Cat Anxiety and Stress

Cats Can Also Suffer From Anxiety

Whilst less common than with Dogs, a number of issues can cause anxiety in cats. As always, prevention is better than cure.

Those who have personal experience of stress and anxiety will know the debilitating effect on your health. It is known from human studies and animal experiments that stress will bring on many diseases.

In cats (and dogs) the typical "behavioural" problems include litter box avoidance, aggressive behaviour, withdrawal and depression. With cats, cat scratching furniture is a specific risk.

The main cause for stress in cats is a change to their environment. One of the main reasons many cat owners use a cat sitter is to avoid the stress of a stay at a cattery. However, even subtle changes to their environment such as new family members or people staying can upset them. Changing their feeding habits and a sudden loss of attention are others. This is the reason why many owners ask for their cats to be fed at the same time by a cat sitter. Some pet owners will also pay for longer visits for cats who like attention.

Problems such as shortage of food caused by the failure of an automatic cat feeder or lack of water due to both bowls being knocked over are particularly stressful to a cat. This is why major pet sitting organisations and insurers request at least one visit per day.

Care needs to be taken with the introduction of new family members. Where possible, plan ahead and try to avoid a sudden introduction. Ensure the cat still thinks he is number one! Do not rush the new relationship. Professional cat sitters will also ensure that they do not force the relationship. They will make sure they are introduced to the cat by the owners / family and often wait for the feeding ritual to start the real relationship.

We are often asked about introducing cats to a new home. The plan, if possible, is to keep him away from the move as much as possible, surrounded with his toys / bedding / food in a quiet room which he likes. Then, if someone can set up the new "room", then move him into the new one. This ideal plan is more difficult for long distance moves. In this case, a key step is travelling with the cat so your sounds and attention are always a reassurance during a very stressful period.

Subtle changes to routine can also have an effect such as a change in working hours. If possible, start a gradual migration of hours, rather than an abrupt change. Unlike for dogs, playing and petting the cat before and on returning seems a good idea.

Pay attention to loud parties and fireworks. Keep cats indoors when these are going on. If the party is in your house, find a quiet place for the cat.

Cats can become stressed if they cannot go outside and, although it is part of their normal life, the trade-off for a cat sitter is they might not come back. Generally though, even though they may not like seeing neighbouring cats in "their" garden, they are happy watching and listening to what is going on.

We have all heard stories about cats suffering on the death or absence of a loved one. They are grieving in their own way. Reassurance and even keeping an old jumper available can help.

Fear can cause stress and this could be an attack by a dog or another cat.

Jealousy or rivalry can be caused by the introduction of a new cat. In many ways, it is thought to be a good idea to let them sort out their own pecking order. Just make sure they have their own spaces they can retire to.

So if my cat is suffering from stress, what can I do?

Cats pick up vibes from you so make sure you are not stressed or at least not showing it! This is difficult if you are moving house etc., but cat pheromone products, like Feliway, do seem to work.