Common Household Stressors For Cats That You Can Avoid
Posted on: 4 July 2016
Anxious cats can have health issues such as over or under eating, excessive grooming, marking, and aggression. While you might be noticing these actions in your cat, these might actually be symptoms from other stressors within your cat's environment. Here are four things in your home that might be inadvertently stressing out your cat.
1. Not Enough Personal Space
Cats need their own space and can be territorial. If you have multiple cats, don't forget that animals like to have their own food bowls and even litter boxes. Without this accommodation, cats might retreat or act out. Having spaces to relax and hideout from family and other pets can give cats time to recharge their batteries and re-engage with the family when they are ready.
2. Other Animals
Cats can become extremely anxious around pets in your home as well as animals outside. If you have cats and dogs within your household, pheromone sprays can help with too many pet smells and level the playing field. There might be outside animals and strays marking the exterior of your home that you don't even know about. Hose down entrances and windows that your cat might seem anxious or territorial around to alleviate stress from animal markings.
3. Big Changes in Your Household
You can't sit down and explain big changes in happening with your family to your cat. If you are bringing a baby into the home, moving, or getting another pet, the best way to get your cat used to change is with constant encouragement and space to acclimate. If your cat becomes aggressive, withdraws, or begins to over groom, your vet can recommend calming chews or other medications that can help with anxiety. Time to adjust might be the best remedy for stressed cats to come around.
4. Lack of Stimulation
Even if your cat is shy or older, that doesn't mean they don't need play time or activities in their life. While your cat might never be a lap cat or a snuggler, don't give up on play time. Try to engage your cat with toys and activities that can spark their interest. Even TV programs with birds or other wildlife might interest even the more sedentary cat. A little activity can keep your cat alert, maintain a healthy weight, and keep them from disengaging from the world around them.
Working with your veterinarian to source common stressors in your home and solutions can help your cat relax. Your pet's health needs to be a priority, since anxiety can lead to physical ailments over time. If you think that there might be other illnesses at hand, make sure to get your cat into see the vet to diagnose other underlying issues.
For a veterinarian, contact an organization such as Southwest Florida Veterinary Specialists & 24-Hour Emergency Hospital.
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