5 Top Reasons Your Cat Stresses Out

Whether it's our finances, job, or other problems that cause it, we all get stressed out at one time or another, but did you know that your cat can get stressed out as well? Every animal on the planet (including humans and cats) can get stressed out due to various internal and external factors. If you're cat is stressed and you don't know why, here is a list of some of the most common causes.

#1: Routine Change

Cats love consistency because it means security. When you change your routine, it can stress your cat out. In order to avoid this, try not having such a regimented routine to begin with. Instead of following your normal everyday routine when you get ready for work, change things up a bit so that your cat can never get a handle on what's happening.

#2: Changing Homes

When you move you and your cat to a new home, you're both moving into a completely new environment. While this may be a great change of pace for you, it can be very frightening and stressful for your cat. If you are going to be moving soon, take your cat's litter box, toys, food and water, and bed or crate and put it all in a room with them so that they can have a safe haven from which they can explore the rest of the house at their leisure.

#3: A New Addition to the Family Once again, cats like consistency. When a new family member (human or animal) is introduced, the status quo of the house is thrown out of whack and your cat may get stressed out. In this situation, you don't want to rush things; let your cat get accustomed to the new family member at their own pace.

#4: Get-togethers

As most cat owners can attest, their cats are nowhere to be found during big parties or during the holidays when they have their friends and family at their house. If your cat is stressed out by such occasions, you should provide them with a place that they can hide, such as an extra bedroom or in the basement; just make sure they have access to their food, water, and litter pan, as well as a nice place to sleep.

#5: Staring Out the Window

Cats can sit on the windowsill and watch the world go by all day long. Some things, however, such as a dog or strange cat in the yard can cause them stress because of the simple fact that there is a pane of glass obstructing them from getting at whatever threat they perceive. This misplaced aggression will often lead to stress and acting out. If this is a problem for your cat, try to keep them out of that particular window by placing an obstruction on the sill.

All you really have to remember is that your cat is subject to stress just like you and that their stressors are things that you perceive as harmless. Likewise, your cat probably would perceive your stressors as harmless if they had any concept of the idea. As long as you remain perceptive about your cat's needs, you can keep them stress-free.