This change can be anything from being gone from the home longer than usual to being home more than usual. Even if the vet determines that your cat is simply stressed out, they’ll be able to help you more effectively address the causes and resolve the issues. If it does happen, take your cat to the veterinarian rather than try to crack the kitty language code. Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist before the problems gets worse. An anxious cat is a cat that lives in constant fear and has phobias which it perhaps did not have before. Panting or excessive vocalizing. Signs of Stress. The more severe signs of salivation, shaking, flattened ears, and small, crouched body position are often misinterpreted as signs of distress. Whether it’s work-related, due to health issues, family problems, or because of financial concerns, there are so many opportunities for stress to set up camp in our lives. According to Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., a certified applied animal behaviorist, chronic stress can even "suppress the immune response, causing a broad range of illnesses." In this new study, scientists observe the hormones produced by captive big cats, like the Bengal Tiger or Leopard, to measure the amount of stress they endure during captivity. She may become highly attentive and focused on that which is bothering her. Remember, you are a resource to your cat, so whether your cat is an “only child“ or you have multiple cats, be sure that your kitty or kitties get adequate one-on-one time with you. This form of stress can vary from cat to cat. On the other hand, it might take a huge change in the environment or a really loud noise to stress or startle a laid-back kitty. Cats can be poor communicators, and tend to become distant and internalise the stress, making it hard to tell where it comes from. While cats try to hide their stress or pain, they aren’t always successful. Diffusers are simply plugged into an outlet in a room to provide a constant release of pheromone into the air, while the spray can be used in a more targeted way on bedding or in areas of a room. by BEN B | Jan 14, 2021 | Health | 7 comments. Signs your cat has anxiety can include everything from peeing outside the litter box to excessive grooming. By now you will have become accustomed to his or her sleeping schedule. Here are four signs of stress in cats: This is another rather stinky situation and one that could be indicative of several things. They will make sure not to expose the underside of their belly and their breathing is likely to become more rapid. Many cats never show any signs of stress, whilst others tend to start to stress as soon as anything new happens or anything changes. The disruption in your cat’s environment can be very stressful. A cat can be stressed by a wide variety of situations, and these causes largely depend on your cat’s temperament. The root cause of stress in cats is change; a change in the sort of food served to them can also trigger stress. Stress can make anyone a little crazy, even our cats. Stress and anxiety can have debilitating effects on a human's health. 4. Not only can it exacerbate existing physical conditions, but it can lead to a number of problems often considered behavioral, such as litter box avoidance, aggressive behavior, or depression and withdrawal. I do not have cats but itis fun to learn. Change in the environment that sometimes we cant se If you have a question about your cat’s behavior or health, contact your veterinarian. One of the most common feline responses to stress is inappropriate elimination. 2. The signs of stress in pets can be easily confused with other illnesses, so speak with your veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs: 1. Always let your cat lead the way when it comes to interaction. : Can You Hear Me Meow? He may instead use the floor, a bed, or another surface. For example, excessive eating and drinking can be symptoms of diabetes, … According to PetMD.com the following 9 signs are indicative of anxiety and/or stress in cats. Good luck! Spotting the signs ‘Even though pet-owners are more aware of how common cat anxiety can be, it’s easy to miss the small signs,’ Inga points out. Cats experience anxiety, too, and if you know your cat’s personality well enough, you will be able to easily spot signs of stress. Here are the top signs of stress in cats. You are AMAZING with all of your cat knowledge! Speak with your veterinarian if you're cat is sleeping more than usual or seems overly lethargic. BUY PAM’S BOOKS NOW. Cats can get stressed by all sorts of things, just like dogs and other companion animals. Even worse, stress can be an indication that your cat has a health issue. Best not let it go and speak with your vet. If your cat shows these signs or more… It’s best to consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviourist immediately, as if this constant stress on the cat is not addressed, it could cause severe illness and irreversible conditions. Sometimes it is hard to pinpoint what has caused the stress, it could be something as small as another cat walking through your garden. Like some humans, cats will overeat in response to tension. This is an independent, solitary breed without the benefit of a pride to help keep it safe, so showing any signs of distress or pain is like a flashing beacon that they’re easy targets. Warning Signs for cat stress & anxiety. This is especially true when leaving includes a trip to the vet or groomer – both of which involve activities that virtually all cats hate. To a cat, stress is a threat and she will typically respond to stress … Marking and spraying behaviors may increase when a cat feels stressed. Boy, are they heavy! Cat stress symptoms can vary. I am so loving this blog. It's annoying, smelly and a pain to clean up, but pay attention. Pet her when she wants it and let her mosey along when she’s done. Cats avoid conflict and give many signals to ward off confrontation. Appetite changes. wow! The point here is that everything is situational. Whether an actual