Is Your Cat Stressed?

The cat is very much a creature of habit. As such, they are not fond of changes to routine, and can become stressed quite easily. Like humans, some will take change in their stride and not be too perturbed by stress. Others, however, will react very poorly to stress. Some of this is due to inherent temperament; others have issues from kittenhood. Like humans, each is individual.

Causes of stress in cats

* Too many cats in a multi cat household
* Travelling in the car
* Boarding
* Visiting the vet
* New family member (human or animal)
* New cat in the neighbourhood (cats are very territorial)
* Injuries or illness
* Moving house
* Parties
* Any kind of change to routine

This writer has three cats. They exhibit their stress very differently. Going to the vet or for boarding, for example. One withdraws, trembles in the car, but seems fine at the vet. Only when she comes home again and relaxes, does she start sneezing and shedding cat flu. The other cats, on the other hand, become very aggressive the entire time they are away from home - growling, hissing, spitting, and being very badly behaved and antisocial. As soon as they are home again, they are happy and delightful.

Signs of stress in your cat:

* Spraying
* Scratching at doors, screens, or furniture
* Aggression
* Pacing
* Inappropriate defecation
* Trembling
* Excessive vocalising
* Depression
* Hiding - under bed, behind sofa, etc
* Loss of appetite
* Physical illness manifestations - vomiting, acne, sneezing
* Over grooming or pulling out fur

Nobody likes to see their pet upset.

How do you reduce the stress in your cat?

* Keep to the cat's routine as much as possible. Instead of boarding the cat away from home, for example, search for a service like "pet sitting Yarraville" to come to your home when you are away. A cat is happiest in its own domain.
* Have your vet check the cat to ensure its stress symptoms are not due to physical illness or disease.
* Eliminate any physical causes of stress: always have shelter, fresh water, a safe environment, and fresh food available to your cat. Trim its claws. Treat for fleas and worms regularly. Brush its fur so hairballs aren't too big a problem.
* Try to determine the cause of your cat's stress
* Keep your cat stimulated: provide toys; give it a place it can perch up high and survey its kingdom; play with and give attention to your cat daily.
* Reduce environmental stress: in a multi-cat home, keep them separated if they don't get along. Give equal amounts of love and attention to each. Don't have TV or music too loud. Comfort a frightened cat during a storm or fireworks display. Never yell at or hit a cat - they don't respond to discipline in this way and will only become anxious or afraid of you.

Put yourself in the cat's paws - a little empathy (and "pet sitting Yarraville", perhaps) will go a long way to eliminating the stress from you puss's existence.