Greencross Vets How Stress Can Cause Anxiety in Your Cat
Cats can be prone to stress and anxiety within the home. They’re overly particular creatures who can become upset when the balance of their environment is altered.
Common causes of stress in cats
- A new pet is introduced to the household.
- Renovations in the home.
- Furniture being rearranged.
- A new family member (baby) arrives.
- Fireworks or thunderstorms.
- Moving house.
- Going on holiday and leaving them behind.
- Leaving them in a boarding facility while on holiday.
Cats show their anxiety in many ways, both through obvious signs and more discreet symptoms.
Obvious signs of stress
- Scratching
- Urine marking
- Aggression towards other pets
- Vocalising
- Appetite changes
- Hiding
- Over-grooming or lack of grooming
- Appearing withdrawn
- House soiling
- Decreased levels of activity.
How to help your feline friend with anxiety
Often, cats rub their faces on familiar objects in their territory to mark them with their natural pheromone. A product called Feliway is available from your local Greencross Vet. It contains a synthetic version of this pheromone that helps cats adjust to new environments or stressful situations.
This product cleverly mimics the feline facial pheromone deposited from cats’ cheek glands when they rub their faces on household objects. Feliway offers a natural way to help prevent or control anxiety-related behaviours and makes cats feel safe in their environment.
Sprays or diffusers
Feliway is a brand of sprays or diffusers that you plug into a power socket in the rooms used most by the cat or in an area where inappropriate behaviour is occurring. The diffuser should be plugged into an open area and left on continuously.
If you would like more information, contact your local Greencross Vets today.
Nutrition
Some pet foods are specially formulated to help relieve anxiety. For instance, they may have naturally sourced active proteins that have a calming effect on cats or dogs. You can explore available options on the Petbarn Food Finder or speak with your local Greencross Vets team for recommendations.