lack of resources or a perceived lack of resources, this is a common cat stressor. : Can You Hear Me Meow? Changes in household dynamics … This is actually a version of a change in a cat’s environment. If you realize that kitty suddenly stops eating as well as she used to, then … If you have noticed this in your cat, try to identify the reason what is causing your cat this stress! How do you spot the signs of stress in cats? It’s of utmost importance to remember that many cat stress symptoms can also be symptoms of other illnesses – some quite severe – so it’s important to take your cat to the vet immediately if she shows any of the above symptoms. We will discuss six common causes of negative stress, and what you can do to alleviate them. Loss of Appetite. This is something I personally have experience with: My cat Teddy … Cats that urinate outside the cat litter box are trying to tell us something. You are part of your cat’s environment, and if your routine changes, it changes her environment. Just because cats can sleep up to 20 hours a day doesn't necessarily mean your cat will. Excessive shedding or overgrooming. Boredom is high on the list of causes of stress. Moving tends to be a stressor for cats. Studies have shown that cat music relaxes cats, so it can be a valuable tool in helping to calm a stressed cat. “Anxious cats get a big round-eyed look, with pupils dilated,” says McConnell. The study also throws light on stereotypy - a coping … These are all easy fixes that can drastically improve your cat’s mental health. Unlike dogs, cats value their alone time. This “cat music” is basically a soundtrack comprised of calming cat vocalizations like purring and suckling using the sound frequencies that cats use. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Stress in cats can be caused by an illness, fear or when your cat is anxious. An extremely relaxed and confident cat may view visitors as new friends and sources of cuddling. Your email address will not be published. The startle response is one of the signs of stress in cats and occurs when cats are sleeping or resting, and they respond excessively to a stimulus. Increased Vocalization: Many cats love to meow and even howl. Aloofness is second nature to cats. In reality, today’s domesticated cats descend from Felis silvestris lybica, or the African Wildcat. If you notice your cat is acting strange or behaving unlike his … 2. In either case, your vet will be able to recommend the most effective course of treatment. If your cat urinates outside the litter box or otherwise just … Forced interaction or handling that is too rough – generally by children – can be extremely stressful to cats. Your initial reaction to a "potty accident" may be to yell and … This is because their territory is essentially being invaded by an outsider that cannot be driven off. It doesn’t matter if you’ve adopted her from the shelter, she’s been rehomed, or you’ve made a move to a new house or apartment. To the cat, some situations may be stressful, despite them really not being a threat, such as a trip to the vet or a barking dog. Have at least one litter box on every floor of your home where your cats live. There are a lot of signs that a cat can be stressed. This is their way of telling you, “hey, human, something is not okay” in their language. For more information on cat behavior and training, refer to the articles on our website and the best-selling books by Pam Johnson-Bennett. When cats don’t have an outlet for their energy and predatory instincts, it can be quite stressful for them. Changes in Appetite … As you can see from the list above many symptoms of cat stress are also symptoms of various sicknesses. Here are some of the typical symptoms displayed by cats suffering from stress: A cat under stress may stop using his litter box. About Us - Advertise with Us - Contact Us - Write for Us - Privacy policy - Unsubscribe. Signs of Stress. Wait until the dog or cat stands casually, with their ears up or drooping, and with their eyes squinted or … It's … He divides his love equally between his family, his animals, and his video games. Redecorating the home or remodeling any part of the home generally comes along with increased activity, unfamiliar noises, and a general disruption in your cat’s environment. Often cats pick up on our stress, which in turn stresses them as well. The eyes are likely to be wide … Chronic or long-term stress is much more of a problem. Although it’s not a straight line, stress can lead to death in your cat in a roundabout way. Learn how your comment data is processed. In other words, an anxious cat appears chronically stressed … I have two cats who I always make sure to see for these signs too. If possible, outfit a room as far away as possible from the disruption in the home with a cat bed, scratcher, toys, and everything else your cat needs to be a happy camper. Chronic or long-term stress is much more of a problem. If you know what the trigger for your cats’ stress … Signs your cat has anxiety can include everything from peeing outside the litter box to excessive grooming. Cats need interaction just like dogs and people do. If you have a multi-cat home, be sure that your cats have access to the resources that they need. Like some humans, cats will overeat in response to tension. The signs of stress in pets can be easily confused with other illnesses, so speak with your veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs: 1. Often cats pick up on our stress, which in turn stresses them as well. I will keep these signs in mind when looking at my cats. The most common ones include decreased grooming, more frequent hiding and fear, excessive … Molly Farrell, veterinarian and owner … 3. Signs of chronic stress in cats can be many depending on the individual cat's temperament. If your cat is stressed, they will likely announce their frustrations by becoming increasingly vocal. These specialists are certified in behavior therapy for a range of issues including cat stress and can be incredibly beneficial to the process of helping your cat