what you can do about it.
Research has shown that dogs will comfort their humans when we are sad, and cats can pick up on our emotional gestures. According to new research from Nottingham Trent University, cats also notice when we're stressed out or anxious, and can be less healthy as a result.
What are the signs of fear? When frightened, some cats may hide, try to appear smaller, pull their ears back and be immobile. Other cats may show signs of agitation or aggression, such as dilated pupils, arched back, pilo-erection (hair standing on end), and hissing.
The answer is yes, cats can have autism. While it's not as common as in humans, there are certain behaviors that suggest a cat might have autism. Cats with autism often exhibit repetitive behaviors like pacing or spinning, excessive vocalization and having trouble adapting to change.
Overall, cat cognition research suggests cats do form emotional bonds with their humans. Cats seem to experience separation anxiety, are more responsive to their owners' voices than to strangers' and look for reassurance from their owners in scary situations.
Most cats don't understand that kisses from humans are a sign of affection. A cat will surely let you know if they enjoy being kissed or not. The best ways to show your cat that you love them are to give them toys, treats, and plenty of one-on-one time.
Although cats don't need as much constant attention as most dogs, they do connect and bond with their humans, and they feel unhappy when separated for too long.
Either way, there's evidence that cats comfort humans when sad. "When pet parents are depressed, cats rub against them more often. It's likely your cat is responding to your emotional state by trying to comfort you or draw your attention," McGowan says.
Most cats respond to some degree to a combination of behavior modification and treatment with cat anxiety medicine or supplements. Medications like antidepressants take several weeks to work. They change your cat's brain chemistry to reduce their stress.
Cat anxiety looks different for every feline, but is often exhibited by restlessness, aggression, social withdrawal, and behavioral changes. These symptoms may be triggered by medical issues, trauma, environmental changes, and more. With training, medication, and extra care, your cat's anxiety can be quelled over time.
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!).
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.”
Cats Can Purr When Stressed
This is similar to how people can soothe themselves by laughing or crying. You can tell if your cat is stress purring by picking up on their other cues — are they otherwise content, or are they fidgety, agitated and on edge? If so, they might just need a little alone-time in a quiet room.