destress. The bladder is the cat’s stress target. Urinating Outside the Litter Box. 4 min read. If your cat is stressed, they will likely announce their frustrations by becoming increasingly vocal. This is really good information! What are some signs we should look out for? Unlike dogs, cats are very good at hiding stress, so being aware of their signals is a huge help in spotting if your cat is distressed. To a cat, a new baby is essentially a new guest, and as we just covered, this can cause stress for some cats. Also, remember if your cat is sniffing catnip or playing with catnip toys, that can temporarily cause their behaviour to change and some of those changes may similar to the signs of stress in your cat. While there are myriad ways that any one cat might become stressed, the following causes tend to be the most common among cats. Cat stress signs are something that every cat owner should know about. Loss of appetite, retching, increased stool production, or diarrhea. Need to calm down your stressed cat asap? To know if your cat is stressed, look for … If you understand the causes of cat stress, it’s easier to recognize them and treat them. I’m glad you shared this. Captivity and confinement has had devastating effects on humans and the same can be true in the case of wild animals, especially the big cats. Symptoms get worse in cats with chronic health conditions or recovery from illness is slow (stress can affect a cat’s immune system and ability to fight disease) Eating non-food items … Increased sleeping or hyperactivity. When a cat looks bad and dirty, it is most likely not doing its grooming, which is a sign of stress, pain or illness. Image : cheyennezj / Shutterstock. Cats are so mysterious, it’s hard to know what they’re feeling. Moving with Multiple Cats: Proven Strategies to Make it Go Smoothly - CatVills, Bald patches or sores on the skin secondary to overgrooming, Reluctance to play if previously a very playful cat, Pacing combined with excessive vocalization, Wide-open eyes with gigantic dilated pupils, Rippling and twitching of the skin on their back. “If your cat is suddenly very combative, that is a huge red flag,” says … 1. To a cat, stress is a threat and she will typically respond to stress much like she would to a threat. Company. 13. However, a cat should not be actively and constantly hiding from you and everyone else in the house. Cats experience anxiety, too, and if you know your cat’s personality well enough, you will be able to easily spot signs of stress. Look for body language that exhibits stress. With any unusual behaviour change, it is important to get your cat checked out by the vet. Because cats are so good at hiding their feelings, we’re going to be discussing the signs a cat stressed, its causes, and how to treat it. While bold cats will view the new baby as an oddity to be inspected, timid cats might be stressed out by the new sounds and smells associated with your bundle of joy. If you suspect that stress-related discomfort is adversely affecting your cat’s life, here’s how to take action to relieve your pet’s stress: Spot the signs Be observant of changes in your cat’s behavior. The stress involved in fight or flight is acute stress, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Such an interesting topic and post. For example, when vomiting and diarrhea are left untreated, it can lead to severe dehydration and subsequent death if the GI issues are severe enough and prolonged enough. You may have a cat who is rather timid and fearful normally and so even small stress triggers … Knowing some of the classic cat stress symptoms can help you determine if something is off before it turns into a big health or behavioral problem. Cats experience anxiety when they anticipate danger from "unknown or imagined origins that result in normal body reactions ... associated with fear," explains PetMD. Here are some signs of stress you'll want to watch out for in your cat, especially if they occur suddenly. Other Ways To Help A Cat Showing Signs of Stress or Anxiety. Again, it's best to consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist immediately. While people often refer to the classic big cats as the ancestry of today’s domesticated cats, they’re really more like distant cousins. There are many situations that can indeed cause a lot of stress to your little friend, and knowing the symptoms can greatly help you aid your cat in stress relief. Anxiety is a great indicator of stress. Some of the more common causes of stress in cats include: Changes in food or litter brand Dirty litter box Travel outside the home New additions to the home — people or … Maybe because I never had a cat so I don’t really understand them. They become balls of energy that cannot be released. With so many of the symptoms of cat stress also being potential symptoms of much more serious health issues, a trip to the vet is absolutely vital. To the cat, some situations may be stressful, despite them really not being a threat, such as a trip to the vet or a barking dog. A stressed cat will either stop eating, eat less, or eat more than usual. If you have a question about your cat… BUY PAM’S BOOKS NOW. Pet parents may unwittingly reinforce OCD behaviors by trying to soothe their cats or giving them attention while they're doing the unwanted behavior. One of the things they can do that is quite helpful is referring you to a behavior specialist. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It’s most commonly seen in multi-cat homes when a cat might feel like they have to compete for food, water, litter box space, and the like. To help to understand and reduce your pet’s stress, there are common signs to … It’s all about the body language. STARTLE RESPONSE. It may be held closer to the ground, motionless and lower than the body. For example, a high-strung cat that always seems to be on high alert can be stressed out by almost anything that is outside of their routine. I do not see a cat in my future but we never know because I love pets. 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